Talkshow Thursday: Introducing TM Brown

Talkshow Thursday: Introducing TM Brown

I'm pleased to welcome author TM Brown today. It is always fun to discover new authors, so I hope you'll take some time and get to know this interesting writer!

Linda:  Thanks for joining me today. Congratulations on your latest release Testament: An Unexpected Return (Shiloh Mystery Series, Book 2). Did you set out to write a series or did that just happen? Where did you find your inspiration for this story?

TM: Nope. I ventured down this road facing the formidable task of writing my first full-length novel. It wasn’t until the BETA reads did someone suggest I consider doing a sequel. By that point, my writing coach encouraged me to do so also. Thankfully, Testament proved to come together much smoother compared to the time and effort invested in creating Sanctuary.

LM: The age old question for writers – are you a planner or a “panster,” and what is your favorite part of the writing process?

TM: Okay. Sanctuary was written literally as a “panster.” Without an outline I allowed the characters to develop and share their story. Ergo, the final version of Sanctuary emerged after several rewrites and story tweaks consulting with my editor and writing coach. By the time I began creating Testament's story, I had attended a writing workshop and learned about the value of plotting and outlining before any writing begins. I became sold and now I am a planner. Of course, an occasional twist or turn occurs in all creative writing, but creating a preset outline and organizing the scenes prevents the characters from taking me down rabbit trails.

LM: Research is an important part of the writing process. How did you go about researching Testament: An Unexpected Return and did you discover any extra special tidbits of information?

TM: Being old school I have hundreds of printed out setting details, character profiles, and photos that I have used throughout the development of my stories. Yes, my stories are fiction, but I want readers to buy into the plausibility of the setting, characters, historical links used to create the backstory for time-lost Shiloh. The most satisfying feedback I received from readers came when they asked how accurate my story was? Was it based on actual events? And, where is the real Shiloh located? A smile always accompanies my responses.

LM: You started your writing career after a full career in the business world. What prompted you to start writing?

TM: My grandkids! I wanted to leave a legacy of love to them. However, my wife gets the credit.

She told me plainly that my grandkids are unlikely to read the hundreds of devotions, bible studies, and sermons I’ve written, but they would likely read a story written by their Poppy. So I reminded myself that Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables to relay truths and they followed him wanting to hear more. I just expanded the concept into a novel idea. I pray that long after I am kicking up cloud dust, my grandsons and granddaughter will slide a dusty copy of one of my books and read some of it to their kids.

LM: Who are your literary heroes?

TM: John Steinbeck and Ernest Hemingway from my younger days. In recent years, John Grisham, especially his earlier books, influenced my love for writing about the South, just like he wrote about Ford County, Mississippi as the setting for many of his novels. The Painted House likely sparked my belief I could write my Shiloh stories. I would be remiss not to include Charles Martin - When Crickets Cry struck a chord in me and inspired me to write my own contemporary, heart-wrenching story about a time-lost Georgia small-town with links to Atlanta.

LM: Here are some quickies:

TM:

Favorite food: Any sit-down meal that might include, "pass the black-eyed peas and fried okra please.” In other words, any country meal shared with family around a dining room table.

Favorite vacation spot: A mountain cabin overlooking a lake or river where laughter and giggles fill the air around an open-fire as S'mores get passed around.

Favorite place to write: Alone at home, scooted beneath my desk at home tapping on my iMac keyboard after several hours scribbling notes and sketching scene ideas into my notebooks.

LM: Book three in your series is slated for publication in 2019. What other projects do you have in the works?

TM: After these three books I have a couple more ideas floating around in my head, but I am also enjoying the recent opportunity of helping aspiring authors. I have already conducted workshops and spoken in front of groups about “Authorpreneurship.” Today it takes more than writing a good story to get your book read, and I try to help authors understand how to confidently market and promote their books. My wife and I also have plenty of plans to travel and spoil our grandchildren, which will take precedence in setting my writing calendar in the months ahead.

LM: Where can folks find you on the web?

TM:

Website: http://TMBrownAuthor.com

Social Media Sites: http://tmbrownauthor.com/t-m-brown-social-media-sites

About the book: In this sequel to Sanctuary, A Legacy of Memories, Theo and Liddy are finally sinking deep roots into their new hometown of Shiloh. Friendships are blossoming as Liddy ponders an offer to become the new art teacher at Shiloh High while Theo sends off his manuscript for Jessie's Story to be published. Life appears to be settling down,  but ominous shadows from the town's past herald more tragedy in little old Shiloh.

Purchase Link: http://tmbrownauthor.com/shop