1. Tell me a bit about yourself.
My name is Tameesha Tucker, I was born in DC raised in PG.
2. When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I first considered myself a writer the first time I had an article published. The title of the article is, " How to tell if you like him, more than he likes you, providing he likes you at all." This article was featured on Associated Content's website. It received over 150,000 views. I wrote this article under one of my pen names, "Rhyming Beauty."
3. What inspired you to write your first book?
My first book was inspired by the things I went through during and after my divorce.
4. What books have influenced your life most?
I would have to say the Holy Bible, and The Souls of Black Folk, written by W.E.B. Dubois. That book really gave me an insight on the negative affects that slavery had on African American's then and now.
5. If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
If I could choose a mentor from this time, I would choose Nikki Giovanni. I think that she is an awesome woman and writer who understands the concept and impact of real literature.
6. How have your personal experiences affected your writing?
My personal life has affected my writing in a huge way. If it were not for my personal experiences I would have never had the courage to pick up my pen in the first place. I always loved to write, but there is something about a season of pain that will bring your most profound and prolific voice to the forefront.
7. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I love family. I love spending time with my family. Good food, good company, good times.
8. Where do you get your ideas for your books?
Honestly, I pray for them. I literally ask God what He would like me to write about. I ask him to give me purpose and the message of the book. I pray throughout the entire process because I understand that my gifts do not belong to me.
9. Have you written a book you love that you have not been able to get published?
no.
10. If you couldn’t be an author, what would your ideal career be?
My ideal career would be something that would allow me to make a respectable career on my terms and time. I am currently studying to take the Maryland State Exam for real estate. I love to write but I understand that it takes a lot of time to build a brand and name in the literary world. In the meantime I understand that I still have the responsibility of providing for my children.
11. What was your favorite chapter to write and why?
My favorite chapter in my newest novel was chapter 12. I loved this chapter. It basically was the build up of Savannah's and Langston's feelings for one another.
12. Why do you feel you had to tell this story?
There are several reason why I felt the need to tell Savannah and Langston's story. 1.) I really wanted people to know that there is somebody that could love you in spite of the most unconventional circumstances. 2.) I wanted to make people think. It seems that since major break throughs in the medical field pertaining to HIV, people aren't talking about it anymore. It seems that our community is more comfortable living with it because you can live as long as anybody else. My goal is to shift people out of their comfort zones so that we can continue to take the necessary precautions on avoiding it all together. 3.) I really wanted to tell the ultimate story of forgiveness and unconditional love. I wanted people to know that there is still redemption after the worst of situations. I wanted people to see the love that Langston had for Savannah even when she was unwilling to accept his love out of fear. I think it was so refreshing to read about a man that loves a woman the way that God calls us to love.
13. Can you tell us about your upcoming book
I have started to write three fictional novels, one self help book, and one children's book. The children's book is completed and I am waiting on my illustrator to complete the illustrations.
14. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
I do, It's great to tell a good story with a plot that thickens. But, behind every good story is a purpose. A good sound, profound and prolific book has a purpose, hence being more than just a good story, but a book that will entertain, challenge, and inspire people in all areas of life. Focusing on the story is great, but before pen hits the paper the very purpose can inspire you to write a book that could change the world for the better. Take your time and take pride in your work (even before you get paid to....)
My name is Tameesha Tucker, I was born in DC raised in PG.
2. When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I first considered myself a writer the first time I had an article published. The title of the article is, " How to tell if you like him, more than he likes you, providing he likes you at all." This article was featured on Associated Content's website. It received over 150,000 views. I wrote this article under one of my pen names, "Rhyming Beauty."
3. What inspired you to write your first book?
My first book was inspired by the things I went through during and after my divorce.
4. What books have influenced your life most?
I would have to say the Holy Bible, and The Souls of Black Folk, written by W.E.B. Dubois. That book really gave me an insight on the negative affects that slavery had on African American's then and now.
5. If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
If I could choose a mentor from this time, I would choose Nikki Giovanni. I think that she is an awesome woman and writer who understands the concept and impact of real literature.
6. How have your personal experiences affected your writing?
My personal life has affected my writing in a huge way. If it were not for my personal experiences I would have never had the courage to pick up my pen in the first place. I always loved to write, but there is something about a season of pain that will bring your most profound and prolific voice to the forefront.
7. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
I love family. I love spending time with my family. Good food, good company, good times.
8. Where do you get your ideas for your books?
Honestly, I pray for them. I literally ask God what He would like me to write about. I ask him to give me purpose and the message of the book. I pray throughout the entire process because I understand that my gifts do not belong to me.
9. Have you written a book you love that you have not been able to get published?
no.
10. If you couldn’t be an author, what would your ideal career be?
My ideal career would be something that would allow me to make a respectable career on my terms and time. I am currently studying to take the Maryland State Exam for real estate. I love to write but I understand that it takes a lot of time to build a brand and name in the literary world. In the meantime I understand that I still have the responsibility of providing for my children.
11. What was your favorite chapter to write and why?
My favorite chapter in my newest novel was chapter 12. I loved this chapter. It basically was the build up of Savannah's and Langston's feelings for one another.
12. Why do you feel you had to tell this story?
There are several reason why I felt the need to tell Savannah and Langston's story. 1.) I really wanted people to know that there is somebody that could love you in spite of the most unconventional circumstances. 2.) I wanted to make people think. It seems that since major break throughs in the medical field pertaining to HIV, people aren't talking about it anymore. It seems that our community is more comfortable living with it because you can live as long as anybody else. My goal is to shift people out of their comfort zones so that we can continue to take the necessary precautions on avoiding it all together. 3.) I really wanted to tell the ultimate story of forgiveness and unconditional love. I wanted people to know that there is still redemption after the worst of situations. I wanted people to see the love that Langston had for Savannah even when she was unwilling to accept his love out of fear. I think it was so refreshing to read about a man that loves a woman the way that God calls us to love.
13. Can you tell us about your upcoming book
I have started to write three fictional novels, one self help book, and one children's book. The children's book is completed and I am waiting on my illustrator to complete the illustrations.
14. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
I do, It's great to tell a good story with a plot that thickens. But, behind every good story is a purpose. A good sound, profound and prolific book has a purpose, hence being more than just a good story, but a book that will entertain, challenge, and inspire people in all areas of life. Focusing on the story is great, but before pen hits the paper the very purpose can inspire you to write a book that could change the world for the better. Take your time and take pride in your work (even before you get paid to....)