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On The Table Read, “the best book magazine in the UK“, author T.A Rosewood talks about her writing career and the inspiration behind her new book, Reasonable Lies.
Written by JJ Barnes
I interviewed author T.A Rosewood about her life and career, what inspires her writing, and the creative writing process that went into her new book, Reasonable Lies.
Tell me a bit about who you are.
My name is Traci and I go under the pen name T.A Rosewood because I think my real name is too boring. T.A. are my initials, my favourite flower is the rose and my surname is Wood. I live in North Essex with my husband, two children, and two dogs.
When did you first WANT to write a book?
I’ve loved writing since I was a child. I penned my first ‘book’ in a school notebook when I was 13 years old. My passion for writing a real book came after meeting Jojo Moyes in 2015 when I had just turned 40. She inspired me to begin writing again.
When did you take a step to start writing?
I guess I took my first step to write when I wrote that first one. I then failed my English exam for writing a 30-page story instead of a 2-page one. During my 20s, I wrote some poetry with a handful being published in poetry collection books.
How long did it take you to complete your first book from the first idea to release?
My first real book (the debut, Reasonable Lies), took me four years. This was due to the storyline as it tells the story of a woman who gets breast cancer. A month into starting it, my own mother got diagnosed and I couldn’t write for a good year and a half. When she recovered, she encouraged me to get it finished and I’m so glad she did that.
How long did it take you to complete your latest book from the first idea to release?
My latest book took around a year to write. I began writing it just after the debut was released and as it is based on one of the characters from the first book, it had to all tie in together.
Focusing on your latest release. What made you want to write Reasonable Lies?
So many of the readers from the first book fell in love with the secondary character and wanted to know more about her so this is what encouraged and inspired me to write her story.
What were your biggest challenges with writing it?
The biggest challenge was making sure that all the information from book one and book two added up right. I had to cross-reference throughout the writing process to ensure no mistakes were made.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Protagonist?
On the first book: To be honest, I’m not sure. Jane Walden just appeared in my mind. I chose her surname because of where we now live and the fact that my real author journey started here. With the second book, Sarah is the main character and she kind of reminds me of myself in some ways.
Who or what inspired you when creating your Antagonist?
In my latest release, it was a past boyfriend.
What is the inciting incident of Reasonable Lies?
Jane has to begin telling her lies to her husband to try and hide the fact that she is poorly but wants her remaining time to be enjoyable and memorable for her family…
What is the main conflict of Reasonable Lies?
Jane has to keep her secret from those she loves the most and this makes for difficult times.
Did you plot Reasonable Lies in advance, or fly by the seat of your pants and write freely?
Totally a pantser although I prefer to call myself a Discovery Writer. I write as I go along and do not really plan anything. I just let the story flow out of my head onto the page and see where it takes me.
Did you get support with editing, and how much editing did Reasonable Lies need?
After paying two editors for my first book and still finding mistakes, I decided to edit future books myself. I go through the first draft, then send it to a group of beta readers for their feedback and any mistakes they may spot and then I go back in a final time.
What is the first piece of writing advice you would give to anyone inspired to write a story?
Go for it! If you want to write, just write. my writing has given me such a buzz especially when the amazing reviews come in. My first book has actually helped people personally with their health concerns too so this brings me happiness beyond belief. To think my book may even save someone’s life is an incredible feeling so, yes I’d say write whatever you want – just go for it.
Can you give me a hint about any further books you’re planning to write?
I’m currently writing book 5 which will be my third novel. It is also the third in the Lies series and follows another character from book 2. I also have two more drafts that have been started and more ideas still to come. One of the books to come is based on my life so will be very personal and emotional to write.
And, finally, are you proud of your accomplishment? Was it worth the effort?
Most definitely. I feel as though this is what I was meant to do and it gives me such a buzz when I sit down at my computer and hours later, I have thousands of words down. It’s hard work, especially self-publishing as I have to have various heads on including being the writer, editor, designer etc but it has 100% been worth it and I can’t wait to write even more.
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