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My article in the Rochester Woman Magazine (Page 166-171)

A blog from Gino D - 94.3 The Point:

She describes her writing style as “old school,” inspired by stories from Stephen King, Alfred Hitchcock, the Twilight Zone and Tales from the Crypt.

New Jersey horror novelist, Tammy Vreeland is working on her 9th collection of scary stories and I had the opportunity to sit down with her to discuss why she likes to scare people. She autographed a copy of White Noise Stories Volume One for me and I find myself looking forward to my reading time, so I can continue the eerie journey. After listening to Tammy’s synopsis of each one of her stories during the Book Club Event, I’ve already selected Vreeland’s next book, Tailor, for my reading list, which is the story of a female serial killer’s thoughts days before her execution. Transporter of Souls will be next.

If you have ever owned a pre-owned car, Transporter of Souls may just be your own personal fear factor. Click here to access Tammy Vreeland’s fan page and introduce yourself to her spin on the horror genre. I asked Tammy which one of her literary works would she turn into a movie and she replied, “Tailor.” She also said, White Noise would make an excellent tv series. I can definitely see myself binge-watching the White Noise Volumes. Tammy also explained in our interview, the horror genre is particularly difficult to write because people are scared of different things. One person may fear spiders, while someone else might be afraid of the dark or ghosts. She credits Peter Benchley with finding our universal fear of sharks with one of her favorite works, JAWS.
Her talk was informative, motivating and a little frightening at times as she shared the real-life inspirations for some of her ghostly stories. Tammy concluded the evening with words of encouragement for the future writer: “Write a book to keep it in the family or write it for yourself.” Vreeland believes we all have a story to tell. #VreelandHorror

Drop A Line Hosted by Alec Pangia

My book listed in one of the bundles for Authors For Oklahoma Cause (2013)

My books listed in one of the bundles for Authors For Oklahoma Cause (2013)

A quote used on Huffington Post:
"Write what you know. Obviously, we are old enough to know quite a bit."--Tammy Vreeland, 48, published her first book, The Folks, in 2007. Her sixth book, The Sea of Souls, was published in 2014.

My full length interview on Huffington Post :

Tammy Vreeland is an indie horror author living in Howell, New Jersey. Her first book, The Folks, was published in 2007, when she was 41. She credits her two sons as her motivation for writing and publishing. After moving into a house in Elkhart, Indiana, her son, Tyler, suddenly acquired imaginary friends that he called The Folks. During the next five years some unusual things happened in the house that involved these new "friends". Finding inspiration, Vreeland took what
happened and weaved a fictional story around it. Since then, Vreeland has authored six horror books. Her most recent, The Sea of Souls, is a sequel to The Folks.

When did you know you were a writer?

I always have to chuckle when asked this question. I can actually remember quite clearly the reason I started writing. I was an avid reader of horror. Any book I could get my hands on I could read in a day.

One day I was reading this poorly written book and I had to stop, I could not finish it. I had no desire to finish it and this was the first time ever I had not finished reading a book I had started. This bothered me because this book came from a well-known publisher.

I thought to myself, even I could write better than that! Therefore, I kept entertaining the idea and before I knew it, I forced myself to put my money where my mouth was. My earliest writing moments were being excited for the boys to come home from school, so I could read them the new pages I had written that day.

I have to admit I still write for my boys. I still get so anxious to know what they think of the story I have written. We have a bond of watching many horror movies in the past, and dissecting the movie on what could have made it better or more interesting. I am always curious to see if I have passed their test.

How do you write?

Many of my ideas actually come from my dreams. I have quite vivid dreams, often wake up in the middle of the night, and quickly write down what I have dreamed; sometimes my dreams re-occur and advance in the story.

Once I have written down the premise of my story, I create an outline that will help me advance in a time line towards my ending. I always know my ending first before I start to write. I use a rule of thumb of 30 chapters for a book, about 10 pages typed for each chapter.

My outline is very simple, I type out Chapter 1 to Chapter 30 leaving spaces in between. I then put my idea for my ending for Chapter 30. I go back to the top and write my idea of how I want to start the book. I then proceed to put an idea down for each chapter of where I want to be in the book at that chapter.

Mind you, these are not elaborate writings, sometimes I write one simple sentence. An example would be maybe in this chapter I want this character to meet this character. Or, it's been too long since there has been a killing so we need to kill something.

What is your publishing story?

At that time, being self-published was not the cool thing to do. However, I did not care; this story was for my family and me. I was very fortunate to find a reliable self-publishing company that walked me through the steps.

I have to say what an amazing feeling it was the first day I held my book in my hands. A creation that was all mine; then when I saw it for sell at Barnes & Nobles and Amazon, I was in shock. However, the day I saw my book listed at Towers on a Stephen King release and at the bottom it said, "If you liked this book you may like this book" and there listed was my book; I was in heaven! I promptly printed that puppy out and it is proudly on display in my office.

When it came time for my other books to be published I was so happy with the way things were I simply continued with the way I had published my first book.

Which authors do you admire and why?

I always love answering this question. My idol would be Mary Shelley the writer ofFrankenstein. I admire that a woman in her era could write such a classic.

I also admire Peter Benchley most may not be familiar with the name until they hear the name of his book Jaws. For me Peter was able to capture the "fear factor." What does that mean? You cannot tell me that in one point of your life you have not thought about Jaws. Whether you are in the ocean, the lake, what have you? There is that fear he instilled in all of us.

I try to find a fear factor in all of my books. Let us take for example The Transporter of Souls. Pretty much all of us have owned a used car. Usually we are very happy to get the car because it is "new" to us. How often when we purchase the car do we think about the previous owner?

I wrote Transporter of Souls with the hope that one day when people go to buy a used car a slight chill comes over them and they think hey remember that book about used cars? I wonder if it is safe to buy this car...no different than is it safe to go back in the water?

What changed for you after 40?

I think the idea that now I am at the age to do what I want to do. My kids are grown. That fear of peer pressure, of will I be good enough, is replaced with I am good enough for me. As I get older, I realize that is enough.

What roadblocks or obstacles did you face?

The more books I write, the more I fear they will not be as good as the previous ones. Self-doubt can be a destructive thing. I find myself taking more time and re-doing parts of my story. However, I also find that my writing improves with each book. Realizing this gives me the courage to continue writing.

What are you most proud of in terms of your writing?

I am proud that I have written a book. That one day maybe a grandchild of mine will pick up one of my books and think wow my grandmother wrote this! I am very proud to say that all of my books are in libraries in three surrounding towns where I grew up. Plainfield, Mooresville and Monrovia.

This is a huge accomplishment to me since books were so important to me growing up. We did not have a library back then but simply a Bookmobile. Which I suppose was appropriate for me since I used those books to escape. Having my books available to read for others as a possible escape from everyday life events gives me the chance to give back what I was given.

How can we find your books?

There are three places you can find me:

http://www.facebook.com/tammyvreelandshorrorbooks

http://www.tammyvreelandsfanpage.com/index.html

http://www.youtube.com/user/TammyVreeland

Monrovia Branch Library:

Monrovia High School graduate, and friend of the library, Tammy Vreeland was recently interviewed by SeriousReading.com. Check out the interview then come to the library to checkout her book Transporter of Souls!

MY FULL LENGTH INTERVIEW WITH SERIOUS READING:

Interview with Tammy Vreeland, author of
“Transporter of Souls”

SERIOUS READING:

What makes this particular genre you are involved in so special?
I have always been fascinated with things that scare me. Growing up I lived in a small quiet town, reading was my only escape. I found when I read something terrifying it took me away from my own problems. This is what I want to give to my readers. A chance to escape their everyday horrors but in the end realize that their horror is not nearly as bad as it is in the story.
How important is research to you when writing a book?
Research is extremely important in my stories. Some may think because you write fiction you simply can “make everything up”. Where they may be true in some aspects, you still want to make your story credible. A story needs to take a reader into another realm of reality but not one where the reader is not comfortable in the surroundings. Whether it is a location, an item, a service or even an idea, the reader has to believe it is real. This is where research comes in and ties everything together.
What inspires you to write?
My dreams, I have the most fabulous horrific dreams you can imagine. I keep a notebook by the bed for when I wake up so I can quickly write down the dream. I honestly believe it is easier to write something that you know, even though it is a dream it is something I have felt and lived through thus writing about it comes easy.
Do you think writers have a normal life like others?
I guess that would depend on how you define normal. For myself, I try to maintain normalcy throughout the day however I do think writers are unique. They go through life seeing everything as a story. We question the beginning, struggle through the middle and ultimately look forward to the end.
Do you set a plot or prefer going wherever an idea takes you?
I actually do an outline. I first write down the premise of my story. I then take a look at it and wonder what happened before the story that made it a story, giving myself a Prologue. Next I tentatively put down an ending and what sort of twist I would like to have for the Epilogue. This gives me something to work towards. After that I write down each chapter a simple sentence that I would like to happen in that chapter. A couple examples would be when I want to introduce a certain character or perhaps when would be a good time to kill someone off. When it becomes time to write the story I look at my outline and see what I want to accomplish for that chapter. I then create a story from that idea in each chapter. So as not to get overwhelmed I tend to make each chapter a story in itself and then tie the main story together. I guess you could say I have structure and yet I create off of that structure.
Have you ever left any of your books stew for months on end or even a year?
Yes I have, I was struggling with my fourth book. I simply did not know what direction I wanted to take it. A girlfriend from school contacted me about our Class Reunion and teased that she wanted to be in my next book. In fact, she thought I should write a book with all of our classmates in it. I laughed and told her that would mean I would have to kill them off and I wasn’t sure I could do it to them. After the conversation I started thinking about it and quickly wrote down some ideas for a story. I was so intrigued by the idea I decided to hold off on my fourth book and concentrate on the new story. Never in a million years did I think I would write a “slasher” type story. However, I did and I had a fun time doing it. As soon as Class Reunion was finished I was refreshed and I finished The Family Tree within months. I think taking a step back, if you are struggling with a story, gives you a chance to come back to an old friend with new ideas and experiences. I usually have two to three stories going on at one time.
Tell us about your writing style, how is it different from other writers?
I prefer to write with a lot of dialogue. I think it is easier to read and I think sometimes we do not give the reader enough credit. Readers have wonderful imaginations of their own. It is our job to allow the readers’ own imagination to come in play with our story. For example, I have had many readers come up to me and say, “I really hated that guy David, in your book The Folks. You described him just like a guy I know!” In turn, I ask, “What does your David look like?” They tell me and then I tell them how I pictured the David in the book. More often than not, it’s quite different. Why is that? Because I described David minimally in the book, however his attitude and persona is displayed quite prominently. If I had described David’s looks completely maybe the reader would not have had such a connection with the character because it didn’t resemble anyone the reader knows. We all know obnoxious people however all obnoxious people do not look the same. If your reader can connect with your characters then they become part of your story.
How much of yourself do you put into your books?
I would say quite a bit, not only in the main character but in all the characters. I sometimes like to play Devil’s Advocate, what I may believe in may not be what the main character would believe in. Therefore, I express my opinion through another character, it is one of the perks of writing your own story.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
Yes, actually my first story The Folks was based on my son and his imaginary friends. The first day we moved into this house he acquired them. Strange things happened in the house over a course of five years. Nothing to make you go screaming from the house but a couple of things were a little unnerving. I simply took the things that happened and created a fictional story around them. Transporter of Souls, my third book, is based on how I met my husband and the business he was in. He would actually pick up cars that people had died in, thus giving a great basis for a horror story.
How realistic are your books?
I love answering this question. I constantly am looking for the “fear factor” in my books. One of my all-time favorite books is Jaws. Many are surprised with that but seriously who of us has not once thought of Jaws while in the water? Jaws is a tangible threat whereas my stories can range anywhere from supernatural to serial killers, however I still strive to put the reader in a real situation. For example, Transporter of Souls. Many of us, at one time, has purchased a used car without ever thinking about the previous owner. My desire is that after a reader reads Transporter of Souls, the next time they go to buy a used car, they will think of my story.
It is often believed that almost all writers have had their hearts broken at some point in time, does that remain true for you as well?
Unfortunately, it is true at least for me. Though I do believe writing can be a great healing process. Sometimes writing about the pain eases the pain.
What is that one thing you think readers generally don’t know about your specific genre?
That Horror can be entertaining even inspiring. I have had friends and family who had never read Horror until they read one of my books. They were surprised how much they enjoyed it. They found themselves worrying about different characters, vindicated at certain deaths, and inspired by actions taken. Horror can have romance, mystery, humor and tragedy. Unlike pop ups at the movies, you as the reader have placed yourself in the story. And although the fear you have felt while reading may stay longer with you than a movie, the ride is definitely worth it.
What do you do in your free time?
I love to ride my motorcycle. My husband and I enjoy short trips around the area. I grew up in Indiana so New Jersey is quite a different riding style. However, New Jersey can surprise you, it is quite beautiful. There is one road we take where there is a horse farm of racing horses. When they hear you coming they like to race alongside you. A remarkable feeling of nature and machine coexisting.
What is your motivation for writing more?
I have some really good ideas for new stories that aren’t in the main stream. Ones that will be unique and challenging for me to write. Eventually I have a tribology I would like to attempt as well. However, bottom line I enjoy it. I love putting my ideas into a story and creating new characters. It takes me on a new journey each and every time.
Doesn’t it bother you that when books are turned into movies, they are often changed to suit the audience needs?
Actually no, I understand that movie goers are different from readers. I know, often more than not, readers are disappointed when a book is turned into a movie. However, I find that if a movie goer really likes the movie and you tell them that the book was even better, they look forward to reading the book. A book they more than likely would have never read which in turn may turn them on to other books the Author has written.
Are you working on something new at the moment?
I have two stories that I have been going back and forth on, it’ll be interesting to see which one makes it to the finish line first. Once one is finished the other one will shortly follow, it seems to work that way with me.
Fiction or non-fiction? Which is easier?
I have only written fictional books. Although some of them have non-fiction in them, for the most part they are fiction. I would like to write at least one non-fiction book, however due to the topic of the book I am waiting until the right moment. It is a promise I have made to myself and yet out of respect I wait.
What are you views about elaborate synopsis of books at the back of the cover? Do you think they reveal too much?
I have to admit I absolutely hate writing a synopsis for a book. You want to reveal enough to entice the reader and yet not too much in that there is no reason to read the book. It’s a difficult fine line to walk. I think you should introduce the main characters, kind of let the reader know what the characters are up against and end with somewhat of a cliff hanger leaving the reader to want to read more.
How do you think concepts such as Kindle, and e-books have changed the present or future of reading?
Like any Author, I was concerned when Kindle and e-books came out. However, because of my son I have a little bit different take on it than most. He is in the Coast Guard, was stationed on a boat in the middle of the sea. Little room for personal effects and non-existent internet service. As a surprise I sent him a Kindle loaded up with books I thought he might enjoy. He was overjoyed with the flexibility of having so many books at his fingertips. I think a person who enjoys to read will read whatever is available. Whether it be magazines or books, I think having the ability to take different types along with you on a commute is a wonderful concept. Although e-books may not be for everyone, it is an avenue that may expand the reader audience.
Do you think the charm of public libraries has toned down much in the last decade?
No, if anything I think it has improved. I am amazed at how many activities libraries now offer. Plus, I see many libraries trying to keep up with technology by having e-readers and e-books. Unfortunately, I think many people simply forget about their libraries. However, if they would just take the time to stop in or bring the children I think they are in for a pleasant surprise.
Who’s your childhood literary superhero?
Mary Shelley author of Frankenstein. Not only was I fascinated with the story but I was inspired that a woman was the author, especially during that time frame. I later became even more interested in her as I found out about her life, her political stance at the time, along with her tragedies. Simply an amazing woman, Mary Shelley is my inspiration.
Do you enjoy discussing upcoming ideas with your partner? If yes, how much do you value their inputs?
I love going over ideas with my husband. In fact many times when we discuss a certain idea, he will add his own idea which in turn gets me to look in a direction I may not have thought to look. I will admit it is quite frustrating being married to a person who has absolutely no desire to read. On the upside, if I can peak his interest, I must be moving in the right direction.
How long do you take to write a book?
When I first began writing, I had an aggressive goal to write one book a year. The first three books I finished my goal with no problem. My fourth book was a bit more challenging for me so I started writing another book and actually had both of them finished within two years. Now that my sixth book is finished I’ve been taking my time between two stories, I’ve come to realize there is no rush. The story will tell itself in its own time.
Do you prefer being intoxicated to write? Or would you rather write sober?
I never thought about writing while intoxicated. I usually write first thing in the morning where my ideas are fresh. Not a good time to drink, I would think. As for later in the day, I’m not a drinker so it has never been an issue.
What is that dream goal you want to achieve before you die?
I like to think I’ve already achieved it when I finished my first book. Something I thought I would never accomplish let alone six books. Though I do like to joke and say I would feel like I “made it” if I ever saw one of my books as a worn copy at a garage sale. Growing up that was how I acquired all of my reading material. Knowing my books are out there used and wanted is a deep satisfaction.
How do you handle the perception that authors instantly become rich when their books are published?
I find it to be one of the most challenging misconception out there. I would like to think that if you took the monetary gain away most authors would continue to write because it is their passion. All too often a new author can become disillusioned with the idea of wealth and fame. My advice is if it happens, it happens. Meanwhile, to me time is money. As chaotic and stressful that society is today if a person takes the time to read one of my stories, they have not only purchased but have given something more precious, their time.

Author Page: Amazon

My Page At: Author's Den

My Page At:   Writer's Digest

My Page At:   Goodreads

My Page At:   Facebook

My Listing At: Amazon

My Listing At: Barnes and Noble

My Audio Listing:   Audible.com

My You Tube Listings:   The Folks

Tailor

Transporter of Souls

Class Reunion

The Family Tree

The Sea Of Souls

A Review of Tailor:   Dolls of Despair

A Review of Tailor:   Amazon

                                                                          INTERVIEWS

October 10, 2012 by Seasons of Love and War

Brenda Barry: Tammy can you introduce yourself and tell us a little about who you are?

Tammy Vreeland: My name is Tammy Vreeland; I'm originally from Indiana but am now a transplant in New Jersey. I have two wonderful boys that turned into two men that I am very proud of. I am happily remarried. I like to ride my Harley, I like to target shoot with my bow and of course I love to write.

Brenda Barry: How many books have you written?

Tammy Vreeland: I have written 5 books in the Horror genre:

The Folks (2007) - A small boy and his imaginary friends.
Tailor (2008) - A female serial killer "Taylor the Tailor" tells her story.
Transporter of Souls (2009) - A car transporter who transports cars people have died in.
Class Reunion (2011) - A writer returns to her home town for a class reunion only to find her classmates being killed in the same fashion as her latest book.
The Family Tree (2011) - A woman pregnant with twins fears for the life of one of her twins because of her religion.

Brenda Barry: If someone asked you why they should read your books what would be your answer? What makes them unique?

Tammy Vreeland: I try to make my books different from what is already out there. They are easy stories to follow, I prefer to use more dialogue than description. I try to make my characters real and put them in everyday situations so that the readers can relate. I like to have several stories inside the story, giving the reader the chance to try and figure out how it will all end.

Brenda Barry: Do you have a favorite book that you wrote and if so why?

Tammy Vreeland: That's a tough question because I think as a writer you have a deep bond with all your stories. For example, The Folks and Transporter of Souls I particularly like because these two books are based on things that have happened in my life.

Tailor and The Family Tree I like because they were a challenge to me since they were completely fictional and I had nothing to base them on. Class Reunion was just plain fun and easy to write. I had my own Class Reunion come up so I created a story with some of my class mates in it.

Brenda Barry: Any favorite character?

Tammy Vreeland: Actually, I would say my husband. I know that sounds strange but I always use him as my guy the girl falls in love with. In The Folks, I used his real name Paul. In Transporter of Souls, I used his middle name Evan; he actually is one of the main characters along with Katie...in which Kay is my middle name. (I couldn't resist since it is the story on how we met)

Brenda Barry: Which one of your characters is most like you?

Tammy Vreeland: Usually all my main female characters are based around me in some way. I try and put myself in the situation that I am writing about and write the way I would react in that situation. Granted, not everyone might react the same as I do but I think you get a sense of the story being more real.

Brenda Barry: When did you know you wanted to become a writer?

Tammy Vreeland: I became frustrated with the books I was reading and the movies I was seeing. I grew up on Horror, I loved Horror and I knew what
scared me. Since I was being such a critic, why not put my money where my mouth was? So, I decided to write my own horror.

Brenda Barry: Very smart idea.

Brenda Barry: What books inspired you?

Tammy Vreeland: Frankenstein by Mary Shelley, when I read her at a very early age I realized that women can have a very twisted way of looking at
things. I feel men might tend to go more for gore and torture where I think women may look at the other implications.

As with Mary Shelley it was a way for her to create a horror story and yet look at the moral and political implications.

Brenda Barry: Who inspired you?

Tammy Vreeland: I would have to say, hands down, my husband. When Paul first found out about my writing he was the only person in my life who supported me and kept telling me…don’t wonder why…wonder why not?

Brenda Barry: Sounds like he is a very important person in your life Tammy. That's awesome! :-)

Tammy Vreeland: He definitely is.

Brenda Barry: How do you juggle writing, your family and personal life?

Tammy Vreeland: I like to intertwine them. Many things in my books are based on things that happen in my personal life. I know people may get tired of
me quoting Mark Twain “that Truth is stranger than fiction, because fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities. Truth is'nt" but I do agree with this.

Sometimes truth is far more entertaining than fiction.

Brenda Barry: Can you tell us about your challenges in getting your first book published? Even if self-published.

Tammy Vreeland: I think this is always the million dollar question everyone wants to hear the answer to. When I finished The Folks I didn’t have a
clue to who I should contact. This was back in 2007. I actually looked at all the books I owned and tried to figure out how to contact those publishers.

But, what I quickly learned was, all main publishing houses at that time were closed to the public. You were to have a literary agent who would represent you. I looked in the phone book and the two listed were out of business. Something important to remember…NEVER pay for a literary agent. If you have to pay for one they are NOT true agents please be careful.

I came across a self-publishing agency E-Book Time. I wanted to keep the copyrights to The Folks because it is a personal story. So Paul and I discussed it over and decided to go for it. When I finished my next book Tailor I simply went with E-Book Time again and have continued with them on every one of my books.

I do want to say, some of the authors who criticized me back in 2007 are now… low and behold… Indie authors. The true horror stories I’ve heard from these authors being taken advantage of by their publishers is a real shame. I own all my copyrights, I am getting full royalties on audio because I own those rights, and I’m also able to distribute my work in markets that aren’t thought of in the main publishing house stream.

Being with E-Book Time I am able to provide Hard & Soft Back copies, Nook& Kindle copies and they provide me with quite a bit more advertising than say if I just supplied my work to Amazon. Honestly, I am quite happy with the set up I have.

Brenda Barry: That's great to hear Tammy. Always good to be happy.

Tammy Vreeland: :)

Brenda Barry: How many hours a day do you dedicate for writing?

Tammy Vreeland: It is hard to say. I try and squeeze in writing whenever I have a little bit of time. People who say they don’t have the time to
write a book are just using an excuse, if you are passionate about your story you will find the time to write it.

Brenda Barry: I agree..

Brenda Barry: Who does your marketing and do you dedicate a certain amount of time for that?

Tammy Vreeland: I do all of my marketing however people like you, who are generous enough to promote others work, is a true blessing:)

People like Scope Ad have been a great marketing tool for me along with of course Facebook. I also have my own website at http://www.tammyvreelandsfanpage.com/ and am constantly putting my name out there to everyone I meet.

Brenda Barry: Thank you Tammy. :-)

Brenda Barry: Do you have Any tips?

Tammy Vreeland: Write and keep writing. People tend to take you more seriously when you write more than one book.

Brenda Barry: And just a fun question. Do your own stories ever scare you?

Tammy Vreeland: Funny that you asked that; I am one that hardly ever gets scared. I walk away from scary movies and books thinking ugh…why can’t I be scared like everyone else?

However, I have to admit I was in a situation that scared me all thanks to my book Transporter of Souls. I had to drive this huge cargo van down to the auction because it was too big to fit on the rig. The thing was huge, awkward, beat up and old. Noises came from the back as I was driving and this metal door in between the driver and passenger seat started slowly opening up. All I kept thinking was the previous owner’s soul had to be in the damn thing and was out to get me. You should have seen what a wreck I was by the time I got the thing to the auction. Paul teased me by saying I really needed to stop reading my own books.

Brenda Barry: LOL that is very funny. :-)

Brenda Barry: Okay, last question before I open up the floor. What advice would you give to other writers about lessons or learning curves?

Tammy Vreeland: I find the more I write the better I become, it is no different than a sport. The more you practice the better you are. The advice I
always give is when writing a book… you need to do it for yourself. It is a very tough market out there. There are fewer readers and yet there seems to be more writers than ever. It is tough to be unique and stand out in a crowd of very talented people. You need to understand that standing out may simply come to getting the self-satisfaction that you have written a story. That it has a beginning, middle and an ending…so many people say they want to write a book or it would be so easy to be a writer but let them do it and see just how difficult it is.

Remember, some things cannot be bought or sold. The day you hold your first book, the first time you see your story on line for sale, the day a
library places an order for your books, the knowledge that one day future relatives will read your books… none of these wonderful memories can ever be
bought or sold.

Too quick are we to think of the fame, glory and monetary aspect when all along it is the simple things that mean the most.

Brenda Barry: Thank you Tammy so very much for being with us today and now I'm going to open the floor for others to ask questions.

Tammy Vreeland: I can't thank you enough Brenda for allowing me this opportunity as well as other authors out there. I wish you only the greatest success; I know that Seasons of Love and War is going to be absolutely fantastic!

Brenda Barry: hit her with your best shot everyone. :-)

Dean Moretti: Your books scare you but have any parts of your story ever made you mad?

Tammy Vreeland: Dean yes...actually in The Folks I had to write about losing my dogs. I get very emotional even today when I read it...I also killed
my ex in it...ha...so yea the madness is definitely there too...:)

Dean Moretti: lol

Cindy R : have you ever done sessions with a writting coach or taken classes

Tammy Vreeland Cindy R:  No, actually I have not.

Joyce Scarbrough: Do your books usually feature a love story too?

Tammy Vreeland: Yes Joyce whether it be tragic or fresh and new its real life and we all deal with it so I try and bring my readers in on it...just
because it is Horror does not mean we can't love:)

Joyce Scarbrough: I agree. And some relationships are horror stories in and of themselves! LOL

Tammy Vreeland: So true! I have actually always admired Clyde Barker anyone that can make a skinned person appear sexual is very talented...

Cindy R: LOL funny joyce 18:32:57

Cindy R: tammy lol omg 18:33:18

Cindy Sprigg:  What form of media do you like your stories best displayed in?

Tammy Vreeland: Cindy S...I actually love the trailer aspects I think it gives people a nice visual effect to connect with your book...if it weren't
for you the 3 trailers I do have wouldn't have been made...

Cindy Sprigg: Thanks Tammy...but I meant, written, e-book or audio

Tammy Vreeland: Cindy S...I actually have ventured into audio just recently and am sooooo excited about it! My ebooks I'm trying a new idea
creating my own cd's and providing them to the public in dvd cases so I've got a couple good things going right now...

Dean Moretti: Tammy do you have anyone you collaborate with?

Tammy Vreeland: Dean actually it is a family type thing...the boys have great ideas we all grew up together watching horror so they are all to happy to
tell me if something doesn't work...Paul is not as much into Horror as us...although he does sleep with one eye open and one hand covering his
crotch:)...but he has some fabulous ideas as well....

Dean Moretti: nice.

Joyce Scarbrough : His hand or yours, Tammy? Sorry, I couldn't resist!
18:36:56

Brenda Barry: LOL 18:37:09

Cindy R: lol 18:37:14

Tammy Vreeland: LOL Joyce...well I certainly can't get enough of him so we'll just leave it at that:)

Joyce Scarbrough: Right there with you, girlfriend! ;-)

Brenda Barry: Tammy do you have BETA readers?

Tammy Vreeland: BETA readers not sure what that is?

Brenda Barry: People who read your book for you and see if they spot
anything that is strange or doesn't work.

Brenda Barry: At least that my understanding.

Tammy Vreeland: Oh not sure I would want that Brenda...lol...sounds too much like critics...:)

Cindy Sprigg: I agree there Tammy...

Cindy Sprigg: How many here are authors?

Kim Scott: Cindy S - I am & I know Brenda, Joyce and Tammy are

Dean Moretti: I am an author of my hidden poems. lol

Tammy Vreeland: Time to unhide those poems my friend!

Cindy R: I'm Brendas' author assistant

Kimberly Comeau: I'm an author. 18:39:58

Brenda Barry: Yeah Dean. 18:40:11

Cindy R: yeah Dean! 18:40:19

Dean Moretti: I'll give that some thought.

Tammy Vreeland: Awesome feeling seeing your work out there...

Brenda Barry: Tammy, do you think you'll ever write anything else? I mean besides horror?

Tammy Vreeland: Actually I do have a triology that I'm thinking would be sci-fi but it will be a major project and I want to get more experience
before tackling it...I also would like to write one simple factual book about religion but I need to wait until my parents have passed out of respect... but it
would be the experiences of being a somewhat preacher's daughter...

Tammy Vreeland: so Kim and Joyce what genre do you write in?

Kim Scott : Mine is historical fiction or historical romance... always set in Maine

Joyce Scarbrough:   I write women's fiction and YA. I do have a horror short story and there are some horror elements in my latest YA book too.

Tammy Vreeland: I take it both of you have done sequels?

Joyce Scarbrough: None of my books are sequels, but I do have a tendency for characters to make cameos in other books.

Kim Scott:   Currently I am working on book 4 in the series that spans 100 years from mid 18th century to 19th. Next book will be a stand alone.

Tammy Vreeland: That's cool Joyce...I like that alot. Wow Kim that's amazing what were the challenges to you writing a sequel?

Brenda Barry: I want Joyce to do one. I would beg but not sure she would listen. LOL

Joyce Scarbrough: One day, Brenda. ;-)

Kim Scott: The biggest challenge was establishing the characters in book 1... after that it's been fun following the family generation after
generation.

Brenda Barry: what's your newest book Tammy?

Brenda Barry: or do you have one in the works?

Tammy Vreeland: That's cool...I have left room for me to write sequels in all 5 of my books. I am currently working on my first sequel to my first book
The Folks...actually my son is all grown up so I get to go with a 20 year jump. It is definitely different writing because I don't want to write too much about the
first book and want the second book to stand on its on but then create the circle so it finalizes it...I think it'll turn out good...