In a recent engaging session on the ‘Jolene’s Books and Writers Talk’ podcast, we had the joy of speaking with the extraordinary young adult fantasy author, Tammy Burke. Known to her readers as T. F. Burke, Tammy delves into her passion for writing, her journey in the literary world, and reveals some tantalizing details about her current projects.
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A Pen Name with Purpose
Tammy, who publishes under the name T. F. Burke, made a conscious decision to use a gender-neutral pen name. In our discussion, she shared the reasoning behind this choice, explaining, “I had heard that boys might not read your book if they think that it’s written by a girl.” While not hiding her identity, Tammy uses T. F. Burke to appeal to a broader audience.
Introducing ‘Fairies Don’t Lie’
Her debut novel, *Fairies Don’t Lie*, is the first in the Heart of the World series. In our conversation, Tammy described the vivid landscape and thrilling adventures her 16-year-old protagonist embarks on. This YA novel, rich with fairy lore and magical creatures, promises not just enchantment but also touches on themes of belonging and self-acceptance.
Upcoming Release: ‘Fairies Don’t Forgive’
Fans of Tammy’s debut will be excited to learn about the sequel, *Fairies Don’t Forgive*, set to release on February 24, 2025. Tammy teased about the continuation of Anya and Mathias’s adventures, promising new fairy creatures and unforeseen twists. She also gave us a sneak peek into some of her unique fairy creations, such as the swarm-attacking Heebles and the whisperers, creatures born from her creative imagination.
Artistic Ventures and Publishing Insights
In addition to writing, Tammy is also an illustrator, working on creating visual representations for her stories. She expressed a desire to release an illustrated special edition of her works. Currently exploring options for publishing, Tammy discussed possibilities with companies like Inc. Fluence and shared her experiences with IngramSpark.
The Indie Publishing Journey
Tammy elaborated on her journey from aspiring for traditional publishing to embracing indie publishing. Inspired by courses with bestselling authors and real-life mentorship, she rethought her path, opting for the creative freedom and profit retention that indie publishing offers. Tammy now runs her own publishing company, Sword and Self Press, and expressed a deep satisfaction with her creative independence.
Navigating Writing and AI
Discussing the intersection of writing and artificial intelligence, Tammy provided her insights into using AI as a tool for ideation and editing. Although she uses AI for assistance, her focus remains on human creativity and the irreplaceable soul that writers bring to their stories.
Advice for Aspiring Authors
Tammy shared heartfelt advice for new writers, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and battling self-doubt. She encouraged writers to keep pushing through the initial drafts without getting bogged down by perfectionism. “Writers write,” she reminded, with an emphasis on the importance of continuing the craft despite discouragement.
In conclusion, Tammy Burke’s journey is a testament to the power of passion and determination in crafting engaging stories. Her commitment to storytelling and dedication to the YA genre offers inspiration to aspiring authors everywhere. Keep an eye out for *Fairies Don’t Forgive* and the spellbinding adventures it promises to deliver!
T.F Burke On Jolene’s Books and Writers Talk Podcast
Thank you again, Tammy, for participating in our Jolene’s Book and Writer’s Talk Podcast. For those authors out there who would like to participate we are always looking for new people to join in on the fun. Check out the information on our sponsor’s website – Southern Dragon Publishing to fill out the online application and make a Zoom appointment real soon!
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