Friday Night Love, Author Tia McCollors

Interview by Vanessa Richardson

VR: When did you know that you were chosen not just to write, but to become an author?

TM: A job lay off in 1999 prompted me to begin to pursue purpose for my life.  I was journalism major so of course I was always writing throughout my career track – whether I was working in marketing, public relations, etc. But during that time when I didn’t have to wake up for my 9-to-5, God really spoke to me and told me that he was going to “marry” my love of reading and writing.

VR: What has your literary journey been like for you?

TM: Ups and downs. Sometime it isn’t what I thought it would be, and at other times it’s been more than what I expected. I just hold on for the ride. Overall it’s still been such a blessing. I’ve learned that with publishing, it’s sometimes about finding the trends and changing with the times.

VR: What is your writing process like?

TM: I’m more productive in the mornings. I find that I do best at the library so I can turn off all of the distractions and not get pulled into things like washing clothes, reorganizing my daughter’s closet, or deciding it’s the perfect time to clean the carpet! LOL! I usually start off free-flowing the first five chapters or so to get my writing muse started, then I begin to outline scenes and chapters.

VR: If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in any of your books?

TM: No. I think all of my books were the best that I could do at that particular stage of my writing. I learned a new skill from writing each book.

VR: What were the challenges you faced in bringing forth any of your books?

TM: Time management. Just recently I had to ask my publisher for an additional month past my deadline. I have three children – ages 8, 5 and 9 months. I think I underestimated how much time and attention go into having an infant at home. However, my baby boy quickly reminded me!

VR: What advice would you give aspiring authors

TM: Write! Write!  Read! And write some more. Many aspiring authors become consumed with the publishing process, but they don’t have anything to publish in the first place. Finish what you start.

 VRAre you working on any new projects?

TM: Yes, always.  Sunday Morning Love, the second book in my Days of Grace series, is scheduled for release in October 2014.

 VR: What is something that your readers would find interesting about you?

TM: 1. I like peanuts and cashews, but can’t stand the taste of almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and all those other nuts!

2. I’m great at organizing papers and filing systems.

3. I can’t swim, even though I wish I could! When I graduated from college in 1996, one of the requirements was that you had to pass the swim test. I took a beginning swimming the last semester of my senior year and subsequently passed the required test. But my fear of the water stole my skills away. One day, however, I’m going to swim like a fish!

Click on book cover to purchase your copy of “Friday Night Love” by Tia McCollors.

Author Bio:

Tia McCollors used to dream of being a television news anchor, but her destiny led her behind the pages instead of in front of the cameras. After earning a B.A. in Journalism and Mass Communications from UNC-Chapel Hill, she went on to work several jobs in the public relations industry. In 1999, a job layoff prompted Tia to discover and pursue a writing career.  Following the birth of her son in 2006, she left the corporate arena to focus on raising her children and her burgeoning writing career.

In addition to being an author, Tia is an inspirational speaker and instructor for writing workshops. She particularly enjoys coaching women of faith, female entrepreneurs, and stay-at-home mothers.

A native of Greensboro, NC, she now lives in the Atlanta, Georgia area with her husband and children.