Interview with TR Graves 6 July, 2012

T.R. GRAVES

About Me:

T. R. Graves, debut author of The Warrior Series, lives in Texas with her husband of twenty-five years. Together, they raise their eighteen-year-old daughter and eight-year-old son.

Besides being blessed with a supportive family, she counts her career as a registered nurse in not-for-profit hospitals among her most fulfilling accomplishments.

When did you first decide you wanted to write?

I began writing after I realized it was a great opportunity to connect with my teenaged daughter. My writing and our two-person book club has given us the chance to talk about important issues that are generally difficult for mothers and daughters to discuss. Our debates regarding the characters and their dilemmas have allowed both of us to see that we are more alike than we are different. Reading has brought us closer than anything else could have.

Did you get nervous the first time you put your work out there?

When I released Warriors of the Cross (The Warrior Series, Book #1), I was extremely naive about the entire process and probably didn’t know enough to be nervous. Even though there were many things that I could have done better, my debut novel made it onto many of Amazon’s bestselling lists, which was a great confidence builder.

The release of Guardians of the Cross (The Warrior Series, Book #2) was a completely different experience because I knew what to expect, and whenever possible had proactively prepared for it. With this release, the preparation minimized the nervousness.

I’ll be releasing Enemies of the Cross (The Warrior Series, Book #3) within the next few weeks. I expect its release to be just as successful and don’t plan to suffer with an unbearable case of nerves.

What is your favorite genre to write?

There are those who say I have a hard time committing to a genre. I agree. My books have a healthy balance of paranormal, fantasy, romance, action, and Christian fiction (a genre I’d never heard of until fans insisted my book fell into that category). I like writing an interesting story and am less concerned about which category it will fit perfectly into.

What is your favorite genre to read?

I read what I like to write: paranormal, fantasy, romance, and action.

Do you have a favorite author?

Interestingly enough, my favorite authors are two very talented women who have successfully walked their own unique paths. E. L. James, author of Fifty Shades Series, and Colleen Houck, author of The Tiger Saga, are both phenomenal storytellers and amazing authors.

Is there something you want to write about, that you haven’t yet?

I plan to release a new series, Underwater Series, next summer. It will have two books, Worth Living For and Worth Dying For. The book covers are ready, and I can’t wait to begin putting pen to paper. Actually writing the stories will give me the opportunity to add layers to the details already unfolding in my head.

What is one silly fact about you?

I’m almost too pragmatic for my own good, but I’m finding that I have a ‘silly’ side when it comes to writing. For example, I write about things that are so farfetched that my beta reader sometimes laughs hysterically when I tell him what I’m planning. Once I finish writing the scene, and he reads the final version, he is always amazed at how I’m able to make the most unbelievable trait/character/adventure completely believable.

Do you have a favorite character you have written so far?

Allison La Crosse is now and always will be my favorite character, but I’ve developed a fallen angel in Enemies of the Cross (The Warrior Series, Book #3) who was so memorable that I put him on the cover of book four, Dark Angels of the Cross (The Warrior Series, Book #4). He’s going to end up being a character who proves anyone is worthy of forgiveness and redemption.

Does that reflect anyone you know?

Allison’s character does have a muse. Her characteristics, morals, and ethics are the very ones my beautiful daughter possesses. Crux, the fallen angel is not based on any one person in particular. Instead, he was created with the knowledge that we’ve all done things that require forgiveness. With him, I’m given the opportunity to show people the importance of unconditional forgiveness.

Spaghetti or Lasagna and why?

Spaghetti. My husband makes the best spicy spaghetti ever. When I come home after a long day of work followed by a draining commute in Houston’s traffic, I’m always thankful to find he’s made spaghetti. It’s one of the rare meals everyone in my family loves.

Pretzels or Chips?

Unsalted pretzels. I’ve never been a fan of anything that is too salty.

M&Ms or Reeces Pieces?

M&Ms. Sometimes, there is nothing better than chocolate, chocolate, and more chocolate.

You can meet any character from any novel, who is it going to be?

Sookie Stackhouse. I love her morals and ethics, and the way she is very, very protective of anyone she loves. Like her, I’m from North Louisiana; therefore, I like to think we would have a lot in common.

Anything you want to say the aspiring writers reading the blog?

I have no idea who the author is, but I’m going to share a quote that keeps me going, ‘The Only Way You Fail Is To Quit.’ Then, I’m going to add one of my own, ‘If you love it…if it makes you a better person…if you want to do it more than you want to breathe – no matter what it is – do it.’ I say this because I’m convinced our passions drive us to the successes we are destined to find.

Thanks so much, Emily, for the great interview questions!

T. R. Graves, Author

Warriors of the Cross (The Warrior Series, Book #1)