MY INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR TUESDAY TWOMEY

 

 

What’s your name and what genre would you consider your books to be?

My legal name is Tuesday Twomey, and I write paranormal romance under the name Mary E. Twomey, and contemporary romance under the name Tuesday Embers.

 

Tell me about your book. How did you come up with that (story, angle, idea)?

My latest series is the Faite Falling series by Mary E. Twomey. All the creatures are based in French and Celtic folklore, which was such fun to research. I went all in for this series. I took a French language college course just for this series. I went to lectures on the subject. I went to Paris. I read everything I could get my hands on that might teach me more about this fabulous wealth of folklore. I ended up putting it all together into a 14-book series, which are all available now. Book 1 is Ugly Girl, and deals with the nasty names we call ourselves.

 

 

How did you get interested in writing this particular genre (historical novels, mysteries, sci-fi, children’s books, etc.)?

I love paranormal romance because there’s more pliability with the rules. Gravity is subjective, which is always fun.

 

Do you have a favorite book out of this series?

My favorite book in the Faite Falling series is Only Girl, which is the final installment. Book 14 has a lot to say about the main character’s journey, and how much life has changed her, and yet how she’s still managed to remain herself, despite all that’s been thrown her way. It’s a love story to the fans of the series, and a fond farewell to the characters I’ve spent so much time with.

  

 

Where did you get the inspiration/idea for your series?

 French folklore is fascinating. I love researching various cultures and seeing how their realities had a hand in shaping their mythology. I’ve written a 9-part Scandinavian folklore (the Undraland series), and a 9-part Filipino folklore series (the Terraway series). Once I find a folklore I fall in love with, the story writes itself.

 

 

Was it always meant to become a series?

I could never have told Rosie’s story in one book. Though, I did not intend for this to be 14 novels. That just sort of happened. I planned on ending the series at book 11, but realized her story wasn’t finished.

 

Do you have a new book in the making and if so, what’s the name of your upcoming book?

 I always have something going. Book 9 in the Terraway series comes out April 2^nd. It was supposed to be an 8-part series, but so many people wrote in asking for a 9^th book that I decided to give that a try. I loved that world, and it was a big decision to take a step back inside. Usually, once I’m finished, that’s the end.

 

 

How important are character names to you in your books? Is there a special meaning to any of the names?

 Some of my characters don’t tell me their names until the entire book’s already been written. Then it’s very specific. Other times, I know a character’s name before I write word one of the book. Other times, it’s spelled out for me, since I like to stick to the folklore as much as possible before I put my own spin on it. For instance, Kerdik is from French Creole lore. He’s the sun god who specializes in vitality and fertility. He’s got green skin, and is hideous to look at. I really didn’t want to take those qualities away. So in my Faite Falling series, Kerdik is the creator of Avalon, our magical world. He’s a gorgeous man who was cursed to have green skin and sky-blue hair, so he’d always be alone. I adore Kerdik, and wouldn’t dream of having changed his name. In that series, there are the sons of Carmen, which is also from French lore. Dian, Dother and Dub were not names I would have picked for the Brothers of Destruction, but that’s how history gifted them to us, so I didn’t monkey with the basics too much. I try to keep the integrity of the folklore intact as much as possible, while putting my own modern spin on things. It’s a tricky balance.

 

What is the hardest part of writing for you?

Oh, gosh. I loathe writing the back of the book summaries (called “blurbs”). I would sooner write 14 whole novels than force myself to write three paragraphs that sum it all up.

 

What do you consider to be your best accomplishment?

 In 2018, one of my books hit the USA Today Bestseller list. That was a big life goal for me, and I’m tickled pink every time I think about that adventure.

 

 

What’s the best thing about being an author?

 It’s the grown-up version of playing pretend. I highly recommend.

 

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Right now, I have 48 novels out. In ten years, I hope to have cracked a hundred.

 

Have you always liked to write?

 yes

 

What writing advice do you have for aspiring authors?

 Writing is fun, but it’s also like a muscle. Show up every day, and you’ll get better and better at it.

 

 

If you didn’t like writing books, or weren’t any good at it, what would you like to do for a living?

I used to be a copy editor for the newspaper. I would do that, for sure.

 

Do you read reviews of your book(s)? Do you respond to them, good or bad? How do you deal with the bad?

I really don’t. My husband reads them, and filters out anything hurtful. He only gives me the constructive criticism (and only when I ask for it). I have to write the story as it comes to me, and I can’t please everyone. I’ve made my peace with the fact that no writer can please every single reader. I’m not going to be everyone’s favorite flavor of ice cream, and at 36 years old, I’m very much okay with that.

 

Why did you choose to write in your genre? If you write in more than one, how do you balance them?

 I mainly write paranormal romance. When I need to cleanse my palate and go back to reality, I’ll write a contemporary romance book, but then I dive back into a long paranormal series, since that’s what I love.

 

 

Do you have any favorite authors or favorite books?

I hate to disappoint, because I know you’re probably looking for great paranormal recommendations, but I’m a huge nonfiction dork. I read everything Simon Sinek puts out. I re-read The Art of War every year (you know, for fun).

For classic literature, I love Wuthering Heights.

And I do read fantasy books, just not as often as I read nonfiction. I love Cassandra Clare and Richelle Mead. And like, obviously Harry Potter. 

 

Of all the characters you have created, which is your favourite and why?

 Don’t make me choose! I’ll pick a few.

Baird is probably my favorite. He’s the angry part of me that drives me to work crazy hours and attempt impossible things. He’s no-nonsense and doesn’t care about your feelings. I adore Baird (from the Vemreaux trilogy).

I love Foss, who was always going to be unredeemable. (from the Terraway series)

I love Everest Sinclair (again from the Vemreaux trilogy). I could listen to him wax poetic about nothing and everything for hours.

 

 

Does writing energize or exhaust you?

Both.

 

What question have you always wanted to be asked in an interview? How would you answer that question?

I actually have a Superfans group that you can join! We’re reading a book a week from my collection together. There’s loads of discussion, and it’s really just a fantastic group of like-minded bibliophiles. Join in here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/superfan/

 

 

Where can your fans find you and follow??

Twitter = @shesleepssoftly 

Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/SagaOfTheSpheres/

I also have a book of the month club, if you’re a paperback purist. I send out a signed and personalized paperback to you every month, along with a handwritten note. Sign up here: https://www.maryetwomey.com/subscription-boxes  

 

 

Thank you for taking your time to do this interview ❤️