Q:What do you enjoy about writing books?
I think what makes books exciting, as both a reader and writer, is the escapism they provide, allowing people to exist in a world of imagination outside our reality. The emotions I feel throughout the long process of writing make it meaningful. I particularly enjoy the rewarding feeling of having finished a book and having readers who love it.
Q: What inspired the ideas for your books?
The main character of my first book just arrived in my head – I had already been planning on writing a book but what that looked like became clear after the idea for my main character came into my mind one day.
For all my books, I was inspired by what I had read online – the news stories regarding young people and what they have said. In my books, I have fictionalised these real-life scenarios, having done more research to support what I was writing.
Q: What would you say are the more challenging aspects of writing and being an author?
I find that writing the synopsis can be challenging. The storyline can change once you start getting into the flow of writing. As well as this, every detail that’s included in the story must have a purpose in the storyline.
Q: Do you feel that writing your books has changed the way you see things and how you view the world?
I would say it has changed the way I see things for young people and perhaps made me a more protective mother. Through writing, I’ve found it empowering to live a life I’ve always wanted and be able to give a voice to others.
Q: Do you have a favourite genre of books and if so what is it and why?
I like books that make you both laugh and cry, with authentic and realistic stories. I suppose realism is a favoured genre of mine in that sense. However, I do like to read a wide range of books, and I have a goal of reading 100 books a year.
Q: Are there any books or authors that inspired you to become a writer?
Author Judy Blume has been a massive influence in my love for books since my childhood – I often reread her books as comfort reads. Other than reading, what inspired me to write was the typewriter that my grandfather gifted to me when I was younger and the power of the written word.
Q: What advice would you give to first-time writers?
Remember that you are unique and no one can write like you. It’s important for you to write what is true to who you are, whether the story that you write follows the themes of other books you’ve read or is a one-of-a-kind storyline.
It was great to have a chance to talk with Tamsin and find out more about her and her writing. Tamsin’s visit and workshops were a wonderful start to the World Book Week activities which the girls throughout the school thoroughly enjoyed – these included guessing which villainous characters came to dinner and dressing up for World Book Day.
