Author Spotlight: Thia Finn

August 16, 2018 • News

CJC: How did you get started as an author and what made you want to pursue that field?
TF: I wrote my first novel while I was in high school. We didn’t have too many opportunities to do creative writing but when we did, I wrote my assignment and several others!

I went on to get a degree in English Lit.

Life got in the way for many years and writing moved to the background. After retiring from teaching for 34 years, I finally had the time to pursue it again.

CJC: What hurdles have your overcome while striving towards your goals?
TF: Just like education and only teaching, you can’t simply write and produce novels. I had to learn about marketing, networking with readers and others involved in the industry. Not everyone is out to help and I’ve been burned a few times. If I didn’t love the creative side, I might not have stuck with it.

CJC: Which novel has been your favorite to write and why?
TF: Hayden’s Timbre and Half Sac are equally my favs. Hayden’s Book is a single dad story from father/son characters in the rockstar romance series, Assured Distraction. I loved these two because they were such solid characters I truly connected with.

In Half Sac, it is loosely based on a true story of someone I knew many years ago. The story is about an injury to a teenager that alters his life. In the real story, it was the end of his football career but in Half Sac, it causes the main character’s personal life to have peculiarities. These lead to some interesting times in the bedroom.

CJC: For those looking to become an author, what advice would you give them?
TF: Write, write, write! Then grow a thick skin because they will need it. If they aren’t truly dedicated, find another avenue for creativity.

CJC: Favorite motto?
TF: “She believed she could, so she did.” My dad told me all the time I could do whatever I wanted. He pushed me to follow my dreams even when he wasn’t 100 percent on board with it (like marrying at 18).  He’s been gone for 6 years now but I wear a bracelet with the motto on it. Oh and I’ve been married to my husband for 42 years!

CJC: In one word, how would you describe your writing style?
TF: Eclectic.

CJC: Which author inspires you the most and why?
TF: Leslie McAdam. She makes me want to be a better writer because after I read one of her books, I strive to achieve her style. It’s concise and clean, yet she tells a beautiful story.  I’m amazed how she can use so few words and instill such emotions.

CJC: What is your writing process like?
TF: I usually have an entire story written in my head before I write a word. Then I’ll sit at my breakfast table and start typing. I write from beginning to end. Some authors skip around or leave out scenes until later. I cannot do that. My characters need to tell their whole story.

I try to write about 3k a day. The next day I edit the day before’s work and then move forward.

CJC: Goals for the remainder of the year?
TF: I’m working with a psychic on her story that is not romance. I’m determined to finish it before the year is out. The writing is very different from what I’m used to so it’s been more difficult.

CJC: What new projects are you currently working on?
TF: I’m writing part 2 to Becks with Jamieson Fitzpatrick on the cover. The reviews have been wonderful and the suspense from part 1 has my readers dying for part 2!

I’m also going to write one more football book.

CJC: Any final thoughts you would like to share with the CJC Photography readers?
TF: I want to thank the readers who have found my books and appreciated them! The covers I create from your photographs capture the attention, so I’m always excited when I get a new one to work with but that’s only the initial draw. My stories have to keep them coming back for more.

CJC: Thank you so much Thia for taking the time to partake in this interview and also for featuring my work of Jamieson on the cover of Becks. Copies are available for purchase here.
To stay up to date with all of Thia’s upcoming releases follow her on Facebook.

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