Tiva Wallon is the author of A Donovan to Love, Atwater Castle: Gateway to Hell, The Way It Used to Be: A Second Chance, Donovan's Way, An Older Man, Donovan's Promise, and Jacks of All Trades. This interview was first published in October 2007.
Where were you born and raised?
I was born in St. Pete Florida and lived there until I was in my mid teens. I have traveled to many places in the world but always come back home to Florida.
What was it that first got you into writing and when did you start writing?
I have always been very creative. As a child I used to make up stories. There were very few kids in my neighborhood to play with so I had to occupy my mind some how. The first thing I wrote was a romance about an Olympic star. The ice skaters always held my interest.
Which writers have influenced you the most?
Connie Mason, Nora Roberts, Debbie MacComber, Stephen King, so many, too many to name.
What kind of things do you write?
I mostly write romance but have branched off to erotica and paranormal. I also write children's spiritual, family and sci-fi. My goal is to write something in every genre and after I accomplish that, then I will write something in every sub-genre. To date, all of my books have been rated 5 stars for superior reads. And my Christmas anthology has been highly rated by the Romantic Times Magazine and will be featured in the Dec 2007 issue.
What are you working on now?
I have several things I am working on. I have crossed over to the dark side and am writing a romance novel involving werewolves and another one with vampires. I have a cook book, a book of poetry, a coffee table photo book, book 2 of my children's series books and another 2 books on my 9 book erotica series. Also another anthology for Valentine day.
What is your writing day like?
Well, I write every day. I also hold a full time job so after dinner I will hit the computer and spend several hours creating.
What’s the most exciting thing about writing for you?
When I hear people say they have read my books and love them. When I get highly rated reviews and nice emails.
What’s the most frustrating thing about writing for you?
When I meet jealous people or someone I have helped to become published and they don't appreciate all I have done for them. Not that I want anything from them.
What’s the best piece of feedback that you’ve had from your audience?
That they loved reading my books and can't wait for more to come.
Do you write for a particular audience, or is your first priority to satisfy your own creativity?
I mostly write romance but at times a story can take a turn in another direction and become a different genre all together. Like my latest book in the Donovan Dynasty series. It was supposed to be very erotic. But as the story developed, it became a nice romance for anyone to read. The characters in my stories take on a life of their own and I let them lead me as I write.
Do you have a homepage? Do you have any short stories or poems published online? (If so, please provide the URLs):
Yes, you can visit my home page at www.tivawallon.com or on www.myspace.com/tivawallon and I am the founder of the "Florida Published Author Tour Group." (Not just for Fl. authors) I arrange book signings and invite other authors to join me. This group is the first and only author group dedicated to giving back to the community. It's my way of helping others. I have 10 books out now and with each book I split the royalties I make and donate half to several different charities, homeless shelters and needy families. At Christmas I select a needy family with children and make sure the kids have presents under the tree.
