Interview with Teresa Tysinger

Jack can’t believe his childhood crush is back. As the owner of Bowdon’s Supplies, and once again the town’s most eligible bachelor, he offers to help Livy with repairs. Together they embark on the project—and an undeniable whirlwind romance. 

But it’s not all smooth sailing. Can they survive the destructive pain of their pasts to discover God’s grace waiting to renovate their hearts?”

Thanks, Toni! The inspiration for Someplace Familiar started with a wish to honor my own family roots. Our heroine, Livy, comes to Laurel Cove for a fresh start while she fixes up her grandmother’s cottage where she used to spend summers as a child. The cottage is inspired by my own memories of visiting my great-grandmother’s cute bungalow home. These are some of my most cherished memories and I wanted to somehow immortalize them, if that makes sense. So, much of what readers will see of Livy’s memory and the house itself comes from my own life.

That’s so sweet! Can you hint as to what makes Livy and Jack’s story so intriguing?

While we all probably go to books for a sort of escape from everyday life, I’d bet that many readers are like me and also want to read about characters with whom they can relate. Jack and Livy are no strangers to disappointment and heartbreak – pretty familiar to many of us at one point or another. And yet, despite their lack of happy endings (so far), they encounter this undeniable attraction between each other while discovering a connection from their childhoods. Theirs is a story of learning to believe in the hope of new love.

Relatable characters are necessary! That’s what makes reading so awesome. 🙂 Is Laurel Cove, NC a fictional town? If so, did you fashion it after a real place and what kind of research did you do?

It is fictional, however very much inspired by a real place. I attended college in the mountains of North Carolina. My best friend there was from a few towns over, so I spent many weekends at her family home in Burnsville, NC. I fell in love with this quaint, charming place. While not entirely a mirror of Burnsville, Laurel Cove very much reflects some of my favorite parts of the place I hold dear. If I had questions along the way, I’d ask my friend, who still lives in the area. I also researched things like plants indigenous to the area, crops grown at certain times of the year, etc.

So neat! Now I really want to read Someplace Familiar. As a writer, I’m sure you’re an avid reader as well. What book(s) are you currently reading?

I most recently finished True to You by Becky Wade – and LOVED every page of it. Next up is Sweetbriar Cottage by Denise Hunter. Can’t wait to dive in!

Yes!!! True to You is such a fantastic read. I want to read Denise Hunter’s as well, but haven’t had the opportunity yet. You Indie published this novel. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers deciding between traditional publishing and Indie?

Truthfully, my biggest advice is to research both processes and decide which is best for you. Each option works for different people. For me, in this particular phase of life, I need to maintain control over the timing of my books. I know signing on with a traditional publisher often requires meeting strict deadlines and producing the next book according to a certain time table. I need more flexibility to write as a secondary career (I already have a fulltime job). Indie publishing allows me this flexibility and I’ve also found it’s fun to be so involved in every aspect of the process.

Great advice! How about some personal questions? I promise nothing too personal. 🙂 
Hot dogs or hamburgers?

Oh, I love both! But I think I’d have to ultimately pick a cheeseburger.

I’m going to have to agree. Lake or ocean?

Ocean. I could sit and listen to the ocean waves all day long!

Yes! Spring or Fall?

Fall. There’s nothing like the crisp air and coziness of autumn.

*Shudder* The only thing good about fall is football. 😉 I’ll take spring. Manicure or pedicure?

Hmm…manicure. I hate my feet and always feel self-conscious letting someone touch my feet!

Lol, I get that. And last but not least, how can readers help support you in your writing journey?

I love connecting with readers! The best way is to sign up for my newsletter. I only send it out when there’s something exciting worth telling you about (so, no crazy commitment!).  Visit here to sign up.