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| Tabitha "T.R." Freeman, Author GHOST STORY trilogy PRINCESS series BROKEN GLASS COYOTE CREEK |
International best-selling author Tabitha
“T.R.” Freeman writes about young adults to remind them they might have some
tough experiences to encounter, but there’s hope to overcome them. Her reviewers tout the uniqueness of her stories--young adult novels such as the GHOST STORY trilogy and
the more light-hearted PRINCESS series. But she also writes serious, contemporary fiction
books, such as, suicide in BROKEN GLASS and hating life in COYOTE CREEK, where she explores the dark side
of life. Although her books feature young adults, her readers span all
age-groups.
Before
Freeman became a full-time writer, she served as a manager for large-brand
hotel chains. She characterizes herself as a “loud, dramatic Southerner who
married a loud, dramatic Romanian railroader.” And when she’s not writing or reading
she’s enjoying life in her “Big-Fat-Greek-Wedding-Meets-Moonshining-Smokey-and-the-Bandit-on-Red
Bull reality.”
Don’t
miss the excerpt from BROKEN GLASS following the interview.
Q: You have
written and published the young adult (YA) GHOST STORY trilogy, PRINCESS
series, and young adult contemporary fiction books. What makes your books more
relevant to young adults? Why did you choose to write for young adults? Or
would you say that your books are about young adults but applicable to readers
of all ages?
Tabitha “T.R.”
Freeman: My
books are picked up by readers of all ages, which I think has become a general
norm for the YA genre today. I always knew the YA fiction genre was what I
wanted to focus on because that’s when the true bibliophile blooms. At that
teenage/young adult age, you’re shaping into who you’ll become and trying to
figure out what that means—and it’s the time in our lives when we read books
that one day will be something we look back on and remember…not only for the
story itself, but those books also tie us to certain moments in that really
important stage of our lives. There is no better memory trigger! The magic of
it is infinite, especially because when we pick up the same book we loved when
we were 15, we have a completely different experience reading it when we are 30
or 40 or 70.
As
far as my books being more relevant for young adults, I try to take myself back
to when I was reading at that age and what books shaped me. I try to cover
subjects that are pretty standard of life (i.e. heartbreak, grief, prejudice,
faith, etc.) but in a way that isn’t standard—a way that will reach out to a
younger reader. A way that says “Hey, you might go through something like this—just
like the character in the story—but it’ll all be okay in the end. Life moves on
and you will, too.” Hope is the reoccurring theme in everything I write, which
is something I believe we all need to see in any stage of life.
Q: Reviewers praise your character
development across all your books. How do you create engaging and memorable
characters?
Tabitha “T.R.”
Freeman: I write what I know—or who I know, rather. The human character
is so fascinating and complex, and as a writer, that provides an infinite
canvas for stories. I try to include several pieces of relatable personalities
in my characters—traits and situations that make readers go, “Ah hah! That’s
what I would do!” And I also try to
create characters that teach readers a little something about themselves in an
almost inner-combative kind of way…a character that initially pisses the reader
off with a decision that doesn’t seem right, only to have the reader change
his/her mind and say, “Wait, this mistake is relevant. I might have reacted this way, too.”
Q: What makes COYOTE CREEK “not your usual
love story” and “a fresh new love story?” (If this
involves spoiling the plot, please don’t divulge! Just tell us how you search
for and create unique plots.)
Tabitha “T.R.”
Freeman: COYOTE CREEK is centered on two
people who are in seemingly inescapable, heartbreaking situations that make
them hate life. You would think that misery loves company, right? Not in this
case. This love story is unique in that it uses the raw definition of real love. Real love brings out the best
in two people. The love story in COYOTE CREEK evolves because these two people
both look for sunshine in the dark together. That’s not a tale we see very
often.
Q: Why did you
decide to use “interview format” for BECOMING A PRINCESS?
Tabitha “T.R.”
Freeman: I
released BECOMING A PRINCESS after GHOST STORY and BROKEN GLASS, which are
really heavy reads. I wanted to give my readers something easier and a little
more light-hearted and fun. I chose the “interview format” for BECOMING A PRINCESS for a couple of reasons. The first was to draw in more self-proclaimed
“non-readers” and I truly believe the easier readability of the format really
achieved that. The fan base for the PRINCESS series is completely different
from the fan base for my other novels and I find that incredibly neat.
The
second reason I chose the unique format was because I wanted to write a story
that developed characters, setting, and theme all within just a dialogue. This was a challenge for me as a writer and I had
so much fun doing it, and I think—and hope—that this resonates with the reader.
Q: The Ghost
Story trilogy books are set in Scotland. Does this setting enhance the Ghost
Story plots? How do you use setting to tell your stories?
Tabitha “T.R.”
Freeman: Setting
is everything! Scotland—the Orkney Islands, specifically—was a character in
itself for the GHOST STORY trilogy. Scotland is not only beautiful and full of
rich history and culture, but it’s also a place of mystery and enchantment.
This was a setting that allowed me to help the reader smell the sea and taste
this new air as the main character, Eleanor, is catapulted blindly into an
unknown world. This is what setting should always be—one of the main
characters.
Q: You explore the darker side of life in BROKEN GLASS, a book
many reviewers site as “well worth the read.” What inspired you to write about
an attempted suicide and experience in an institution?
Tabitha “T.R.”
Freeman: Life is “normal” until it’s not. That’s
the reality for all of us. That is Ava Darton’s story in BROKEN GLASS. Her life
is much like most of our lives and in a second, she is absolutely shattered
beyond recognition. How or where can you find hope in a hopeless situation like
Ava’s?
Inspiration
for the suicide attempts in Ava’s story and her new life in an institution came
from the fear I think we all have inside of us—the fear in knowing that Ava’s
reality can happen to any of us. That fear that there is no end to the depths
we can fall.
It’s
a dark subject and it’s a tough emotional experience to read, but I believe it
offers something to readers of all ages. And I truly believe the YA age group
can handle this darker kind of subject matter, and in some cases, are much less
fragile than much older readers who have experienced more of life. I couldn’t
be prouder of BROKEN GLASS, and its continuous success and growing fan base
never ceases to shock and humble me. I can’t even put into words how incredibly
grateful I am that this story reaches out in such a positive way to so many
readers of all ages.
Q: You have written your books from
multiple points of view. Do you have a favorite? Why?
Tabitha “T.R.”
Freeman: I prefer to write in first person
because that’s when the most intimate story comes out. I appreciate writing
from a third person POV because it allows me to write from all angles and the
reader gets to see everything going on, opposed to just one view. However, with
that said, first person, to me, is not only more intimate, but it is also more
relatable to the reader. The reader gets to plop his/herself into the story directly
and immediately become “I, me, myself”. The reader becomes the character and is
finding things out as they go along, much like with real life. This also allows
me as the writer to surprise even myself with where the story goes sometimes.
Q: Do you write purely to entertain
your readers, or do you also strive to educate or deliver a message?
Tabitha “T.R.”
Freeman: It’s a mixture of both. I always have
a bigger message to deliver—but I’m going to entertain the heck out of you
while doing it!
Q: What’s next?
Tabitha “T.R.”
Freeman: I’m
currently doing a lot more blogging, and this is so my readers can get to know
me on a more personal level. We live in an age when authors and writers are no
longer mysterious because readers desire to know who’s behind the typewriter
now. So I’m trying to give in a little to that. I’m also working on three
projects: the third installment in the PRINCESS series, a Kieran Bruce
Highlander spin-off of the GHOST STORY trilogy, and a darker, post-apocalyptic
novel geared towards the older YA crowd of readers.
Q: Tell us
about Tabitha Freeman. What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Tabitha “T.R.”
Freeman: I’m
a loud, dramatic Southerner who married a loud, dramatic Romanian railroader.
So, when I’m not writing or reading, I’m soaking up all the hilarious real-life
shenanigans going on around me in my Big-Fat-Greek-Wedding-Meets-Moonshining-Smokey-and-the-Bandit-on-Red
Bull reality. It’s tons of fun and provides never ending writing material.
About
Tabitha “T.R.” Freeman
Tabitha
"T.R." FREEMAN is the international bestselling and award-winning YA
fiction author of the GHOST STORY
series and PRINCESS series, and the
explosive, social contemporary novels BROKEN GLASS and COYOTE CREEK. When she's
not writing, she's causing a ruckus with family and chasing around her Romanian
sweetheart.
Previously
a manager for large-brand hotel chains (and a lifetime, secret closet
bibliophile/writer), Tabitha happily traded in her 9-to-5 gig for a rewarding
career as a YA author. The best part: working from her home office, she gets to
spend more time with fictional characters, fellow booklovers, writers, and most
importantly, her muse---otherwise known as the love of her life/husband,
Laurentiu.
About
The Books
Molly
McGraw was enjoying her life in Savannah, Georgia as a nurse and longtime
girlfriend to her college sweetheart—until that normality is unpleasantly
interrupted by the death of a grandmother she barely knew. Now, Molly must pack
up everything and head out west to pick up where her grandmother left off—in
cleaning up the mess that is her older sister, Rainie.
Chayton
Lacroix was tolerating his life in Coyote Creek, Idaho as a hospital janitor
and lifetime caretaker to his chronically sick mother—until everything is
interrupted by the arrival of a new neighbor across the street. Southern,
sassy, and full of questions that no one ever dare ask, Molly McGraw turns
Chayton’s world—and heart—upside down.
Together,
Chayton and Molly will both learn the value of family, the darkness of
prejudice, and that no matter what their circumstances were before, they are
meant to make the ultimate stand in this quiet little town that has been asleep
for far too long.
Ava
Darton had it all: she was a beautiful, spunky blonde with a great group of
friends, an amazing fiancé, and a perfect career waiting for her as she was
about to graduate college at the top of her class. All this, and she was just
twenty-two years old.
And
in a matter of moments, it was all gone.
In
an instant, Ava’s perfect life turns into her perfect nightmare, and unable to
handle what her life has become, she attempts to end it. Failing miserably, she
lands herself in Craneville, a hospital for the mentally ill.
From
a tough psychiatrist to a locked-down cell to fellow patients talking in
riddles, Ava falls into a dark place, unsure of how to pull herself from this
personal entrapment. Stripped down to her rawest bits, Ava will discover if her
life was really ever perfect, or if she has just begun to figure out who Ava
Darton is.
**GHOST STORY (Book I)
**THE UNORDINARY (Book II)
**RISE OF THE BENEDICTS (Book III)
Eleanor Benedict was a quiet, kind-hearted, rich kid who
could prepare for a biology exam in an hour, but in no way could prepare for
her parents to die in a sudden plane crash, leaving her to inherit a
century-old manor in Scotland. An ordinary, and otherwise uneventful life
twists into anything but for Eleanor and her younger brother as they are thrown
into an utterly Unordinary existence, full of ghosts, monsters, magic, and a
true test as to how thick blood really runs.
PRINCESS SERIES
**BECOMING A PRINCESS (Book I)
**CATCHING A PRINCESS (Book II)
She is the most famous woman in the world—a former actress,
songstress, ex-girlfriend of the biggest rock star on the planet, and
magnetically privy to scandal. She is twenty-eight years old, but doesn’t look
a day over twenty with her petite, 5’2” frame and her dark hair teased in a
short pixie cut. Her beauty is that of premium natural selection—full pink
lips, high cheek bones, big blue eyes framed by impossibly thick eyelashes, a
button nose, and deep dimples set into a face of light freckles. This woman is
not of high birth, has no college degree, and has graced the covers of every
tabloid in the world for years.
And this woman has just married the prince of the devastated
country of Kenth. This woman has just joined the royal family of Aravica, a
monarchy ridden with their own share of unbelievable scandal and tragedy.
I invite you to embark on the most important interview ever
done—and one of the most significant conversations of our time.
Meet Bets Anthony. This is her story of becoming a princess.
The world was black for a long time. It
wasn’t a peaceful darkness, though. It was silent, but not quiet. No serenity,
no ease of knowing I was finally free.
My eyes opened slowly to a dim, yellow room. My eyelids were so heavy,
that I couldn’t focus sight on anything. Everything was fuzzy. I heard someone
talking.
“Is that Sylvia?”
“Yeah. Only, her name’s Ava.”
“Oh, I know. There just calling her Sylvia around here…has she woken up
yet?”
“Oh, no. She’s been out for a few days now.”
“Ever since her mother found her?”
“Yeah. She’s been heavily sedated.”
“Is her story true? Her boyfriend dies, so she goes crazy?”
“Yeah, that’s pretty much it. She says his name a lot. Ty-something or
other.”
“Sad story. Her mom’s really upset…hasn’t slept in days.”
“Yeah, the girl’s mental. If my kid was that crazy, I’d have her locked
up, too.”
“How many sleeping pills was it?”
“Twenty-eight. It’s a wonder she’s still alive. She’d be gone if her
mom hadn’t come home from work early and found her.”
I closed my eyes again.
I slept. Heavy sleep lacking the usual nightmares. I awoke, my eyes
opening fully to a brighter room. Things were fuzzy at first, but they
gradually came into focus. I immediately felt a presence next to me. I turned
my head slightly and saw Dr. Julianne Walker sitting in a chair next to my
hospital bed.
“Hi,” she said, giving me a grim smile. “It’s about time you decided to
join us again.”
“How long have I been out?” I asked, hoarsely.
“A week,” she told me.
“Your vacation,” I said suddenly. “You’re back already?”
“I came back early,” she said, quietly. “When I found out about you.” I
tried to remember. Ah, yes. The sleeping pills.
“I ran out of chocolate milk,” I said lightly, but she didn’t laugh…or
even crack a smile.
“Three strikes and you’re out,” she said, sighing. “Now, they won’t let
you go home.”
“Who won’t?” I demanded. “Nobody can tell me what to do—”
“Oh, yes they can,” she interrupted severely. “Now that you’ve tried to
kill yourself three times, the state of Virginia doesn’t think you’re capable
of being on your own—and frankly, I don’t either. It’s a wonder you weren’t in
here after the first time.”
“What!” I exclaimed. “You can’t keep me here against my will! I’m over
eighteen! I’m—”
“I guess you’ve never heard of involuntary commitment, have you, Ava?”
Julianne cut me off.
“You have to go through a trial to do that!” I spat, not fully
knowledgeable, really, of how involuntary commitment to a psychiatric hospital
worked.
“Oh no, I don’t,” she replied, in a very matter-of-fact tone. “Normally
someone, say, your mother, would have to petition to the court for you to be
admitted involuntarily. But you’re an emergency case, Ava. You are in such
critical danger to yourself that we had twenty-four hours to evaluate you and
decide if we could release you, even to court.”
“So it was your decision to imprison me in this place?” I
moaned.
“You’re here for sixty days, minimum,”
she went on, ignoring me. “And that’s only if you improve. If you don’t pass
your evaluation after sixty days, you’re looking at anywhere from ninety days
to a year in Craneville Institution.”
Links
Purchase links
COYOTE CREEK
BROKEN GLASS
GHOST STORY
(Book I)
Print Amazon
THE UNORDINARY
(Book II)
RISE OF THE
BENEDICTS (Book III)
BECOMING A
PRINCESS (Book I)
CATCHING A
PRINCESS (Book II)
Twitter
address: www.twitter.com/authorTRFreeman
Social
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