Greetings from Sarah Sundin in California! Today I have the joy of interviewing one of the newest members of CAN, novelist Tara Taffera. Tara’s sharing about her third contemporary romance, Love Reunited.
Welcome, Tara! Please tell us about Love Reunited.
Elizabeth turns heads but has never moved on from Tyler. Ten years later, he crashes back in her life, but she can’t forgive him for the order he issued all those years ago. Slowly, a high school romance turns into more, but her secrets threaten to ruin their second chance.
A second-chance romance—what fun! What do you hope readers will take away from this book?
Always trust in God, no matter the situation. I also hope people will walk away valuing the strong friendships and family ties that I worked hard to create from the first book, and then carry it through to this one.
What was the hardest part of this book to write?
I always have a hard time, as many writers do, with the middle. But this middle wasn’t as difficult to write as the previous book in the series. Still, it is always the hardest part for me. I’m a pantser (seat-of-the-pants writer) for the most part, so I am sure that contributes to the challenge.
What’s your favorite scene in this book?
The epilogue! I love it so much, and it wasn’t in the first draft. But after I received my first set of edits back, I made some major revisions to the manuscript, and it was almost an afterthought to add it. But I think it completes the book and it’s definitely my favorite.
Fantastic! When did you first recognize God’s call to write for Him?
When I fully committed myself to my writing in 2019, I sat down and said my book (I’d already written about 20,000 words) was going to include Christian themes. I knew with certainty that’s what I was called to do. For years, I kept thinking that I was meant for more, and that I was called to share a message, and I knew this was it.
What a great story! So why do you write romance?
I am an avid reader of contemporary romance, so it made sense for me to write in this genre.
What is one thing about writing that you wish non-writers knew?
It’s a roller coaster of emotions. One minute you think your work is good, the next minute you think it stinks and wonder why you are doing it. If you love a book, tell us. Sometimes we question ourselves so much, that it’s always uplifting to hear when someone enjoys your writing.
So true! Now you’re fairly new at this writing business, but have you had any touching moments with readers?
I have two neighbors who love my books, and they told a third woman in the neighborhood about Love Ordained and she absolutely loved it. It tells the story of a widow, and this woman lost her husband, so she related to it. Anyway, they had been trying to get the two of us together, but it never happened. So, around Christmas, they had me come over and surprise her, and she was so happy to meet me! It was just a weird, funny, uplifting moment, and it reminded me how blessed I am to have such amazing people in my life.
I love it! So, what do you read for pleasure? What are you reading right now?
It’s funny because I am busier than ever, but I read whenever I have a spare minute. Right now, I have several books on my Kindle waiting to be read. I plan to read Let it be Me by Becky Wade next. I loved Stay with Me.
Do you have a “day job” or a previous career? Does it influence what or how you write?
I still have a day job as a journalist, and yes, in Love Unfailing, the main character is a journalist. They say write what you know, right? I also needed a sport to incorporate into Love Unfailing, and I chose baseball as my husband is a huge fan, so I have the most knowledge there, and what I don’t know he can help with—and does.
That’s wonderful that your husband helps! With a busy family, how do you stay disciplined and meet your deadlines?
I am very focused when I set a goal. Friends have told me that when I set my mind to something I always follow through. So I set mornings aside for writing before my work day. Then sometimes at night, I work on marketing related tasks when I have the brain power. A lot of my weekends are focused on writing and marketing as that’s when I have the most time to devote to it.
What’s coming next for you?
I just finished book three in a series, so next I plan to write a standalone Christmas romance. I finished the first chapter and an outline, so once I get through the launch of Love Reunited, that will be my focus.
I’m sure your readers will be thrilled to have another story winging their way! Thank you for sharing with us, Tara!
To learn more about Tara and her books, please visit Tara’s website and Tara’s blog.
Writing for Him,
Sarah Sundin