Terri Martinez aka Author Terri D. lives in Harrisburg, PA. Her first novel was released in 2010 and since then she has written 6 novels, 10 Self-Care Journals, 3 Prayer Journals, and 7 blank journals. Terri is also a Certified Life Coach and loves to journal. She also runs a small publishing company, TDUB Publishing, which has 7 signed authors and recently was named the official publisher of Nathaniel Gadsden’s Writers WordShop.
First, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me! When did you know that writing is what you were called to do?
I started journaling as a young girl probably around age 8 or 9 but it wasn’t until after the release of my 1st Novel, Yesterday’s Lies that I realized that writing was something I was called to do.
What is it about being a writer that you love the most?
I love creating the characters and bringing them to life in such a way that readers can relate to them.
What about being a writer frustrates you the most?
If I have to pick one thing it would be the marketing aspect of being an author.
Can you tell us a little about your book(s) and where our readers can find out more about them and you?
My books are mainly about relationships and the challenges that my characters face in their lives as they navigate through the twists and turns that come with life. My original 3 part series follows a group of friends who grew up together and some things they experienced that challenged their friendships and love relationships. To find out more about me and my books you can visit my website or also my author page on Amazon.
Where do you draw your inspiration from for the stories that you manage to weave together and the characters that you create?
I’ve always been very creative and that is where most of my stories come from. I also think that some parts come from my personal experiences in life. In some cases, I take a piece of something I experienced or observed and turn it around to have the outcome I would have instead of how it actually turned out.
Do you have a schedule for when you write?
I do not write on a particular schedule. I write when the story comes to me.
Do you outline your novels?
I don’t outline the entire story but I do build character cards that have all the details about the various characters that I use to build their stories.
How long does it generally take you to finish a novel?
Anywhere from 6 months to a year would be the typical timeframe.
What projects are you currently working on?
I have a couple ideas I’m currently considering for my next novel but haven’t settled on which direction I’m going to go in yet.
What’s the first book you ever read that really moved you emotionally?
Yesterday I Cried by Iyana Vanzant.
Who is your favorite author to read?
Terry McMillan, V.C Andrews & ZANE
What book are you currently reading?
We are not like them by Christine Pride and Jo Piazza
What has been your most significant achievement as a writer thus far?
Being invited to do journaling workshops at my high school multiple times. Also, my Journaling for Self Care for Young Adults book is given to all incoming freshmen for the past several years.
Where do you see yourself within your career in the next five years?
I will continue to write books and self-care journals as well as help other authors realize their dream of being published.
How have you dealt with rejection within your writing career?
It was hard at first not to take it personally but in time I realized that everyone’s writing is for everyone. I appreciate the readers who do enjoy my work.
What is your advice for other writers to better be able to cope or navigate their way through the publishing process, be it traditional or self-publishing?
My advice is to do your research and make sure you maintain control of your work and your ability to take your writing career in the direction that you want it to go in.
Do you find it hard to juggle the creative side of being a writer against the business side of being a writer, in terms of marketing and promotion and things of that nature?
Yes, the marketing and promotion side of it has always been a challenge for me. It’s difficult for me to talk about myself.
How hard has it been (or easy) for you to build up your author platform?
It hasn’t been easy because I have so many other irons in the fire. Writing isn’t my primary means of income.
What unique quality is there about you, about your art, that you feel represents your authenticity?
I believe one thing that makes my writing unique is that I’m able to portray various perspectives of the characters very easily. I can take a scene and write from all vantage points in that scene. It comes very easily for me.
How does writing help you to be more empowered in your purpose?
Writing is my go-to self-care routine item. I’ve kept journals for many years as a way to express myself. Now that I’m gravitating more towards life coaching and counseling services I’ve been developing self-care tools to use with my clients. I will continue to write novels also.
Social Media Handles:
Facebook Author Terri D FB Page https://www.facebook.com/terri.colemanmartinez/
Facebook Author Page https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTerriD
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/author_terri_d/
Twitter https://twitter.com/AuthorTerriD
Website www.tdubpublishing.com
Author Website www.authorterrid.com
