It was fun chatting with Author Tessa Lilly on her first day as a full-time author. She never thought that writing would give her this opportunity so soon.
The first thing she shared is that she really loves books. She’s been writing since she was a little girl. Growing up, she really loved reading, and as a hobby in elementary school, she started writing short stories.
She started publishing her stories in 2022. One of her close friends got sick that year. She started reading a lot, and she decided to try to publish her stories to connect to readers and other authors.
While she likes to plan a bit ahead, sometimes even she is surprised by the progress of the story. Her mind just comes up with unexpected twists and turns.
What’s your favorite genre?
Fantasy is her favorite. It’s just something that speaks to me.
What is the best thing about writing a romance?
It’s the feeling you get when they’re finally together, and they’ve overcome every challenge, every problem. The happy ever after.
What’s the biggest challenge in writing a romance?
There are several challenges to writing a romance, such as not being too cliche with the story. She also has to come up with something new, which is really challenging with so many writers out there.
Have you ever used any of the stories that you wrote when you were a child for your books?
Just the idea from one of them. I developed the concept and put it into my first published book, My Unexpected Mate.
Do you have any odd writing habits?
Not really. I just have to have coffee when I’m writing. “I’m addicted to coffee,” she said with a laugh.
“When I have writer’s block, I always play one song – Lily by Alan Walker. It always helps me. That’s where I get my pseudonym.”
What’s the biggest compliment you’ve received? What’s the worst criticism?
“I think the best compliment I got was about my book being a comfort book,” she mused. “Books are a comfort to me when I feel bad or sad or stuff like that. I just pick up my favorite book, and it’s such a comfort. So when my first reader commented that I was over-the-moon happy.”
Tessa shared there were criticisms regarding her style of writing or her grammar. English is not her first language, and she’s worked hard on that. “I do my best, but I make mistakes,” she admitted.
“There have been insults which I didn’t like, but I don’t pay attention to those,” she added.
Can you describe True Luna for new readers?
It’s a story about a girl who proves to the world you don’t have to be physically strong to be strong.
What do you want people to take away from the book?
The power of second chances, the power of forgiveness, and the power of family. That strength doesn’t only come in physical form. It’s also in the way we think, the way we love, the way we forgive. Even the way we move on, the way we fight.
New projects
She’s starting a new book about hybrids, witches, and werewolves. She doesn’t want to give spoilers at this point.
Advice for aspiring authors
Don’t give up. It’s hard. It may not look like you’re going to succeed. “I started publishing in early 2022 and wasn’t recognized until January of this year. That’s about a year,” she shared.
“Keep working on yourself. I actually love the fact that we can connect to the readers. Their comments helped me a lot to grow. So read those and take as much advice as you can from readers, other authors, publishers, etc.”
Social Media
Readers can connect to Tessa through the following:
- TikTok: author_tessalilly
- Instagram: @authortessalilly
- Facebook: Author Tessa Lilly
- Facebook Page: Author Tessa Lilly
- Pinterest: @authortessalilly
- Website: https://www.authortessalilly.com/
Tessa’s books are available through Amazon and GoodNovel.
You can read the review of True Luna Book on our sister site, slvrdlphn.com. Just click on the image below:
