Exclusive Interview with
Teri M Brown
When did you start writing?
However, it wasn't until I finally got out of an emotionally abusive relationship in 2017 that I finally began writing novels. My debut, Sunflowers Beneath the Snow, came out in January 2022.
What makes writing your passion?
I have characters that live in my head who demand to be heard. I sometimes don't feel that I have a choice!
How long have you been writing?
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
I spent the first several months - from acceptance by the publisher until well into the first months of being published - crying with joy. I simply couldn't believe this dream had come true. Believe it or not, I felt the same way with the second book. I hope to feel this way each time I publish!
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
I don't believe in writer's block, per se. For me, I can't write when something else is top of mind. If I figure out how to solve that issue or shelve it for another time, then I can write again. It's a matter of clearing the brain to allow creativity.
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
Always, always, always believe in yourself. Never let anyone tell you that you aren't enough.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
I read every review. When I get a bad one, I remember that not every book is for every person. The review is simply one person's opinion.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
Who doesn't love a good review!!!! I like to pick out anything unique that hasn't been said before and then use those phrases in my social media posts!
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
Of course! I can't imagine an author who doesn't. For instance, in Sunflowers Beneath the Snow, I talked about post partum depression, which I experienced after the birth of all four of my children. In An Enemy Like Me, I used a couple of family stories related to WWII. Even when experiences are not identical, I often gather feelings from similar experiences. I can't imagine writing without doing that.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
There are three things that make someone pick up a book: the title, the cover, and the blurb on the back. These are important because without them, the book will sit on the shelf.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
I love to connect with my readers. I'll talk in person, Zoom, send an email, or even smoke signals! Anyone wanting to reach out, feel free to head to my website and send me a hello!
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
Who is your favorite author? Why?
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
What would you say to your readers?
Thank you! There is no way that I could be an author without someone who wants to read my work. Any success I have is completely dependent on the readers - I appreciate them so much!
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I live on the NC coast with my husband. I have four adult children and three adult bonus children, 10 grandchildren (with one on the way), and two great grandchildren plus all the spouses! We love having our family come to visit.
What is your day job if you have one?
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
I have many things I enjoy doing, including walking on the beach collecting shells at sunrise, playing bridge, ballroom dancing, cycling, kayaking, swimming, playing word games, reading, photography, and bargain shopping.
Did you have a happy childhood?
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
My husband and I rode from the coast of Oregon to Washington DC on a tandem bicycle (3102 miles). We raised money for Toys for Tots, and I healed from the toxic relationship I had been in for 14 years. After completing that journey, I realized that I was capable of anything I put my mind to, so I finally pushed to get Sunflowers Beneath the Snow to a publisher.
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
What is your favorite music?
I love most music and have very eclectic tastes. The only thing I don't care for is rap and heavy metal.
Share a secret with us 🙂