I'm happy to welcome a special guest today, an author I’ve had the pleasure of knowing for many years since our time with the same publisher. Renowned for her captivating paranormal romance novels, she has a gift for weaving stories that keep readers turning the pages late into the night. Beyond her talent for storytelling, she shares my love of animals, which shines through in the warmth and compassion she brings to her work and her life.
Tena reached a major milestone with her debut novel, A Demon’s Witch, published September 25, 2015. By the end of that year, it had hit the bestseller list. The novel also gained several awards from The Paranormal Romance Guild and The Romance Reviews, just to name a few.
Let's get to know more about the author behind the words...
BEHIND THE WORDS
Writing Journey
1. When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I began writing stories as soon as I could hold a pencil. I wrote stories for my friend's birthdays, and Christmas. I continued to write stories most of my life.
2. What was the first piece you wrote that made you feel like a writer?
A Demon’s Witch. I couldn’t believe it when I received the email from The Wild Rose that offered me a contract.
Writing Routine
1. What does a typical writing day look like for you?
Things have changed since my husband retired. But usually I spend the first two hours of my day on promo, answering emails, etc. Then I write for a few hours, lunch, then an addition 3-4 hours writing.
2. Do you have any writing rituals or habits?
Right after breakfast I retreat to my writing cave. I firmly believe that you train your brain to be creative when you sit down to the computer at the same time each day and write. If you snatch times to write during your day, getting your computer or pad and pen out can have the same training effect.
Tools & Environment
1. Are there any tools, books, or apps you rely on for your writing?
I have the Angela Ackerman and Becca Publisi series that I turn to when I get stuck.
2. Describe your writing space.
I have my writing cave all set up (small office). Two screens, two computers, a tiny purple dragon and a gryphon figurine that sits below my main screen. Dragons and fairies, and all my book shelves all keep me company.
(Tena's writing cave.)
Motivation & Creativity
1. How do you balance writing with the demands of everyday life?
Lately it’s been difficult. My husband retired and we left on an RV adventure for 3 months. Preparing for that and returning took a lot more time than I anticipated. But it was a blast. Before that I wrote first then took care of the other things that demanded my time.
2. Do you ever dream about storylines or characters?
Oh all the time. A lot of my books came from dreams, others came from activities such as camping, road trips, sometimes headlines.
Personal Connection
1. Has writing ever helped you process something difficult in your life?
Writing takes me to that special place where I’m immersed in my stories rather than dealing with real life.
2. Has there ever been a moment when a real-life event clicked into place as a story idea?
Yes, in Charm Me. It was born from a puppy class I took and a yoga instructor who was also attending the class, and our discussions outside of class.
Publishing & Career
1. What was the most surprising part of the publishing process?
How hard it was. The competition, and changing landscape.
2. Has being a published author changed the way you write or approach storytelling?
Not really.
Audience
1. Have readers ever interpreted your work in a way that surprised you?
Yes. One reader said the A Demon’s Witch was a political thriller. I still haven’t figured that one out.
2. What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
Write from the heart. Write what you know. Do your research. Enjoy the process.
Reflections
1. How has your writing style or voice evolved over time?
I don’t think my style or voice has changed, but my ability to write different genres has evolved. I guess more confidence that I can do what I set my mind to.
2. What does success look like for you as an author?
Writing novels that my readers enjoy and receive awards and good reviews.
The author behind the words.
1. If your life were a novel, what would the title be?
Holy Cow What a Mess.
2. What hobby do you love that has absolutely nothing to do with writing?
Training my parrot and dog. Working on my website tenastetler.com
BEHIND THE BOOK
Book Title: Security Force of Two
Tagline: A former CIA agent & a Special Forces vet return to their small hometown only to discover a murder complicates their lives.
Publication Date: March 20, 2023
Genre: Paranormal Mystery
Inspiration 1. What inspired the idea or theme behind this book?
A few years ago, I attended a writing conference. I had lunch with an individual from a publishing house. She was a hoot and talked about her father who was the chief of police for a small town. Growing up in that small town she knew everybody’s business more than most, being the chief’s daughter. Nothing really bad ever happened in her town.
Our conversation got me to thinking, which is always a dangerous thing. (lol) What if the police chief of thirty-five years retired? What if his replacement succumbed to an untimely death in that tiny town that never saw much crime, let alone a violent murder? What if the retired police chief’s daughter left the CIA for a quiet life only to become mixed up in the investigation? The what-ifs went on and on. I made notes and stored them on my computer.
As it turned out, when I arrived home from the conference, an email awaited me. The book, my debut novel, A Demon’s Witch, I was pitching at that conference was contracted by another house, The Wild Rose Press, which has since published eighteen of my books and counting. In my excitement, the file was completely forgotten.
Years later, I came across the file and reviewed it. Security Force of Two was born. I keep thinking, someday I should drop the individual an email and let her know our conversation inspired my new release. Then again, maybe not. (lol)
Structure
1. Did you plot out the story of this book, or write as the story came to you?
I can’t plot my way out of a paperbag. I am a punster. The story unfolds as the characters direct me.
Reader Experience
1. What message do you hope readers take away from reading this book?
That friends and family are the most important people in your life, as well as be true to yourself and beliefs.
FINAL THOUGHTS
1. If writing super-powers existed, what super-power would you want?
Speed and creativity.
2. What one thing would readers be surprised to learn about you?
I was a DJ for a classic rock radio station for a couple of years.
3. Where do you hope to see your writing career in five years?
On the New York Times Best Seller list.
4. What do you like most about being a writer?
Creating stories for people to enjoy. Take them away from their ordinary words and into a fantasy world they may never want to leave.
5. What do you like least about being a writer?
Trolls. People that must cut down others to make themselves feel better. Well, I guess you find that in any walk of life or occupation.
Thank you, Tena, for sharing your writing journey with us today!
Learn more about Tena and her books:
Tena Stetler is an international best-selling author of award winning paranormal tales. Some call her crazy others creative. She deals with the voices in her head by writing them down and creating a fantasy world and characters you won’t soon forget. Her books tell tales of magical kick-ass women and mystical alpha males that dare to love them. Travel, adventure, magic, and a bit of mystery flourish in her books along with a few companion animals to round out the tales.
Colorado is home; shared with her husband of many moons, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a fifty-year-old box turtle. When she’s not writing, her time is spent kayaking, camping, hiking, biking or just relaxing in the great Colorado outdoors.
www.TenaStetler.com https://books2read.com/u/bMN2X5
