In this Author Spotlight, we talk with Tammy Robinson Smith. Tammy recently came onto the Appalachian Shine podcast to talk about her writing career, her influences, and her efforts to promote Appalachian women writers. She took some time to field a few questions from us here at the AAG.
Q: The Ivy Creek Sewing Circle, was there anything in particular that influenced you to write that book?
A: The primary inspiration behind my writing The Ivy Creek Sewing Circle was the main character, Emmybeth. She first came to me as an inquisitive nine-year old girl who loved to listen to the adults talking and try to figure out what was going on in their lives, some of which directly or indirectly affected her. I realized as I wrote there was a lot of me in Emmybeth. I'm not sure why, except that I've always been inquisitive, but, even as a child I liked to listen to what the grownups were talking about. I realized if I was quiet and didn't bring attention to myself, I got to "stay in the room." Maybe I was just nosy. Lol.
Q: In the past you've been a champion of Appalachian women writers. Can you tell us about establishing your own publishing house and what led you to do that?
A: Well, first of all, I appreciate you calling me a champion of Appalachian women writers. It means everything to me to have you say that. I began writing my first novel in 2003. I tried to shop it to a couple of traditional publishing houses, but, it just seemed overwhelming, and I didn't get the feeling there was a lot of interest in publishing a book that by definition had such a narrow appeal. Perhaps if it were southern fiction or general women's fiction, it might have been different. Once I self-published, I realized there were probably other Appalachian women writers who were in the same position I had been in and I realized I could help them publish their work. It was a fulfilling part of my life for a long time.
Q: When did you first consider writing? Were there any writers in your family?
A:In elementary school, I loved it when the teacher would task us with writing a story. Then, in junior high I won an essay contest sponsored by a community civic group. I guess from there it just grew. I majored in Broadcast Journalism when I was in college and have made my living writing professionally whether reporting, public relations, or marketing for more than 35 years. Since the early 2000s, I've added fiction writer to the mix. And, yes, there are and were some talented writers in my family. Namely, my great-aunt, Bess McReynolds Becker. She was a regionally known poet and I am proud to admit I have an unpublished 600 page manuscript she wrote in the late 1940s which details my mother's family trip to work and live in Lake Tahoe, California for a year. The entire family went on that adventure and it's a fascinating story I hope to get published one day.
Q: Having worked in publishing, promoting, and marketing other writers, you now find yourself jumping into your creative side. After experiencing all of that, what advice would you give to new writers?
A: Honestly, just start. Start today, but also realize it is work. One needs to study, take classes and seminars, work with coaches, and surround one's self with other writers who are dedicated to their craft. Most of all, recognize some days will be hard. However, on the successful days, it will be worth it!
Q: The Ivy Creek Sewing Circle, was there anything in particular that influenced you to write that book?
A: The primary inspiration behind my writing The Ivy Creek Sewing Circle was the main character, Emmybeth. She first came to me as an inquisitive nine-year old girl who loved to listen to the adults talking and try to figure out what was going on in their lives, some of which directly or indirectly affected her. I realized as I wrote there was a lot of me in Emmybeth. I'm not sure why, except that I've always been inquisitive, but, even as a child I liked to listen to what the grownups were talking about. I realized if I was quiet and didn't bring attention to myself, I got to "stay in the room." Maybe I was just nosy. Lol.
Q: In the past you've been a champion of Appalachian women writers. Can you tell us about establishing your own publishing house and what led you to do that?
A: Well, first of all, I appreciate you calling me a champion of Appalachian women writers. It means everything to me to have you say that. I began writing my first novel in 2003. I tried to shop it to a couple of traditional publishing houses, but, it just seemed overwhelming, and I didn't get the feeling there was a lot of interest in publishing a book that by definition had such a narrow appeal. Perhaps if it were southern fiction or general women's fiction, it might have been different. Once I self-published, I realized there were probably other Appalachian women writers who were in the same position I had been in and I realized I could help them publish their work. It was a fulfilling part of my life for a long time.
Q: When did you first consider writing? Were there any writers in your family?
A:In elementary school, I loved it when the teacher would task us with writing a story. Then, in junior high I won an essay contest sponsored by a community civic group. I guess from there it just grew. I majored in Broadcast Journalism when I was in college and have made my living writing professionally whether reporting, public relations, or marketing for more than 35 years. Since the early 2000s, I've added fiction writer to the mix. And, yes, there are and were some talented writers in my family. Namely, my great-aunt, Bess McReynolds Becker. She was a regionally known poet and I am proud to admit I have an unpublished 600 page manuscript she wrote in the late 1940s which details my mother's family trip to work and live in Lake Tahoe, California for a year. The entire family went on that adventure and it's a fascinating story I hope to get published one day.
Q: Having worked in publishing, promoting, and marketing other writers, you now find yourself jumping into your creative side. After experiencing all of that, what advice would you give to new writers?
A: Honestly, just start. Start today, but also realize it is work. One needs to study, take classes and seminars, work with coaches, and surround one's self with other writers who are dedicated to their craft. Most of all, recognize some days will be hard. However, on the successful days, it will be worth it!
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