We had the good fortune of connecting with Tamara Davis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tamara, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
In his memoir “On Writing,” Stephen King wrote, “You must not come lightly to the blank page.”

I appreciate this prompt because it reminds me to write with purpose. The composition process requires responsibility and creativity. To me, writing feels personal, professional, and productive. I like using my passion to potentially inspire people.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My path toward becoming a published author includes moving from Michigan, serving a four-year enlistment, marrying a Californian, enrolling in college, earning a bachelor’s degree, obtaining a credential in English, working as a part-time teacher, and parenting two kids.

As an educator, I noticed children using cellphones in class. I wanted to explore the notion of tech’s toll. So, once upon a time, I started outlining a story to present various viewpoints. Research discoveries informed my parenting and writing choices.

I used my teacher training and experiences to imaginatively speak up for digital wellness and other timely topics through the filter of fiction. The chapters of my novel come from a place of curiosity, compassion, and concern. The realistic story is mostly set in a reflective writing classroom because I try to encourage writing as a regular habit.

Nowadays, I submit monthly articles to the Ventura County Mom Collective. Authoring a book gave me the confidence to continue sharing my written work.

As a new (indie) author, I didn’t know much about the business of publishing or promotion. So, I attended conferences, took virtual webinars, and joined writing groups. Building a book connected me to creatives. I’m still learning, but I’m proud of my published product. The writing, editing, design, beta-reading, and formatting process took over four years. After my initial book launch events and efforts, I continued to creatively market my novel (and its meaningful messages) in ways that feel fitting.

I’m happy to report that “Despite the Buzz” won awards for contemporary romance and literary fiction from thebookfest.com! The cautionary tale concerns technology’s influence upon learning, relationships, safety, and wellbeing. The artful story is educational and exciting! A new high school teacher raises awareness about screen use, but she doesn’t realize the danger lurking. Contemporary communication dramatically impacts the Californian characters.

By depicting demands upon teachers and providing understanding to those who grew up before current trends, the mixed-media and multi-generational book aims to build rapport among members from different schools of thought. “Despite the Buzz” is recommended for readers over 14 years of age. The colorful novel contains educational resources and bookclub questions.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in the Ojai Valley, north of LA, within Ventura County. I would recommend visiting the Ventura Harbor, rollerblading or biking near the pier, boogie boarding at the beach, listening to live music on Main Street, venturing to Ojai, checking out the museum, browsing Bart’s Books, walking Shelf Road, touring Lake Casitas, hiking around Land Conservancy properties, strolling through Libbey Park, seeing what’s happening at the Art Center, taking a dance class, shopping at Poppies, grabbing a local bite or brew, and getting a glass of wine.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to thank my husband for supporting me on this authorship journey. Gratitude also goes to loved ones near and far (I’m originally from Michigan). My novel is dedicated to my kids, my resilient mom, thoughtful teachers, families impacted by cancer, and brain injury survivors.

Website: https://www.despitethebuzz.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamaramillerdavis

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-davis-094499238

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/despitethebuzz

Other:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58341719-despite-the-buzz

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/tamara-miller-davis_2021

https://venturacounty.momcollective.com/author/tamaramillerdavis

Image Credits
Image credits go to David Reeser of Ojai Digital Design and Alyson Berg of Alyson Berg Photography

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