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Tamara Davis is The Author of The Week
Tamara Miller Davis is a married mother of two, dance enthusiast, and U.S. Coast Guard veteran from Michigan. She has worked as a substitute teacher, taught English as a Second Language (ESL), and tutored students in California. A lifelong writer, Tamara published her debut novel in 2021 and has been creatively marketing it since.
Hello Tamara, welcome to BrandEducation! Tell me about yourself.
I am an author, fire captain’s wife, mother of two, parent club volunteer, pet owner, dance enthusiast, and U.S. Coast Guard veteran. After earning a bachelor’s degree and teaching credential, I began working as a substitute teacher, summer-camp ESL instructor, and tutor. I have published articles, participated in poetry readings, won a countywide inspirational essay contest, presented penned pieces at dance exhibits, spoken on several podcasts, and performed on stage as a storyteller.
Where are you from and where do you live?
I am from northern Michigan, and I live in southern California.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, reading, rollerblading, downhill skiing, boogie boarding, biking, kayaking, walking my dog, listening to podcasts, going to concerts, eating interesting foods, supporting causes, and finding common ground with a variety of people.
Can you tell us a little bit about your journey?
I moved from Michigan when I joined the military after high school. I am grateful for the learning experience, opportunities, and development during my four-year enlistment. I then got married (to a fellow Coast Guard veteran) and started college in California. I love school. I began working as a substitute teacher, summer-camp instructor, and tutor. These educational experiences shaped me as a person. I briefly worked for a brain injury center and decided to feature a brain injury survivor in my novel, which is set in a high school classroom. Through the characters and filter of fiction, I was able to creatively speak up for and explore causes I care about. I took an indie route to publication and am glad to be on this journey as a new novelist. I also write articles for the local chapter of a national Mom Collective, and I belong to several literary groups.
If you had to describe yourself in three words, what would they be?
I would say I’m reflective, detailed, and conscientious.
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What inspires you?
I’m inspired by books, art, and stories of resilience.
Share something your readers wouldn’t know about you.
It might surprise listeners to find out that I served in the U.S. Coast Guard as a boat crew member and marine radio dispatcher for a search and rescue unit in northern California. We would venture out into high seas in a 47-foot aluminum motor lifeboat. I then worked for a hazardous-materials response unit near San Francisco where I was trained to respond to oil spills in waterways.
How did you get into writing?
I’ve always journaled, had written articles, and wanted to do something bigger. I began drafting my manuscript in January of 2017 after “Santa” got me a laptop for Christmas. I dedicated the device to writing and made a New Year’s resolution to start a novel. The following year, Santa delivered a writing desk. I recommitted to the project, hoping it would grow into a printed story someday. I added a bookshelf to my workspace, and four years later (with professional editing, artful design, beta-reading, and book launch events), my paperback was published in the spring of 2021. My book baby was “born” on Mother’s Day. It has since amassed numerous 5-star reviews and won awards for contemporary romance and literary fiction.
What inspired you to write this book?
As a substitute teacher (and parent), I saw the consequences of students using cellphones in class and at school. I wrote (and write) from a place of curiosity, compassion, and concern.
Find out more at: : https://www.despitethebuzz.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/despitethebuzz/