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.
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/