Interview with Tammy Campbell Brooks
Author of The Ghetto Blues
Tammy Campbell Brooks is a native of San Antonio, Texas where she resides with her husband and two children.
She enjoys reading, writing, and studying American history as hobbies.
The Ghetto Blues is her debut book written about true events that occurred in her life.
The successor of The Ghetto Blues novel, "Daddy Issues" is set to be released in 2020.
Tammy released a short poetry and quotes read, "Unapologetic Poetic" on August 06, 2018 that's dedicated to her sister, Terrie Campbell Thornton.
Tammy and her daughter, Tahirah are the authors of a two book young adult fiction series, Tar Baby and Tar Baby 2(Tianna's Story) Available on Amazon.
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How would you describe The Ghetto Blues to a new reader?
- A captivating story about a young lady that encountered many barriers in life but had the will to never give up. An inspiring read of trepidation, tragedy, and triumph!
To what extent is The Ghetto Blues based on your own experiences?
- It's an autobiography. It's 100% of my own experiences.
The Ghetto Blues is a good example of this genre. Who has inspired you?
- Life and experiences have inspired me. I don't take anything for granted and I'm appreciative of what I've gone through and accomplished because it has built character and ambition in me. I was able to learn and grow.
You make good use of locations in the book – there’s a real sense of place. Are these locations significant for you?
- Yes, locations are where I grew up and live.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors? How would you advise a new author about traditional publishing versus self publishing?
- If you have a story to tell, which I feel everyone does then by all means tell it. Don't let anyone keep you from sharing it. Self-publishing opened the door for you. Take advantage of it and please don't wait around for decline letters from traditional published.
Which authors do you most admire? Which qualities, in particular, have influenced your writing?
- There are too many authors that I admire to name just one. I would include myself in the list, too.
The Ghetto Blues is a thrilling read, a real page turner. How important was it to you to write with pace and energy?
- It's very important for me to write a book that would interest people and keep them turning the pages. I get bored with books that are not page-turners. I don't want to do the same to my readers.
If The Ghetto Blues were to be adapted for TV or film, who would you see in the lead role? Who did you have in your mind’s eye when you wrote him/her?
- I would have my children in the lead roles. My teenage daughter and tween adult son.
How have readers responded to The Ghetto Blues?
- My readers have responded better than expected. Women tell me all the time how they could relate to my story and thank me for writing and sharing it.
The Ghetto Blues has 4.4 stars out of 5 on Amazon(9 reviews).
Where next? What are you working on now?
- I'm going to keep doing what I love and that's writing.
I have written a two-part series book titled, "Tar Baby" and it's available on Amazon.
