[Madhu, After Dark] Tina, can you tell us a little about yourself? What's your background in writing, where did it begin?

[Tina, Featured Author] I'm Tina Fausett and currently live in Oklahoma but part-time in New Orleans. I have two children and a granddaughter, who by the way, introduced me to Wattpad.

I began writing in grade school, short stories, poems. Always an avid reader, I think I was born to tell my own stories. "To Kill a Mockingbird" when I was 9 or 10 really lured me in, but when I was 11 or 12 and read "Gone With the Wind", I was hooked. Everyone has a story...some of us just have to tell theirs.

[M] "To Kill a Mockingbird" is one of my favourite books too! You wrote Tit For Tat for one of our contests. Where did you get the inspiration to write it?

[T] Actually, it stems from a real relationship...much like Emily and Jackson's 12 year friendship. Then I threw in a few past experiences, added a touch of imagination, and there you have it.

I typically try to write what I know about so the characters are believable. I use parts from conversations I've actually had with people. I've made that drive from the Denver Airport and bantered back and forth. It's fun for me to draw from my memory and be able to use old things while creating something new.

[M]The drive must've been funny. What are your hobbies? What do you like do to past time?

[T] The drive was very amusing.

Writing is my passion. I guess I'd have to say painting, traveling, spending time with loved ones...with a business and writing, I have so little time left over. I love sitting on my porch with family and friends, sharing some wine, conversation, laughter and stories.

[M] And we have a multi-talented writer!

I'm sure your readers will love to know what's the next story you're planning to write?

[T] I've just finished a continuation of Tit for Tat called "Touche". I really enjoy the Emily and Jackson characters and plan on writing more chapters of their crazy, love, friendship.

I have a book that's been featured in Romance for over a year titled, "Nightchild" and have been planning on doing a sequel to it. But I've gotten so caught up in "A Shift in the Universe" and its insanely odd, yet wonderful (in my eyes) characters, that I can't tear myself away from them.

"A Shift in the Universe" is the first book in the Collision Series. I recently completed it and am now in the process of doing one last edit. I've already written several chapters for book two, "When Worlds Collide" but haven't posted them yet.

I have poetry that I'll be posting intermittently and have been playing around with the idea of trying my hand at a screenplay.

[M] I've read Tit For Tat and the sequel. I loved them and I'm looking forward to reading the next part!
One thing I've noticed from in your books, is that your characters have varied mannerisms, but what five adjectives would you use to describe yourself?

[T] Only five? Well...kind, generous, grateful, fun and loving. That's just the first layer.

[M] :P I wouldn't mind if you dumped a whole load of them on me!
My version of fun would probably be going out for drinks with the gang and doing something like getting a tattoo just for the heck of it. But, if you'd get something tattooed, what would it be?

[T] Well that sounds like fun to me, too. I have considered getting a tattoo for a long time, like you, just for the heck of it. Probably a shamrock on me bum. I'm a bit playful, slightly crazy, respectful, dedicated. I'm definitely at a point in life that I'm not really too concerned about what other people think of me...I am what I am and that's all that I am....

[M] *hugs you* I got to that point where I'm never concerned about what people *cough* haters *cough* think of me, but I guess I was hardwired that way when I was born. Funnily enough, my iPod was on shuffle and Twenty Pilots song was playing saying "my name's blurry face and I care what you think." :P
Talking about haters, what is one thing you hate to do? In writing or otherwise.

[T] Haters, naysayers, bullies...awful people trying to douse the fires of their own insecurities with other people's blood. Awful...but it's fun to stand up to them and watch them slink away.

I don't hate much of anything. I dislike small talk...for goodness sake, can't people just be real and who they are. I find it tedious and boring.

In writing, I think it's the detailed editing and all the notes on who's who, keeping dates straight...I try to be as accurate as I can, so characters and locations feel real.

By the way, thank you for liking Tit for Tat and Touche. Writers, like any artist or person who creates, love affirmation. It encourages them to keep working on their craft. It validates and lifts the spirit.

[M] <3 I loved the books! They felt so real like I was actually in the room with them.
If for whatever bizarre reason, you get sucked into one of your books, what would you do if you were in Emily's place in 'Tit For Tat'?

[T] I'd do exactly what she did...no contact...let him suffer and wonder...go out and have fun...then pull a switch. I write from past experiences, fantasies, other people's stories. There's a part of me in every character, even the male ones.

When I write, I'm there...I'm living and feeling what they are. I am always sucked in...we are what we think.

[M] You have written a date scene in your book, but, what is your ideal first date?

[T] Simple...really simple. Dinner and wine... Or perhaps inviting a man for an evening on my porch, that's like an outdoor living room, with my beautifully insane, charismatic family... Love me...love my kids...and they always do. Wine, cocktails, music, laughter, heavy hors d'oeuvres...it's comfortable and eases the first date jitters.

[M] That sounds like a perfect date! Talking about kids, what was the one cartoon character you loved as a kid?

[T] Peanuts...pretty much all the characters...of course Charlie Brown and Snoopy were and still are my favorites. When my children were little, we lived in the country and I did a pumpkin patch so we could wait for the great pumpkin...and I always wanted the less than perfect Christmas tree. I treasure the Peanuts stories and characters...still.

[M] Peanuts are one of my favourite comic strips. Sad that they stopped producing the old cartoons! :/
What is the only thing you'd tell your younger self, as of today?

[T] Don't sweat the small stuff. It's all small. Don't listen to naysayers, haters and bullies or they'll drag you down and suck the life out of you. They're probably just jealous of you anyway. Believe in yourself and only deal with positive energy. Know that miracles do happen...I've seen them. It's true, this too shall pass.

Live life to the fullest. Don't give up on your goals. Don't be in such a hurry to get married and settled down, because that means you're probably settling. Know that it's possible for many loves to come into your life.

Travel...have experiences and adventures and learn to embrace change...don't give up, don't roll over, and always do what you're passionate about and makes you happy.

On this subject, I could go on endlessly, but I'll spare you.

[M] We have an alarmingly similar mindset. What is the one thing you'd tell budding writers?

[T] Keep writing!!!! That's what my agent in New York told me many moons ago. That was the one thing. But there's so much more. The only way to hone any talent or craft is practice...it's like playing a piano...it takes work and dedication.

[M] What's your take on the various books available on Wattpad?

[T] There's some great writing out there, but I'm going to have to be honest here. Because of owning a business, having family, a home to maintain, going back and forth to New Orleans, traveling and writing, editing, etc. with every spare moment I can squeeze in, I simple don't have the time to read a lot.

Plus, I've always had a rule about not reading other people's works while I'm in the writing process. For me it can be counterproductive. I don't want another writer's voice to influence mine. But I do look at works when I'm not in writing mode or I'm traveling.

This is such an amazing platform for writers of all stages. I sometimes get asked by an author to read their story. I'm always delighted to do so and flattered. I'm amazed at how good some of them are...but some lack experience and/or knowledge of the craft. Others I'm blown away by.

I've read some amazing works that no one reads or knows about. That's why wattpad is so important to me. It give writers a chance to get it out there...to keep writing.

[M] That's a good thing, I guess. Your writing is very precise and completely ardent!
I'd like to thank you for taking the time to talk to me! :) It's been a very pleasant experience!

[T] Thank you for the compliment...I try. I think it's critical that young writer's try not to mimic someone else's style and find their own voice.

You are so very welcome. It's been a pleasure and honor to meet you. And I'm looking forward to reading more of your works.