I’m a novelist, editor, and writing mentor. Basically, when I’m not writing my own stuff, I help other writers who want to see their books in bookstores. I give advice, moral support, and edit/advise on submission packages or full manuscripts.And when I’m not doing that, I’m chasing my kids or flying around the country with my pilot husband!
2: What is your biggest life lesson?
Oooh, though seemingly simple, that’s a really great question. I used to get caught up in what people thought of my writing and my career successes or failures, like whether or not my stories were in big publications or if my book would get a publisher. It wasn’t until I reached those goals that I realized people wouldn’t like me more or less based on any achievement. Of course there are those who will act nicer because they think you can help them, and there are some who will be jerks because they’re jealous and bitter. But not only are those people few and far between, none of them were ever your friends anyway. Those guys worth your time, and the people who are will love you through any failure. I wish I’d known that way back in high school!
3: What is your biggest achievement?
Honestly, it was giving birth to my second child without any medication. I desperately wanted to avoid a second c-section and difficult recovery, so I hired a doula (best money ever spent) and attempted the seemingly impossible. After I managed to get through hours of unimaginable pain and exhaustion, I felt the most intense sense of achievement. I’m a pretty Type A, high-achiever, but I remember thinking– “I never need to accomplish anything else again as long as I live.” I also thought I was insane to have ever attempted that and wondered why anyone ever would! That said, you’re probably after more professional achievements, so I’d have to say seeing my novel – Love Me Anyway – on the front tables of Barnes & Noble stores across the country. Those two accomplishments actually have more in common than you’d think. Writing a book can be just as arduous, mentally and emotionally. You have to pour your heart into the pages and then you have to listen to people’s criticism so you can go back and revise, usually many times over. You have to be vulnerable, and you have to push through even when you think you can’t take any more. But then when you’re done, it’s the most magical, miraculous thing ever. You’ve brought this entity into the world that can affect other people, and it that way it almost has a life of its own.
4: How people can get in contact with you?
Everything about me lives on Tiffanyhawk.com. One of the biggest things I get asked about is how to find a literary agent - https://www.tiffanyhawk.com/blog/how-to-find-the-best-literary-agent- , so if any of your readers are dying to know the answer to that, they can check out my latest post, which is a super thorough dive into the strategy of pitching the right agents, the right way. You’ll find a free toolkit with scripts and swipe files, so it should make the process much easier.If you’re still trying to finish a novel or memoir, I’ve got something there for you, too.