Tell us about yourself.

I’m born and raised in Southern Maryland. I have three kids: 22, 19, and my youngest just turned 16. I have a granddaughter that turns 1 next month; I know, I’m so old lol.

I’m an introvert. I don’t like to be out much; give me a quiet night inside or with just a small group of people, and I’m happy. I keep my circle small. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good night with my people, but when you get too many together it can get to be too much lol.

I’m a small girl; most people would use one word to describe me: a Gremlin. LOL. I’m 5 feet, small, cute, and cuddly, but I’m furious, evil, and can be mean if I need to be. I’m protective of those I love.

I started writing when I was little, just poems and small stories. I published my first book in 2017, Her Longest Ride.

Tell us about your upcoming/recently released book.

My latest release is Deadly Seductions. This is my first dark book. It’s not a dark romance, although there is a very high sexual content. Deadly Seductions is not your average fairytale. It contains a lot of graphic violence and torture.

I wrote this book when I was in a dark place, and this book reflected it. It was released on June 30.

I have an upcoming release called Unbalanced due to release October 30. Unbalanced is book two in the SCU series. It is a paranormal reverse harem series and is a university-based series. It contains very high sexual as well as dark content. This series brought out my inner rebel, also inspired by my daughter’s attitude lol.

Who is your favorite character in your book/series? Why?

I’d have to say so far I have two characters. First is Camari from my SCU series. She’s rebellious and just so carefree. I based her off of Satan Jr, the nickname I’ve given my 19-year-old daughter. She refuses to conform to what anyone asks or expects of her.

Then there’s Alaia from Deadly Seductions. She’s such a badass and handles her business. She doesn’t take crap from anyone, and when she wants something, she goes after it.

What is your writing process? Show us a day (or week) in the life.

COFFEE, AND LOTS OF IT LOL. I mean it runs through my veins. Most of my writing is done early in the morning while I’m drinking my first cups of coffee, and then late at night and in the middle of the night. Yes, I don’t sleep because unfortunately I suffer from insomnia.

What keeps you motivated to write?

My biggest motivation is my kids. I’ve always told them to follow their dreams, and writing was always one of mine. The very last thing my dad said to me before he passed away was to never give up on my dreams and to accomplish them. He knew that I wanted to publish the book that I wrote, and I took those words as the push to do it. I always tell my kids those same words. There are days when I want to throw in the towel, I think we all have those, but I remember those words and look at my kids and granddaughter and push through. It’s them that keep my fingers tapping away.

What do you do when you’re not writing?

When I’m not writing I’m reading or cooking. I love to cook, when my kids aren’t making a mess in my kitchen lol. I also love to just be able to take some time for myself. Now that I have my little monster, my granddaughter, I also enjoy to spend time with her.

What subgenres or tropes are your favorites to read?

I enjoy just about everything, although the spicier the better lol. I’m a huge fan of the dark reverse harem.

Are you a cat person or a dog person?

Definitely a dog person. I have three dogs. My baby JoJo is a 180-pound American Bulldog and has two puppies, Hades and Nova. In April he and my daughter’s pitbull ended up having 10 puppies. Talk about being overwhelmed lol!

What’s your reading drink and snack of choice?

Once again coffee lol. I pretty much drink that all day, and no that’s not the reason I don’t sleep lol. When I’m not drinking coffee I drink a lot of water. I also have an addiction to Cheetos, but I’m very careful. I don’t damage books so don’t worry!

Where is your perfect reading spot?

I have a spot in my new house that overlooks a wooded spot. It’s cozy and so beautiful. As long as my dogs don’t bother me lol. I also love to read in bed, which I do a lot.

What’s your favorite book or #1 re-read?

Okay, I can’t really answer that lol. Ugh, don’t make me choose! Okay, let’s see… Some of my favorite re-reads have been, Melissa Adams’ Perfect for Them series; Blood Mafia by Rory Miles; The Vengeance series by Crystal North; and Knox Academy by Jaye Pratt and Crystal North.

These are all that I would recommend for everyone to read and could read over and over!

Who or what has had the most influence on you as a writer?

My dad. He always pushed me to achieve my goals and wanted the best for me. It was what he told me before he passed away, and it’s what pushed me to be what I am today. My kids also always tell me to never give up no matter what, so that pushes me to keep going.

Where can readers find you online?

I can be found on Amazon, BookBub, and GoodReads, as well as Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
Tami Payton | Linktree