Sometimes life is funny. Several years ago, I was a regular author on InspyRomance, as was Tabitha Bouldin. I had no idea we lived fairly close to each other until I met her in person at a local author event. I gasped and said, “I know you!” We’ve been able to talk and see each other several more times since then and each time I’ve enjoyed getting to know her even more. Her stories are also great, as you’ll learn more in her fun interview today.
I know you write across multiple genres and tropes. If you could only write one genre for the rest of your life, which one would you choose and why?
If I had to choose, I’d go with my inspirational cowboys. There is so much you can do within that genre, and cowboys/cowgirls are rooted so deep in my genes I doubt I could pry them out. This is probably why there are about 50 half-finished drafts of different books on my hard drive! Writing fairytales is my escape. Cowboys are where I live and breathe.
What draws you again and again to write about cowboys?
Part of it is that I grew up with horses. One of my earliest memories is on horseback, and I trained my own mare at the age of fourteen. While no one around here wears Stetsons, the cowboy way of life is familiar to me. The loyalty of the cowboy code is a huge draw to me as an author and a reader, and I love diving into that culture of respect. Growing up watching old westerns with my dad and grandfather instilled a sense of awe that I love drawing from again and again with each story.
What is the hardest thing for you about being an author?
Doubting myself. Hands down. Even after ten years and almost thirty published books, I doubt myself every single time I sit down to write. Thankfully, I have people around who understand and are always ready to remind me that this is part of my process. And God is only a prayer away. Sometimes I imagine He’s rolling his eyes at me, even though I’m
sure He’s far too mature for that. But it makes me laugh. Like here we go again 🙂
Which one of your characters is most like you? In what way?
Oh, that’s a tough one. I leave a bit of myself in each character. Sometimes it’s my almost complete inability to ask for help. Other times, it’s my flawed need to resist forgiveness. Out of everyone that I’ve written, though, Penny from my upcoming book with Bethany House resonates most with my personality. She has lost so much, fought so hard, and there are times when she feels absolutely unlovable. She worries that there’s no going back, no way for those she’s hurt to forgive her. Her struggles are things I’ve dealt with on a personal level, and it made her one of the most cathartic to write.
Can you tell us about something personal you’ve woven into one of your stories?
In my first Love Inspired series, the middle sibling, Tenley, is a recovering alcoholic. While I was not able to delve deep into the disease and recovery itself, I was able to thread in some of the troubles that hit both the alcoholic and how it affects their family. My family has a history of alcoholism, so this is something very close to my heart. One of these days, I hope to write more on the subject, but we’ll see.
What are you working on next?
My next immediate project is writing my second book for Bethany House, which is a contemporary time travel romance with hints of women’s fiction. I just finished the second round of edits for my first book, and it’s making me anxious to dig into the next story.
If you could collaborate with another author (or more) on a project, who would you choose?
So many! I would love to write a psychological thriller alongside Jessica R. Patch, or a cowboy romance with Liz Isaacson. There are so many incredible authors out there who I would love to work with. I’d be here all day trying to name them, and I’m sure I’d forget someone.
Last but not least, can you tell us something about yourself that very few people already know?
I used to use deer legs as toys. No, seriously. This was one hundred percent normal for me as a five- to eight-year-old. Dad would go hunting, bring the deer back, and give me and my sister the legs. We used them as swords, walking sticks, pretty much anything we could imagine. We’d pretend we were deer. I’m not sure if that’s authentic country living or just our version, but it was life. This is also why when I worked in the medical field, people were always trying to find someone “more country” than me. It only happened once, when an older lady called a pencil a “writing stick”.
I told you that would be a fun interview! I definitely look forward to reading more of Tabitha’s stories. And hanging out with her more in person too! Read on to find out how you can keep up with her and learn more about one of her books.
A man in search of redemption.
A love he will fight to deserve.
Coming home isn’t easy for cowboy Zane Kingsley—but he’s eager to earn
back the trust of the woman he never stopped loving. Single mom Molly
Jacobs is still grieving the husband she lost six years ago, and the
last person she wants to see is the man she blames for his death. When
they’re forced to work together at a summer riding program for kids,
Molly can’t help but notice the growing bond between Zane and her young
son. Can Zane convince her that he’s a changed man and that he’s worthy
of her forgiveness…and her love?
Tabitha Bouldin has a bachelor’s degree in creative writing/English from Southern New Hampshire University. She is a Publishers Weekly bestselling author, a Christy award finalist, and an avid reader when her three cats allow her to pick up a book. Tabitha grew up in the country riding horses and never once thought she’d become a writer, although there were some clues since she couldn’t stop reading horse books.
