# Please introduce yourself and your book(s)!
Hello from Louisiana! My name is Pamela S Thibodeaux. I am the Co-Founder of Bayou Writers Group and write “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ romance, women’s fiction and creative nonfiction.
# What is/are the real-life story(ies) behind your book(s)?
Many of my stories have real (to my) life elements. For instance, my Tempered Series (Hearts, Dreams, Fire, Joy, Truth) are set in Bandera, TX. I’ve loved this part of the Texas Hill Country since I was a small child visiting a great aunt with my grandparents. I’ve even lived and worked on a guest ranch in Bandera. The Visionary is set in my hometown area of Lake Charles, Louisiana on a piece of property that once belonged in my family. Circles of Fate starts out in Ft. Benning, GA (where my husband was stationed a long time ago) and ends up in Chauvin, a town close to a city located SE Louisiana that bears the same name as I, although with a slight variation of spelling (Thibodaux, LA). The Inheritance takes place in Kent, WA and mentions Mt. Rainier and Hammondsport, NY – both areas I’ve visited. In fact, my bonus children lived in Kent, WA! My Heart Weeps is one woman’s journey through grief into new life and parallels my own after the death of my husband in 2009. No matter what I write, some real-life experiences can be found.
# What inspires/inspired your creativity?
Could be a dream or conversation or a simple thought, but I never know what inspires a story or article. I was inspired to begin writing years ago when I read one-too-many disappointing books and thought I could do better. A mite arrogant as it turns out because writing and writing well are two different ends of the spectrum. Not all writers are born, most are made, and if you are willing to be flexible and teachable, you can become a prolific author.
# How do you deal with creative block?
Because I write Inspirational, I usually experience creative block when I’m trying to write on my own instead of under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
# What are the biggest mistakes you can make in a book?
Not getting a professional editor. There are too many poorly-written books out there that could be great stories if only the author invested in and listened to his/her editor!
# Do you have tips on choosing titles and covers?
My titles normally evolve out of the plot, conflict or blurb of the story. I’m not as visual as some authors so covers can be an issue. Trusting your cover artist and getting ideas from your editor and readers always helps.
# How do bad reviews and negative feedback affect you and how do you deal with them?
Growth is imperative as an author so listening to criticism is important. No one likes a bad review or negative feedback. I try to pay attention to what is said and, if I can change or correct something in that/those book(s) in question, I will. If not, I’ll do my best to implement suggestions in future writings.
# How has your creation process improved over time?
I’ve learned and grown to write tighter, more concise and with deeper POV.
# What were the best, worst and most surprising things you encountered during the entire process of completing your book(s)?
As for completing books, I’ve discovered routine is advantageous to a writing career. A day job, Covid, 2 Hurricanes, dad’s demise and executing his will and estate and life in general, have prevented me from getting into a regular routine for quite some time, However, I recently retired from my day job as a licensed insurance agent so I’m wrapping up projects so that I can get into full-time writing.
As for the publishing end of completing books, one thing that surprises me most is how narrow-minded some people can be. I’ve been slammed by some and exalted by others over my “edgy” Christian fiction books which is why I tout my writing Inspirational even though they are told from a Christian worldview and the characters talk about and do their best to honor and trust God/Christ/Jesus.
# Do you tend towards personal satisfaction or aim to serve your readers? Do you balance the two and how?
Both. I write the story of my heart. Luckily, most of my readers enjoy my writing so that’s not an issue. I listen to my readers too, and they give me great ideas for stories they want from me.
# What role do emotions play in creativity?
Robert Frost said, “No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader.” This holds true for every emotion. If an author doesn’t feel what his/her characters feel, the reader won’t either. This is where deep POV comes into play.
# Do you have any creativity tricks?
If I’m stuck in a current WIP, I’ll write something totally different. A blog post, interview, article for another publication, or even journaling usually gets the creative juices flowing.
# What are your plans for future books?
My current project, Kyleigh’s Cowboy is close to completion. Readers have asked for another Tempered book, and I have several WIP’s on file.
# Tell us some quirky facts about yourself
I’m allergic to raw onions – even the thought of them turns my stomach.
I don’t like tomatoes but love ketchup and V8 juice.
It’s a “no salt” Margarita for me please.
I LOVE to dance but have never done so on a professional or competitive level. Give me a sawdust-covered floor and no matter how tired I am, my feet can’t help but get to moving. My mother danced as a child, my son is a choreographer, my daughter danced in high school and my granddaughter has danced competitively so I guess the boogie gene has passed on LOL!
Author bio: Award-winning author, Pamela S. Thibodeaux is the Co-Founder and a lifetime member of Bayou Writers Group in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Multi-published in romantic fiction as well as creative non-fiction, her writing has been tagged as, “Inspirational with an Edge!” ™ and reviewed as “steamier and grittier than the typical Christian novel without decreasing the message.” Sign up to receive Pam’s newsletter and get a FREE short story!