Taryn Plendl

What inspired you to start writing?

I’ve always been a reader and writer, but I never imagined I could put all of the stories in my head to paper. As a busy mom who was trying to keep my household running, taking care of my family, including a child with special needs, and working part-time outside of the home, there just wasn’t much left for only me. One night in 2012, when the house was quiet, I just started writing. It was amazingly cathartic. Writing gives me an identity that is all my own.

I really wish I knew how important a professional editor was. I published my first book in 2012 after having friends and family “edit” it. Needless to say, it didn’t work well. I ended up having it professionally edited soon after, and would never publish without going through several edits now. It is so important, and believe me, your reader will make sure you know it. 😉

What is your current favorite book? (since I know we all have more than one 🙂 )

Ugh! It is so hard to choose…I guess the book I finished most recently that has stayed with me over the past couple weeks was, The Silent Waters by Brittainy Cherry. The girl can write!

Do you have any book signings coming up? (if so, when & where?)

I’m done for the year of 2016. I have several in 2017. I think I start with Authors in the City in Raleigh on 3/11.

What is one of your secret (or not so secret) obsessions?

Wine and Dark chocolate, and usually together. Give me a good book, a glass of red wine and a piece of dark chocolate, and I am as close to heaven on Earth as you can get.

F*cking Awkward Holidays

25 Authors, Awkward Sex, Epic Cause!

– Synopsis – 

Holidays conjure up many thoughts – long, chilly nights snuggled up by the fire, bare feet tucked under the one you love. Some are hallmarks of summer when your skin is warmed by more than the sun. There is the after-Thanksgiving dinner nightcap, and the feel of the smooth, sultry burn of whiskey warming your chest, rendering your limbs heavy. Or lazy kisses and wandering hands beneath your best dress on a romantic Valentine’s Day date.

But sometimes, Grandma gets boozed up and passes out at the table, your brother gets caught rubbing one out under the fireworks, your kids catch mommy kissing Santa (and not on the lips), your special new toy winds up in the wrong gift bag, a goat steals and wears your sexy new thong and watching the ball drop takes on a whole new meaning.

In other words, the holidays can be magical, but sometimes, they’re also just f*cking awkward.

Special Foreword written by USA Today Bestselling Author, Tara Sivec’s dog, Fat Ralph.