Interview with Tamar Ossowski

Author of Fractured

 

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I was born in Israel and now live in Boston, MA.

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

My parents are Holocaust survivors. They left Europe for Israel and then ultimately, to the US where I was raised.

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

My first book is about a mother who abandons her special needs child. I wrote it because I have a child with special needs and I wanted to explore the idea that you cannot become the person you are supposed to be, until you embrace the one you already are. My second book, Fractured, is about a woman who goes back in time and (re)meets the man who has broken her heart and her soul (the first time). I am fascinated by the notion of outrunning your destiny.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

My books are written in a simple manner, but tell stories of complex and intricate human relationships.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

I suspect that women will probably most relate to my writing style and topics but hope that the subject matter appeals to everyone.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

The thing that surprised me the most was that even though they are mine and come from me, the characters I write about have many hidden secrets that they only reveal in their own time frame regardless of my deadlines!

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

Get a thick skin because everyone has an opinion and a review inside of them!! In the end, it’s the work you produce that matters and not what anyone else thinks of it.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

I received an email from a reader who explained to me how reading my book had changed her life. If that was the only person who ever read anything I have ever written, that would be enough.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

I have long gaps of writers block where I now understand that my subconscious is working on detangling story plots. It doesn’t always feel productive in a tangible way and I have to remind myself that it is still work even though there are no words on a page to show for it.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

I am an observer. I am forever tucking details and experiences away for use later. I am lucky in that people trust me with their deepest feelings and thoughts which helps to make character development that more rich and layered.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

I am incredibly hard on myself. I am incapable of forging ahead, often getting stuck in a section that doesn’t feel quite right and not being able to move away from it until I think its perfect.

When do you think you will write your next book?

I am currently at work on my third novel. Its tentatively titled “Ghost” and is about a woman’s relationship with her mother who has survived the Holocaust. It explores the idea that trauma can be passed on to our offspring through our DNA.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

My publisher is traditional – Skyhorse Publishing.