Today, we’re sitting down with the talented, ambitious, and incredibly clever, Tanya Taimanglo. She recently released a romantic comedy and was kind enough to swing by for an interview. Sit down, take off your eyeglasses, and put them back on if you require them for reading.
You’re the author of SECRET SHOPPER. Share a line/passage with us that the world needs to read.
“I was too preoccupied with my family and being home, that Thomas was really a small blip in my thoughts. Well, okay he was more like streaming classical music that played softly in the background every minute of my day, but my heart and mind could only focus on dad now.” –Phoenix Lizama
You’ve been presented with the opportunity to be a best-selling author but can never write again or write forever but never have a bestseller. Which scenario sounds more tempting?
This is so easy. Best-selling author…just kidding. I would have to say I want to write forever, but not have a bestseller. Writing is as important to me as eating my multi-vitamin. And a one time bestseller is honorable, but equivalent to a one hit wonder, yes?
Ummm, I’d say yes 🙂
If you could live on a college campus and never leave or in a small town but be able to travel, which one would you choose?
I’m 39, college is a distant, boring memory. I’d rather be in a small town (which is my reality now and I love it) and be able to travel.
Okay, how about Scotland or Iceland?
I’d say Scotland. I’d like to learn more about kilts and sip tea in J.K. Rowling’s castle, talk shop with her perhaps and dance to some Celtic jams.
Who is your favorite 90’s band (I’m thinking Counting Crows, Blink 182, Hootie & the Blowfish)?
I have so many, but it’s the Stone Temple Pilots. In fact, it was a goal to see them in concert before debauchery and excess ended any of them. Happily I did that in 2010 in California.
And what about your favorite comedy on TV (I love The Office and Seinfeld)?
I’m very into New Girl with Zooey Deschanel. I love, love Schmidt and find myself sounding like him when I’m scolding my children, which is frightening. But I also dig Jake Johnson’s characterization of Nick. He represents the awkward kind of guy I find endearing.
Is there anything you’re currently working on?
Is there anything I’m NOT currently working on. Story lines invade my mind constantly. But, when I finally focus and get some quiet time (usually when the entire house is asleep), I write. Two projects are undergoing construction, one is a YA level novel I drafted during NaNoWriMo 2012, 50,000 words in 30 days deserves some follow through. It stems from my love, well obsession for Wonder Woman, entitled Wonder Summer. Another is a third of the way completed, another romance. Keeping the storyline under wraps for now.
Who is your favorite author and if you could ask him/her one question, what would it be?
Jane Green. She wrote Jemima J. It was the first time I felt connected to a character, one who was curvy, who wanted or thought there was only a good life for the thin. My question: Was her character, Jemima based on herself? (Mainly because Jane Green is a lovely, slim lady…okay, I really want to know if her thighs were ever fluffy enough to rub).
Lightning round:
Ocean or mountains? Oceans. I’m a Chamorro from Guam, a lovely tropical island-Google it folks. Always, oceans.
Peaches or plums? Peaches when they are firm, but sweet.
Skittles or M & M’s? Peanut M & M’s (I cheated there).
Happy or sad ending to a novel? Happy, which is why I haven’t read a Nicholas Sparks novel lately, he broke my heart one too many times, so I just watch his books on film.
Beer or wine? Sweet wine (Moscato d’asti) or none at all.
Flying or driving? Driving, until safe teleporting is invented.
Mystery or fantasy novel? I hate surprises, so fantasy.
You’re stranded on a desert island and you can take two things with you as well as two people. What and who are you bringing?
I would take my journal and a pen. Two people? Sorry husband, but I’d take my two kids, they still need their mommy.
You’re able to sit down with any president in United States history. Who would you choose, what would you talk about, and would you rather have him over to your house or meet at the White House?
Abraham Lincoln. He’s my 8 year old son’s favorite. We would talk about his family life and how it made him the man he is/was. I would rather be in the White House, but not the 1800’s version, the 2013 version.
You can wish for one thing and one thing only (not world peace and no more wishes)! What’s it gonna be?
Financial freedom.
Get Secret Shopper (A Romantic Comedy); available on Amazon.com-paperback or Kindle eBook
Connect with Tanya below:
Secret Shopper SUMMARY:
After moving to California from the tropical island of Guam, Phoenix Farmer’s marriage to her high school sweetheart, Bradley unravels. Forced to find a job, she retreats into the world of SECRET SHOPPING and thrives. As Phoenix discovers her true self without Bradley, she becomes an unwilling goddess with the help of her best friend Rachel. She snags the attention of Thomas-the creative, handsome and persistent target she has been assigned to evaluate. Can she hold off Thomas’s charm until her divorce becomes final? What will she decide when her father falls ill unexpectedly and pulls her back to Guam?
This romantic comedy will have you cheering for Phoenix as she rises from the ashes and becomes a shinier version of her former self.
Author BIO
Tanya Taimanglo is a Navy wife and mother of two. Originally from Guam, she’s freezing her buns off in Washington State, but adjusting well—now having an excuse to wear fancy scarves. A former high school English and Creative Writing Teacher, Tanya now enjoys writing up a storm for herself. She had a stint as a Secret Shopper for 4 years. Tanya loves Wonder Woman and Bruce Lee equally and hopes to attend San Diego Comic Con for the third time. Taimanglo also published a children’s book, Sirena: A Mermaid Legend From Guam and short stories, Attitude 13: A Daughter of Guam’s Collection of Short Stories.
Jackson Paul Baer 