Tamara Lush’s career transformation from a hard-hitting journalist with the Associated Press to a cherished cozy mystery and romance writer is a narrative of resilience, passion, and self-discovery.
Covering some of Florida’s most tragic stories, from mass shootings to political upheavals, laid a heavy burden on her shoulders.
Yet, it was this very experience that propelled her towards seeking narratives with happier endings.
“I covered every terrible thing that you would read about in Florida… and I decided that I wanted to write something that ended happily,” Tamara reflects on her motivation to pivot towards fiction writing.
The Leap into Fiction Writing
The leap into fiction was not a sudden jump but a carefully planned journey toward joy in her work. Amid the pandemic’s gloom, Tamara found herself yearning for a change.
“I was really sick of covering the pandemic and politics… and decided to be a full-time fiction writer,” she shares, marking her shift towards stories that promised not just escapes but hopeful conclusions.
Celebrating Midlife Heroines
In her cozy mysteries, Tamara has carved a niche for celebrating midlife women as protagonists, infusing her narratives with mystery, romance, and paranormal adventures.
Her latest series, the Crescent Moon Mystery series, notably features women in midlife, discovering their psychic powers, reflecting Tamara’s interest in exploring the multifaceted experiences of midlife.
“In my current series, the heroine is 47… they’re all going through perimenopause… and they all come into some sort of psychic power at midlife,” she explains, highlighting how the series’ resonates with readers navigating similar life stages.
The Charm of Cozy Mysteries
Tamara’s enthusiasm for the cozy mystery genre shines through as she describes its unique blend of romance and mystery, emphasizing puzzle-solving over gore.
Cozy mysteries, she notes, offer a light-hearted take on the mystery genre where older women are not just participants but celebrated for their wisdom and ingenuity.
“The Cozy mystery… is kind of a little bit like a hybrid between romance and mystery… they’re like a puzzle to write,” Tamara says, underscoring the appeal of cozy mysteries to both writers and readers alike.
Navigating the Transition to Full-Time Writing
Her transition to full-time writing was a significant leap of faith, marked by careful personal and financial planning.
Amid health scares and the uncertainties of the pandemic, Tamara embraced the bold decision to follow her passion for storytelling. This journey was about much more than changing careers; it was about embracing joy and fulfillment in her work.
“I quit (my career) and decided to be a full-time fiction writer,” she shares, reflecting on the pivotal moment that steered her towards a new beginning.
The World of Publishing
In the realm of publishing, Tamara found new avenues to explore her creativity and connect with readers directly through self-publishing, although she also has titles with traditional publishing houses.
She candidly discusses the learning curve involved, from mastering book marketing to building a brand as an indie author.
This journey has been about embracing new challenges and seizing growth opportunities.
“I’ve had to learn a lot about that because I was a reporter… now it’s more like I’m a small business person,” Tamara remarks, highlighting the entrepreneurial aspect of her writing career.
Advice for Aspiring Writers
For those eyeing the world of fiction writing, Tamara advises finding a supportive community and embracing the creative process.
“If you’re writing genre fiction, I would try to find people who are writing that thing because they understand what you’re doing,” she suggests, emphasizing the value of a supportive network for budding writers.
Tamara Lush’s transition from covering the darkest news stories to penning cozy mysteries and romances is not just about changing careers but finding a path to joy and fulfillment through storytelling.
Don’t miss her latest news over at her website TaraLush.com and follow her on Instagram and TikTok. Also, watch/listen to our conversation over on YouTube.
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