Author Interview: Tabitha Bouldin

Welcome to Tuesday Author Interviews. My first guest is Tabitha Bouldin.


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Tell us a bit about yourself? 
Do I have to? Ha! Just kidding. I’m a homeschooling mom of two boys, and I started writing in 2015. After self-publishing my first series, I decided to seek publication with Celebrate Lit for their Independence Island series. I have a habit of taking on different hobbies, everything from baking to photography, and none of them ever seem to really stick except for photography. Being an author is not something I ever saw myself doing, but now I don’t know how I managed to wait as long as I did. 

What is your book about? 
Mishaps off the Mainland is my first title with Celebrate Lit and is book 5 in the Independence Islands series. It’s about a mobile pet grooming business run by Melody Carmichael, a spunky, slightly sarcastic woman who would rather spend her time helping animals than dealing with people. But when one of her clients escapes, Mel is forced to accept the help of Zeke Solomon, a businessman-turned-carpenter who is running from the pressures his father has burdened him with.

Why did you write it? 
When I first saw the idea Sandy and Chautona had for the series, I knew I wanted to do something fun. Something that could stir up a lot of mischief and humor while still showing how good God is to His children. That brought me to the idea of a mobile pet groomer. From there, I knew Mel needed to experience some serious setbacks and having a pet escape while in her care seemed like the perfect outlet for a series of mishaps. Mel’s story also spoke to me on how we might misinterpret God’s path for us. 

If you had a pet unicorn, what color would it be and what would you name it? 
Well, it would have to be purple, with a glittery silver mane and tail, and a silver horn. I would name her Amethyst. 

Do you need background noise when you write? 
Yes. With two teenagers in the house, noise is a constant, and I need something to cut through the voices and help me focus. I listen to a lot of instrumental music, and I recently discovered themed music on YouTube. So when I’m writing my beach novels, I might turn on some ocean waves. Or a romantic scene might need a fireplace crackling or rain. It’s fun finding music to fit the story’s mood. 

Do you write in different genres? 
Everything that has been published has been contemporary Christian romance. However, if you had a peek at my hard drive, you’d see several manuscripts that are Christian fantasy. I’ve never been very good at staying in one spot, and although contemporary Christian romance is one of my favorite genres, I don’t see myself being exclusive to one genre. 

If so, what genres? Fun fact about the book/character. 
I recently completed a steampunk Alice in Wonderland retelling that I’m praying will be published next year. Several years ago, I wrote an urban fantasy that’s still collecting dust. I have ideas for many, many more but no time to write them all so I’ve become picky about which one gets my attention. The steampunk Alice in Wonderland, though, that one made my heart sing and I’m hoping to write a sequel. Fun fact, the book is written as though Alice never left Wonderland at the end of Lewis Carroll’s original version. 

Some of her favorite things:
Book: Nuh-uh. That one is impossible. I can tell you my favorite book from this year is The Edge of Belonging by Amanda Cox.
Cartoon: Looney Tunes, specifically, Wil E. Coyote
Cereal: Lucky Charms-with chocolate puffed cereal
Color: Purple
Movie: The Man from Snowy River
Song: This is Me by Keala Settle (from The Greatest Showman)
Bible Verse: ​

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