With Karen J Mossman
So often we hear about a book when it’s released, so we’d like to find out more about the process, and of the people who helped it along the way.
Why are we featuring this book?
I originally read the short story for this book in an anthology several years ago. At the time, at the time, I didn’t know Julie, loved it so much I contacted her. She told me that she planned to make it into a novel. Which I eventually read. So it gives me great pleasure feature Tally on Pen2Pulbish
Hi, Julie, please tell me the name of your book and a little about the story?
The title of my book is TALLY: A Polyamorous Romance. It is an emotional love story, which brings to light antiquated laws regarding family structure. It introduces the concept of tri-parenting as an option for complex families while sharing a tale of friendship among a trio that has become so much more.
When did this story first make itself known to you?
My sister-in-law once told me how, as a stepparent, she has no legal rights regarding her child despite being the full-time and permanent caregiver. This made me think about all the unique families in the world and how they are impacted by our laws. I opted to write a story that tried to show different types of relationships to help illustrate how this is hurtful to the family dynamic though the reasons they are enforced are said to benefit the stability of the family unit.
Roughly, how long did it take to write, and what was your process after the first draft?
This story only took a few months total. It began as a short story for an anthology I was asked to participate in. Eventually, it grew into the book it is today, which I published on its own.
Did you have to do any research? Tell us a little about that.
Yes, I did. I researched family law, not only in Minnesota but nationwide for relevant cases pertaining to tri-parenting.
Who are your main characters? Tell us about them.
The main characters are Tally Abram and her best friends, Lex and Ishkode Ackerman.
Tally is a lawyer and workaholic, who inherited her firm from her uncle. Having had no real family herself, she desires a family more than anything and turns to her best friends in hopes of fulfilling her dream.
Lex and Ishkode are an interracial homosexual couple, who share a unique history with Tally. It not only makes them the right choice for her to turn to, but it also complicates the situation in ways unimaginable.
Once your story is complete, did you send it to an editor? If so, tell me about them and how they enhanced your story?
It is a mix, really. I am a professional editor, but when you take the role of writer, you become too close to the project. You really NEED an editor to see the things you instinctively miss. Our brains are designed to adjust what we are perceiving, so we will automatically fill in gaps or correct things without even realizing it. After as many read through as I do, I need fresh eyes to re-evaluate and assess the quality.
In addition to utilizing an editor on what I would consider the final draft, I will run my manuscript through tools such as Grammarly. Then, I will give my work to trusted beta readers to give their feedback. Even then, things will be missed, so I am constantly open to input from readers to improve the quality of my work.
Now tell me about the formatting, who does that, and how did you decide on your book cover?
I do my own formatting. I am very anal retentive about it. I want things to be aesthetically pleasing, but to maintain the industry standards. I want to add in cute things for the reader for subtle artistic value while ensuring the readability of the text.
I chose my cover and eventually designed the back. I struggle with this because there is a balance between genre expectation and artistic expression. We all know readers judge a book by the cover, so this is one of the hardest elements. It is a work-in-progress, and currently, I am not sure I have the right fit for TALLY. I want it to reflect the story while enticing the reader, but sometimes, my vision is not the right one for saleability.
How long did it take from conception until the publication of Tally: A Polyamorous Romance?
A few months each time. In total, probably 6 months altogether.
Why do you think readers will like this book?
It is unique, cerebral, yet still a steamy romance.
Thank you for allowing us to learn more about TALLY: A Polyamorous Romance, and about you. Lastly, please tell us about your hometown or city. Apart from being famous for having such a talented author living there, what else is it famous for?
Haa haa – I am originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota. It has a lot to boast about – Prince, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, The Vikings, The Guthrie Theatre – of which, I am the least. 😊
Book Description
Starved for love and fearing time is running out, attorney Tally Abram seeks the aid of her gay best friends, Lex and Ishkode Ackerman, in fathering the children she desperately wants. Will they comply? Will Tally find the family she craves? Or will her need for completion destroy the most important relationships in her life?
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This book explores the ideas of family structure, tri-parenting, and polyamorous relationships. It contains mature material and is not suitable for those under 18 years of age.