We had the good fortune of connecting with Teresa Tysinger and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Teresa, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I drafted my first novel a decade ago, I assumed I would pursue traditional publishing by securing an agent, pitching the book to a publishing house, and waiting for my book to hit the shelves. After a lot of soul-searching, prayer, and chats with my super supportive husband, I realized a few things. My goal with writing books was to fulfill a personal love of telling stories and share with any readers who might enjoy them. I was not hoping to eventually replace my income and quit my full-time job in non-profit communications (which I love!). I also was busy enough being a wife, mom, volunteer, etc. that I didn’t love the idea of committing myself to publisher deadlines and demands.

So, for me, choosing the indie author route was an easy choice. I began Good Day Publishing, my independent publishing imprint, to take meeting my goals into my own hands. It’s allowed me autonomy to write and publish at my own pace without sacrificing time for life’s other endeavors and flexibility to adjust deadlines and plans as I need to.

Nine books later, with the tenth in progress, I’ve never looked back!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
One amazing thing for an author that I believe is unique to other product markets is that there is no true competition. Readers are voracious consumers, always hungry for another story to satisfy their appetite. That has created an environment where I don’t have to worry about things like, “I have to write just like [insert other author name here] to sell books!” There’s always room for more.

With that said, my books are unique in that they offer readers who are looking for low-spice romances stories that include relatable characters and big emotions with happy endings that are still swoon-worthy. Always set in the Carolinas, my books weave in elements of Southern charm that provide a relaxing escape.

As I look upon the nine different titles on my author bookshelf, I recall all of the late nights and early mornings that I pecked away on my laptop – one word, line, and page at a time. Each book was written on the fringes of being a busy wife, mom, and professional. That has taken a lot of determination, dedication, and resilience. And it’s not always been easy. I’ve gone through seasons of burn-out and had to set aside writing projects when other things took top-billing for my attention. But it’s always been worth it, as I am a storyteller at heart. You can’t deny who you were made to be.

I hope every reader of my books feels encouraged and hope-filled. As an anxious overthinker who worries too much, I want them to know they’re not alone in their own big emotions. I want them to find moments of escape, glimpses of grace, and experience sighs of happy endings that are truly possible. Ultimately, I pray they see among the pages of my books that God loves even them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
While I write stories set in the Carolinas, which is where a part of my heart will always reside, my family and I have happily called Fort Worth home for twelve years. Whenever we’ve had visitors, there have been a few popular highlights.

> The Fort Worth Zoo – great for all ages, especially in the spring or fall when our weather is the best!
> Fort Worth Stockyards – a MUST to show off what truly makes Fort Worth “Cowtown”
> Fort Worth Nature Reserve – my favorite spot to hike in the area, with amazing views!
> Favorite food spots include Press Cafe, Fixe Southern Kitchen, and Fuel City Tacos (if you know you know!)

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The author community I have encountered on my writing and publishing journey has been incredible. In addition to dozens of fellow authors encouraging me along the way, many have also been hugely integral in teaching me the ropes, helping me tweak my books to be the best they can be, and celebrating every “The End.”

My inner circle of author friends include fellow Christian romance writers Toni Shiloh, Jaycee Weaver, Andrea Boyd, and Mikal Dawn. Without their constant (sometimes daily) advice and friendship I would not be where I am today as a writer.

Of course, I’d regret not also shouting out my husband of almost 22 years, Eric. The extrovert to my introvert and high-functioning multi-tasker to my easily-stress-out worrier, he has lovingly pushed me over the years to believe more in myself and my ambitions. No book would exist without his behind-the-scenes help brainstorming and fine-tuning!

Website: https://teresatysinger.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teresatysinger_author/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/teresatysingerauthor

Other: Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Teresa-Tysinger/author/B071HVQ2V6 Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16536072.Teresa_Tysinger

Image Credits
I took all of these photos, so no additional permission needed.

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