Please help me welcome Author Tina Frisco to my blog today!
What is your name? Do you use a pen name (if so, why)?
My name is Tina Frisco. I don’t use a pen name.
Tell me a bit about yourself:
I’m an author, singer-songwriter-performer, RN, shaman apprentice, and activist. I was born in the USA in Pennsylvania, attended nursing school in New York, and live in California. I began writing as a child and received my first guitar at age 14, which launched my passion for music and song-writing. I’ve performed publicly in many local venues. I enjoy writing, reading, music, crossword puzzles, exploring nature - and the list goes on!
What genre do you write?
My novel is fiction, but I write in several different genres. My publishing history includes book reviews, essays, articles in the field of medicine, and my début novel - Plateau: Beyond the Trees, Beyond 2012 - published in July 2012.
What genre do you personally read?
I’m pretty eclectic when it comes to reading. I love mystery and adventure. But I also enjoy reading books on natural health, spirituality, prophecy, inspiration, native peoples, herbs, gardening, animals - and, once again, the list goes on!
Tell me about your latest?
One of my nieces had quadruplets last November, which inspired me to begin the first of a series of children’s books. I currently have 9 great nieces and nephews - and another niece is expecting triplets - so I have plenty of fodder for the book series!
What sparked your passion for books and the art of a good story?
I attended parochial school through 12th grade. Nuns are ardent teachers; it seems to go with the territory! Many of them loved literature, which sparked the creative side of my penchant for reading and writing. We often had to stand before the class and read our book report on what we had read. I discovered that once I began reading, I could look away from my paper and continue without referring to it. This is when I learned that I had a talent for storytelling. When my oldest nephew was small, he would often ask me to tell him a story. He would sit on the sofa leaning against me, riveted, as I spun one yarn after another.
Is there a particular book that changed or affected your life in a big way?
Lynn Andrews’ book, Medicine Woman, shed a light on my spiritual path - so much so that I began an apprenticeship with her. It woke me up to my true being and purpose in life. This was many, many years ago, and I maintain my spiritual practice to this day.
Is there a message in your book that you want readers to grasp?
The underlying message in Plateau is that if we keep our hearts open and act from love instead of react from fear, if we practice gratitude and compassion within every moment and with every breath, we'll raise our vibratory rate and help elevate the human species to a higher consciousness, facilitating personal and global peace.
What challenges have you faced in your writing career?
The biggest challenge is marketing and promotion. It’s endless! I can spend 13+ hours a day at the computer, and go away feeling that I haven’t even scratched the surface. Most of my author friends have the same experience, so I’m in good company! Another challenge is balancing time among writing, marketing/promotion, and keeping one’s physical and spiritual life together. I’ve learned that one must exercise discipline in order to accomplish anything. Passion is fantastic fuel if balanced by common sense.
What has been your best moment as a writer?
My best moment was when I held my published novel in my hands. I was overwhelmed. My being was flooded with gratitude.“I’m a published author!” kept racing through my mind. It was an auspicious moment filled with joy.
Who is your author idol?
Lynn Andrews. She’s not only a good writer and storyteller, but also a wise and compassionate human being.
Do you see yourself in any of your characters?
I see myself in my protagonist, W’Hyani. She’s an intrepid warrior - strong, virtuous, compassionate, ever grateful, and a natural leader. She squares off with her fear and pushes onward. She’s also quick-tempered, which gets her into trouble. When I was her age (15), my quick temper got me into boatloads of trouble. But I’ve mellowed with age.
Do you feel like your dream has come true or is there much more to do?
My dream was partially realized when my novel was published. I’d like to have many more readers and a much larger following. I’m hoping that publication of my children’s-book series will manifest my dream in totality.
What does your workspace look like?
My laptop sits on a small computer desk in front of a window, beyond which stand many trees. I need contact with nature when I write. Mother Nature provides inspiration and has a calming effect.
Have you ever had a day when you just wanted to quit?
No. I suppose I’m blessed. I’ve had moments when I wanted to pitch my computer out the window, but they passed quickly. I’m an optimist by nature and usually recoup spontaneously.
What do you do when you’re not writing?
I sing and play my guitar, walk in nature, visit with friends, work crossword puzzles, watch movies, listen to music, work out, and - of course - clean house and do laundry!
What are the most important attributes to remaining sane as a writer?
Pacing oneself and remembering to b-r-e-a-t-h-e! Taking breaks, standing and stretching, engaging in pleasurable activities outside of writing, and remembering to eat and sleep are also important.
Did you have a moment when you realized you were meant to be a writer?
I’ve never really thought about it. I’ve always known - or, more accurately, sensed - I was a writer. “Knowing” is a function of the mind. Ever since I could use paper and pencil, I’ve written. It’s just something that I do. It’s an innate part of who I am.
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Follow your passion and don’t give up! See clearly that you are an author, rather than you want to be an author. Harriet Beecher Stowe said: “When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and the time that the tide will turn.” There’s much wisdom in her words.
After this book, what is next?
The series of children’s books. They’ll not only be traditionally educational, but ethically educational as well. Children develop morals at an early age, and as a children’s-book author, I feel a responsibility to present children with alternatives to accepted behaviors/situations that may be questionable.
Your website?
I recently had my website rebuilt by a wonderful gentleman who is very supportive of authors. He makes time in his busy schedule to administer a promotional website for authors. I highly recommend him. I’m providing his links here for those who may be interested in engaging his services after viewing my website.
Your blog?
My blog is part of my website. I write inspirational and spiritual posts, and I guest host other authors.
Other websites?
And these are links to website/blog promos I’ve attained:
Where can your book be found?
Thank you so much, Jodie, for hosting me on your blog. It’s been a pleasure interacting with you, and I’m grateful for the exposure. Feel a big hug!
Thank you Tina and gentle hugs back! Please check out Tina's links and book! She's a great lady!
Keep Writing!
Jodie Pierce