Where did you get your love of books/storytelling/reading/writing/etc come from?
TM: From school. I used to hate to read until I was forced to in 5th grade and it grew over time. Writing just kind of came naturally outta no where.
Any author(s) that you feel influenced your writing?
TM: At this point in my career I would say no.
Can you give us your favorite author(s)?
TM: I really don’t have favorites anymore, but if I had to pick some I read without a doubt, it would be Monica Walter, Charae Lewis, Dominque Thomas, & Kimberly Brown to name some.
Why did you decide to let go of your other pen name, Phoenix Rae?
TM: Because I had put too much into my Tay Mo’Nae brand to get it to where it was. And I wasn’t putting enough time into building Phoenix the same way. It was easier to just combine the two and write everything under one name.
How do you research for your books?
TM: Google, google, google lol. Also if I know someone who’s dealing with what I’m writing about I’ll ask questions. Also I have a lot of reference books I got off Amazon.
What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
TM: Depends, lately I’ve been waking up at 6 am and writing until 12 pm the latest.
If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what would it be?
TM: Keep business, business and don’t worry about making friends. Also don’t allow anyone to dictate how or what you write.
Which one of your books is your favorite?
TM: Tattoo Your Name on My Heart or Drunk In Love.
What are you working on now?
TM: It’s called Fell For The Wrong One. A story about twins.
Where can readers find out more about you & your work?
TM: My website: Taymonaewrites.com
My IG: _authortaymonae