How has your teaching experience influenced the characters you write about?

It has definitely helped me make authentic and relatable teen characters because this is who I’m surrounded by everyday. I also have a group of students who generously donate their time as beta readers to help build the most plausible teen characters possible. I’m so lucky to have them be a part of my process; their input is invaluable!

Are there lessons to be learned in your narratives? If so what?

All of my stories are meant to spark pivotal conversations. In the case of At Least I’m Trying, I was trying to demonstrate the potential dangers of unmonitored social media use; many parents assume because their kids are in their bedrooms on their phones that they are safe, but there are real dangers such as sharing locations with strangers, forming relationships, and being targeted by predators.

When writing your stories have you come across any information that surprised you?

I did a lot of research for At Least I’m Trying which included reading countless first hand accounts of young people who were preyed upon online; what was surprising and also what I wanted to demonstrate through the narrative was that this can happen to anyone, even the most confident, well-loved, and intelligent kids.

What was the inspiration behind At Least I’m Trying?

When I learned about snap maps, which is a function on the social media app Snapchat, I had an idea spark. The kids I teach love Snapchat and use it constantly and their casual conversations about chatting with strangers and sharing their locations was extremely alarming to me. I then started to do some digging and found stories of young people being sex trafficked through social media. I’m extremely passionate about the effects of social media on kids as I’ve been a junior high teacher for almost 18 years, so this was a way for me to communicate this potential implication.

Did you know it would be a thriller from the start, or did it unfold?

Based on the content alone, I knew it would have thriller aspects, for sure. I wanted it to focus more on the contemporary, realistic side of things though, so that became the foundation. As the plot unfolds however, it gains more of a thriller vibe.

More From Tara!!!

How did writing this novel differ from Chasing Through Time?

I knew exactly how Chasing Through Time was going to end; that story was laid out clearly in my mind. At Least I’m Trying was more of a surprise; I had no clue how it would end, I just knew I wanted it to be hopeful in some way. It was fun to see how it unfolded; sometimes I surprised myself with what happened!

Did you plan on standalone novels?

I did plan on both being standalones. I’m content with their endings and how things resolved for the protagonists. I don’t like a perfect ending wrapped in a bow because that’s not life, but I definitely need to leave with some semblance of hope, and I feel like I achieved that.

Do you have a current project you are working on?

I do. I try to write pretty consistently to keep my momentum going. I’m almost finished with the first draft of my third manuscript which is a women’s contemporary fiction that highlights the issues tech can have in a marriage and family.

What is your usual writing process – planner or panster?

I’m a little bit of both! I have a general idea in my mind usually and go with it; my favourite is when something unexpected happens when I’m writing. When I have the time to sit down and just let myself write uninterrupted, it’s almost magical how the story unfolds.

Where can readers find you and your books?

I am primarily on Instagram @tarahodgsonauthor. I update my readers there pretty consistently. My books are available on Amazon, Indigo, and Barnes and Noble!

BIO

Tara Hodgson has been teaching junior high for the past sixteen years. She spends her days surrounded by teens and has witnessed the changes that technology, especially social media, has had on the teenage experience. She lives on an acreage in Sturgeon County, Alberta with her husband, two children, and a crew of cats and dogs. Information about Tara can be found at:  TARA HODGSON - Home

To request additional information please contact Mickey Mikkelson at Creative Edge Publicity: mickey.creativeedge@gmail.com / 403.464.6925.