Getting to know Camy Tang

The fun and fabulous Camy Tang is well known for her sassy heroines and Tessa Lancaster from her new series is no different!  It's a pleasure to have Camy herself visit here once again :)

Camy Tang

What appeals to you most about writing fiction?

My favorite part of writing is the plotting and characterization. I love the thrill of discovery of a new character, a new plot. I love coming up with new conflicts and obstacles, of crafting a character’s spiritual arc to the tense climax and the satisfying ending. And hopefully there’s a romantic kiss or two somewhere in there, as well. :) 

The actual writing is a close second. Most writers say that plotting saps their creativity, but it doesn’t for me—I still feel that sizzle of excitement as I lay down words, as the scene I envisioned and plotted comes to life on the page.

Why Christian fiction?

I love reading Christian fiction, and I also prayed about it and felt God telling me to write for the Christian market as opposed to the secular fiction market. Some writers are called to write for the secular market, but I am happy with where God has placed me in my writing career. I know He has His own plans for me.

Name five things you can’t live without (no need to take this too seriously!)

Tea

Knitting

My Nook ereader

Potato chips

My pink feather boa--seriously, I wear it when I write and it helps my creativity. I think. :)

Favourite book ~ Favourite movie ~ Favourite TV show

Book: Persuasion by Jane Austen

Movie: Pride and Prejudice

TV Show: Leverage

Where is the most interesting place you have been?

The Grand Tetons. I went on a hiking trip with friends right out of college and it was amazing.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

A writer. LOL

What are two things people might be surprised to know about you?

I’m actually an introvert, but I enjoy talking to people one on one, so I tend to be very animated at conferences when I talk to people. But I’m like any other introvert, and I need alone time to recharge. 

One day I’d really like to write a Regency romance, because I love reading them. I’m not sure how good I’d be at it, though, because the language and writing style is very different from what I normally write.

Protection for Hire

Please share your inspiration for this new series

I love strong, capable heroines like from the TV shows Alias, Nikita, Covert Affairs, and the movies Tomb Raider and Resident Evil. I wanted to write about a strong woman with a heart for God, so I came up with my character, Tessa. 

I wanted to give Tessa a reason to keep being involved in different crimes (so that I could have more books with her as the heroine) and the idea came to me that if Tessa had a shady past before coming to Christ, that past would provide good spiritual conflict as well as causing external problems in her life. I am a fan of The Sopranos, including the more humorous parts of the series, and thought that if Tessa belonged to the Japanese mafia, and I created a Japanese version of The Sopranos, it would be both exciting and funny. 

For her hero, I thought up the most unlikely pairing--a straight-laced lawyer from Louisiana--and as I wrote, I let the sparks fly!

Describe Tessa Lancaster in 3 words?

Strong, sassy, protective

Describe Charles Britton in 3 words

Loyal, gentlemanlike, smart

What makes Tessa unique?

I think the combination of her ability to physically take care of herself (she knows martial arts and street fighting) and yet her vulnerability when it comes to her crazy family.

What was your favourite scene to write in Protection for Hire?

I think I had the most fun when I was writing the scene where Tessa has Elizabeth in the car and she’s ditching a tail.

Share a favourite paragraph

She wasn’t sure how to put this delicately, so she plunged full-steam ahead. “Uncle, I told you in my letters from prison and when I first saw you after I got out. I am a Christian now, and I’m trying to learn to love people, not break their kneecaps.”

His frown looked suspiciously like a pout. “I never asked you to break kneecaps.”

She rolled her eyes. “Unnnncleeeee …” Her exasperation drew the word out into six syllables. “You know what I mean.”

What’s next in your writing pipeline?  Please share!

Just released in January, 2012 is the third book in my Sonoma romantic suspense series, Stalker in the Shadows, which is about the third Grant sister, Monica. I’m also currently working on the second Protection for Hire novel, and I just got the title: A Dangerous Stage. Tessa will be protecting a contestant on an American Idol-like singing competition. 

Thanks for having me on your blog, Rel!

Relz Reviewz Extras

Review of Protection for Hire

Character spotlight on Tessa & Charles
Reviews of Sushi for One?, Only Uni, Single Sashimi, Deadly Intent & Formula for Danger
What's Cooking? with Camy
Interview with Camy
Visit Camy's website and blog
Buy Camy's books at Amazon and Koorong