Frequently Asked Questions
🙋♀️ Frequently Asked Questions: Behind the Stories with T.A. Rosewood
When did you first start writing?
My journey as a storyteller began at the tender age of 13. I vividly remember penning my very first story inside the pages of an old school textbook; a cherished possession I still keep to this day! It is a tangible reminder of where my passion first took root. It’s both humbling and exciting to look back at that first raw sketch and see how far I’ve come.
Even ten novels later, I still feel that exact same thrill whenever I open a blank document to begin a new project. Writing has been my life's constant companion, growing, maturing, and deepening alongside me.
What inspired you to become a novelist?
While I’ve always had a profound love for the written word, my journey to becoming a commercial novelist took a decisive turn in 2016 when I attended the grand opening of my local independent bookshop, Harts Books in Saffron Walden. The guest of honour that evening was the incredible Jojo Moyes.
Listening to her speak about the emotional scale of Me Before You had a transformative impact on me. Meeting her reignited my passion and made me realise that my dream of crafting full-length fiction was within reach if I committed myself entirely to the craft.
That pivotal evening served as a catalyst, propelling me to take my writing from a lifelong passion to a serious career. I dedicated myself to honing my skills, developing my unique voice, and learning the structure of storytelling. The inspiration from that encounter continues to fuel my work today.
What genres do you write in?
My writing focuses on deep, high-stakes emotional journeys, which allows me to explore a few different facets of contemporary fiction:
- Contemporary Romance & Women's Fiction: This is my primary focus. I love diving into the complexities of relationships, personal growth, and the raw, sensitive challenges women face. Stories like After Light blend heartbreaking, authentic emotion with themes of hope and second chances.
- Psychological Thrillers: I also love crafting suspenseful narratives that keep readers on the edge of their seats, weaving intricate plots with unexpected, high-emotion twists.
- Children's Books: In between my heavier contemporary novels, I occasionally write children's stories. It's a delightful, refreshing creative outlet that keeps my writing process versatile and balanced.
Who are your biggest literary influences?
My influences are a mix of master storytellers who understand how to capture the hearts of a massive global audience:
- Jojo Moyes: She completely shaped my approach to emotional women's fiction. I deeply admire her ability to handle sensitive, heartbreaking themes like grief, illness, and love with immense compassion and sensitivity.
- E.L. James: A massive inspiration in the realm of modern commercial fiction. I greatly admire her ability to build an intensely loyal, global connection with her audience, something I strive to emulate every single day with my own beloved Rosettes.
- Roald Dahl: As a child, his whimsical, darkly humorous tales sparked my early love for reading. His work inspires me to always inject elements of unique creativity and unexpected twists into my adult fiction.
What is your writing process like?
I am a character-driven writer who thrives on organic discovery! While some authors map out every single plot point in advance, I prefer to dive straight into the emotional core of the story and let the narrative unfold naturally through the choices my characters make.
I write from my dedicated sanctuary at home; a little room surrounded by my framed book covers to keep me inspired. Opening a laptop and letting the characters drive the story keeps the narrative fresh, authentic, and full of genuine surprises. Because this spontaneous first-draft style captures such raw, unfiltered energy, I back it up with a rigorous, disciplined revision and editing process to ensure the final manuscript is polished, commercially tight, and beautifully structured.
How long does it typically take you to complete a book?
My efficiency and speed have evolved tremendously over the last decade. My debut novel was a four-year labour of love as I balanced life events and learned the technical craft of pacing and editing.
Today, thanks to a decade of experience and a highly streamlined workspace, I have the proven discipline to draft a manuscript efficiently and reliably. While my writing speed has increased, I always prioritise quality over everything else. Every single manuscript receives the intense emotional dedication and careful structural refinement it needs to meet high industry standards.
What has been the most rewarding part of your author journey?
Without a doubt, it is my readers; the Rosettes. Managing an active backlist of ten novels independently means I have had to wear every single hat in the business: author, editor, marketer, and project manager. While balancing the business of publishing alongside the creative process is demanding, it has shaped me into a highly resilient, well-rounded professional.
But nothing compares to the moment a reader messages me from across the world to say my words helped them heal through their own personal grief. Hearing them call me the "Queen of Tears" is the ultimate validation that writing straight from the heart matters.
Are you currently working on any new projects?
Always! My writing discipline never stops. I currently have three new projects in the pipeline at various stages of drafting and editing. I am also actively seeking the right traditional publishing partnership for After Light to take my career to the next level... and yes, I am absolutely dreaming big enough to aim for a film adaptation one day!
Where can readers find your books?
My complete backlist is widely available globally. You can find all of my ebooks, paperbacks, and hardbacks on Amazon, as well as select paperbacks through Waterstones, Barnes & Noble, and other major retailers.