Welcome to FAR, Tara. Tara Greenbaum is the author of Traffic Jam a unique twist on falling asleep at the wheel.

Did Traffic Jam develop quickly one day or slowly as you considered assorted predicaments triggered by Traffic Jams?

I was taking my little boys to Sea World. My friend and her kids were ten minutes ahead of us-Okay, I'm a SLOW driver. :0) Anyway, I was stopped on a long flat bridge (in a Traffic Jam) just like my characters. As the moments ticked by and all the people got out of their cars to mull around, I thought what a great place for a chance meeting. And thus the story was born.

Did Emily Garrett materialize first or did she emerge with the story?

All of the names in this story are from my family. So I actually had a set personality to draw from.

Will there be a sequel to Traffic Jam?

Probably not. I'm targeting Blaze right now, so my stories are much longer.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your book?

If you read it, let me know what you think. :0)

Describe yourself in three words.

Fun-loving
Outgoing
Sweet

Describe your most embarrassing moment.

Oh there have been soooooo many. But none that are "G" rated. ;0)

Is there any music that inspires the different genres?

Absolutely. Slow Country music for the love scenes, fast country music for everything else. :0)

Do you have a specific routine before you write?

Whenever I get the time, but always every day.

Do you write in one area only or everywhere?

I write one story at a time. I would get way too confused if I jumped plots and characters.

Do you ever wake up in the middle of the night with an idea for a story that immediately has to be written?

All the time. For Christmas my husb . . . Santa bought me a mini tape recorder. It's beside my bed. I wake up some mornings and laugh at what I have recorded the night before.

If you could work with any author, who would it be and why?

Hands down Janet Evanovich. I met her and she was just lovely to me and my family. I find her work absolutely hilarious. And I envy authors who can make me laugh out loud while reading.

Who/What inspired you to write?

I belong to a book club of talent ladies.(JMBB) I joined the group with just the love of reading. Then after a post, one slow Saturday night, we all took turns writing a story, I realized I LOVED to write.

Who do you think is the greatest literary personality ever?

Ms. Jane Austin

Who are some of your favorite authors?

Jane Austin
Janet Evanovich
Judith McNaught
Julia Quinn
Suzanne Brockmann

Who is the greatest romantic figure in history?

Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice

Is there a way other than your website for fans to keep updated?

They could always e-mail me. :0)

Do you believe writing is a gift you are born with or can it be taught?

EVERYTHING can be taught . . . within reason. You won't find me leading the pack in the Olympic 100 meter sprint but you just might see my name in Barnes and Noble.

When you first began writing, what was the most difficult part?

Learning the mechanics/rules, which I am still learning today. My problem is I'm not such a good rule follower.

What changes do you see coming in the e-book industry? What changes would you like to see?

I would say that every publishing house will have an e-published line someday. Because, quite frankly, everyone is online. :0)

What final advice would you offer to writers who are seeking publication?

Only write what makes you happy. Your voice will give you away if the style is not you.

Finally, any last thoughts.

You girls at Fallen Angel Reviews have been so sweet to me. Thank you for everything you have done. :0) You're getting quite the reputation, so keep up the good work. :0)

Thank you Tara for taking the time to answer my questions and give us a glimpse into your life and world. For more information about Tara Greenbaum and her book, visit her website at http://www.taragreenbaum.com/.


Interviewed by: Dena