Author Tyora Moody is a member of Sisters in Crime and American Christian Fiction Writers, and she has served as a judge for the Christy Awards for three years. Later this month, she will release When Memories Fade (Urban Christian, March 2013), the second book in her Victory Gospel Series.


Ty is also the owner and operator of a design and marketing company, working with authors, small business owners, and non-profit organizations who want to develop an online presence. She offers free advice, how-to guides, and e-courses at DIYwithTy.com.




What sparked your writing journey?


I have always loved writing as much as I have loved to read. My writing journey began with my love for journals. In 2006, I entered that year with a deep desire for change. During my journal writing time, I started to write scenes. My curiosity grew and the scenes became chapters and after several stops and starts, a storyline had grown into a novel. I knew by the time I finished my first novel that a few of the characters would have their own story, so the Victory Gospel Series was born.



Has God ever provided an unexpected “detour” in your life that turned out to be positive?


Yes, I can say that happened in 2009. I actually had written two novels by 2008, but I went through a lot of changes in 2009 so both novels sat catching dust. It wasn’t until mid-2010 that I felt a nudge again to pursue publication. I traveled to the Faith and Fiction Retreat in Atlanta during the summer of 2010 and pitched When Rain Falls to a group of editors. By December of 2010, I received a two-book contract with Urban Christian.



How does your faith play into your work?


There is often this misconception of viewing Christianity as a religion or worshiping via a particular denomination. When we accept Christ in our lives, it is a lifestyle change. I would say that I hold myself to a high standard in everything that I do because I know (1) someone is always looking at your character and (2) I believe you can only grow in your faith depending on how you handle life’s obstacles.



Let’s talk about your sophomore release, When Memories Fade. Please tell us about it.


When Memories Fade is the second book in the Victory Gospel Series. The series is a romantic suspense series and two new main characters are introduced. Readers of the first book, When Rain Falls, will see the return of the two main characters from that novel as supporting characters in When Memories Fade. The best way to tell you about the book is to provide the synopsis here:


Angel Roberts has embraced her new faith, but past memories remain fresh. When her beloved grandmother suffers a stroke, Angel sets out to investigate a mystery that has created family tensions and lingered since she was five years old. What happened to her mother?


She teams up with investigative reporter, Wes Cade, a man obsessed with his Alzheimer stricken grandfather’s remaining memories. As Angel lets her guard down with Wes, his determination to get the story could push her to the edge. Is his interest in her or the story?


Angel must conquer her fears to find the truth. Unknown to her someone close is working feverishly to stop Angel from unlocking the truth of what really happened to her mother. Who will win?



God often uses our stories to teach us when we’re writing them. What did you learn (about life, faith, and/or even yourself) in the process of writing this book?


There is a theme of forgiveness woven into this novel. We consciously know forgiveness is necessary for us to heal and move on, but knowing this and actually moving through the process are two different things. As I wrote about a situation Angel was struggling through, I too had similar questions in my own personal life. When you close the door on hurt and bitterness, you definitely allow a door to open for something even better.





You also own a web design and marketing company. Please tell us a little about it. How did you become interested in social media marketing?


Sure and thank you for the opportunity. TywebbinCreations.com was established in 1999. We offer design and marketing services with our niche being a trusted service in the literary community. My first client in 1999 was an author and I have worked with a mix of traditional and independent published authors over the years.


My interest in social media marketing grew out of a need I saw from the clients. Many authors still enter the world of book publication without understanding the need to build a platform. Blogging, email marketing, and building relationships via social networks are areas that I consult with clients each week. I love these brainstorming sessions and like watching authors embrace book marketing.



A few fun questions…


When the words aren’t flowing—or when you want to celebrate if they are—what is your favorite comfort food and why?


Whether I’m writing or brainstorming, I usually have a bag of trail mix nearby. I love peanuts, almonds, raisins, and cranraisins. A little bit of chocolate added in helps curb the chocolate craving. LOL!



This website features musicians as well as writers. Do you have musical, as well as literary, talent?


No, I don’t have any musical talent, but I’m one of those writers who likes to write with music in the background. When Memories Fade has quite a bit of music references in the storyline, so I would listen to some of my favorite artists like Nicole Mullen, CeCe Winans, Yolanda Adams, Crystal Lewis, and Joann Rosario. Those are artists that my main character would listen to and would sing their music.



If you were a song, what kind of song would you be?


Wow, that is cool question! I’m a ball of energy who enjoys a mixture of projects. I would have to say I’m like a hip-hop song. Some of my favorite Christian hip hop artists are Lecrae and Trip Lee.



In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?


Probably the mysterious woman behind dark glasses. I’m very friendly and a teacher at heart, but a definite introvert.



I’m a dog lover. Please tell us about your pets, if any, or your favorite pet as a child.


I grew up with dogs, but I have become a cat lover as an adult. I had two cats up until last year, my boy cat passed away and I still miss him. My girl cat is a great companion and quite vocal especially around meal time. She is my other alarm clock too. LOL!



Thanks, Ty! It’s nice to have you as a guest at DivineDetour.


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For more information about Tyora, visit her website at www.tyoramoody.com.



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