In His Own Time – Tamara Pray Frazier
FASCINATING AUTHORS: Tell us a little bit about your book.
Author: My book is a work of non-fiction. It is an inspirational story about a high school basketball coach who is in an automobile accident that leaves her with a broken neck and paralyzed from the waist down. The story basically chronicles her uphill battle to regain independence. It’s a story of faith and courage.
FASCINATING AUTHORS: What inspired you to create a work of non-fiction?
Author: Her story inspired me. I believe the best inspiration comes from truth. I knew people would be inspired by this story because Coach Baker is an ordinary person just like you and I. If this happened to her, it could happen to me and now I have a blueprint. I know (from her experience) it’s possible to overcome adversity.
FASCINATING AUTHORS: What did you do to prepare – such as research – to write your book?
Author: I did a lot of research on the spine. I interviewed doctors and therapists who work with spinal cord injured patients. I think my most useful information came from the therapists and staff at the Shepherd Center for Rehabilitation. It was a fascinating experience.
FASCINATING AUTHORS: How did you decide which information to present in your book?
Author: I tried to focus on certain aspects that would make the story inspirational as well as interesting so I concentrated on Family, Friends and Courage. I knew I had to give background information on the spinal cord and I definitely wanted to include the basketball aspect because that is such a large part of Coach Baker’s life.
FASCINATING AUTHORS: What do you hope people will gain from reading your book?
Author: I hope people will read my book and be inspired by her courage. There are so many people out there who go through life changing events and they don’t believe there is hope. I want people to stop taking the “little things” for granted, like waking up in the morning, sitting up, putting your feet on the floor-walking…There are so many people who aren’t able to do these things.
FASCINATING AUTHORS: How long did it take you to write the book – (was it longer or less time than you expected)?
Author: I wrote the book over a 2.5 year period but it actually took about 8 months total to write the book. It actually didn’t take as long as I expected. It was the process that was longer than expected.
FASCINATING AUTHORS: Did you seek the support of a writer’s group or class?
Author: No. When I began writing the book I had no experience. I hadn’t taken any classes or anything. I was totally clueless. I started writing the manuscript and eventually hired an editor (Dr. Tom Williams). He looked at my work, edited the first chapter and that basically showed me how to proceed. I have since taken a couple of writing classes that will help me in my future writing.
FASCINATING AUTHORS: What surprised you the most about this process?
Author: Honestly I would have to say I was pleasantly surprised at my own strength and abilities. Before this, it never occurred to me that I could successfully write a book.
FASCINATING AUTHORS: What tips would you offer to anyone writing nonfiction for the first time?
Author: Do your homework and always strive for truth in your writing.
FASCINATING AUTHORS: What can we look forward to in your next book?
Author: More of the same. I love writing about positive, inspirational people.
FASCINATING AUTHORS: Thank you for taking the time to be part of this interview!
