DeKALB | The season of giving is starting early in DeKalb.

NIU alumna Tamara Lyon will be giving away copies of her first book, Falling to Him while in town to promote her new book The Ugly Tree at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11 at Moxie, 230 E. Lincoln Highway. Lyon, who graduated with a degree in English, will also be on-hand to sign copies of her novels, the most recent of which follows “a summer of waiting, loving and longing” for a 16-year-old girl in Illinois.

The Northern Star recently talked to Lyon about her career as an author and the time she spent at NIU.

 

NORTHERN STAR: You graduated from NIU in 1996, what do you remember about your time here?

TAMARA LYON: I was very busy during my time at NIU and remember it as being a very comfortable and friendly environment. The professors and staff were always willing to listen and to help. I was very ambitious in completing my coursework. I graduated in 3 1/2 years with a degree in English, and also a certification to teach 7-12 English. I was an active member of Alpha Delta Pi sorority and competed in the Greek Physique competition, a fitness competition, for two years straight, taking first place back in February of 1996.

 

NS: When did you realize you wanted to become a writer?

TL: I’ve always known that I wanted to be a writer. One of my first memories is writing poetry at the age of seven. I began a novel at age fifteen. I was editor of the paper at Kaneland High School in Maple Park and also freelanced for several suburban newspapers such as the Elburn Herald and the Kane County Chronicle. Writing and reading were always my passion.

 

NS: You’re the author of three books, how would you describe your work?

TL: My genre is women’s fiction and I pride myself on the diversity of my work. I don’t subscribe to a formula. Every book is unique. I love character studies, and so my books are always told from either one or two points of view. This allows the reader to get up close and personal and have a bird’s eye view of what the character is going through. The Ugly Tree, my latest release, was intended for women but has a special appeal to young adults, ages 14 and up. Fixing Forever Broken is also appropriate for teenagers. Falling to Him is for more mature audiences.

 

NS: Can you talk a little about your book signing at Moxie?

TL: I’m very excited about my book signing at Moxie. Since I’m still a relatively unknown author and my publishing company does very little to help promote my work, I want to do as many book signings as possible. I know that the economy is tight, and I thought giving my first book away would be a way for me to reach potential readers and gain a fan base. A free signed book is always a great gift!

 

NS: What advice do you have for writers wanting get to published?

TL: To get published it takes perseverance. It’s taken me almost 10 years to make headway. I self-published my first book to get my foot in the industry, and then a traditional publisher, Comfort Publishing out of North Carolina, signed me in 2008. What I do know is that the publishing industry is in an upheaval right now. With so many options out there such as self-publishing, print on-demand and e-books, everything is changing. While traditionally publishing is preferred, there are other options out there. The stigma that used to be attached to authors who self-published is slowly going away. I wouldn’t discourage any avenue. It’s just important to know your goals and research all your options.

 

NS: Your books all seem to have a strong female protagonist. Do you use people you know, or yourself, for inspiration for these characters?

TL: Strong female protagonists are important. I believe this world is run by woman and held together by women. I use my friends, family, and even strangers for inspiration. I’m blessed to have driven, ambitious, and intelligent women around me, and I integrate those characteristics into my stories.