Eric Woods, Author

Award-winning author E.J. Tanda graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with a degree in English and Creative Writing. E.J. lives in Northern California with her family. With a rich, cultural background guiding her writing, she weaves her Italian heritage throughout her stories. When she isn’t writing, she travels the globe to gain experiences for her next book.

Follow E.J. Tanda

Website: https://ejtanda.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ejtanda/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ejtandaauthor3
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EJTandaAuthor/

QUESTIONS:

1. Tell our readers a little about yourself and your writing (including publications)
Hello! I’m E.J. I write Mafia romance, historical romance, dark romance, women’s fiction and romantic suspense. I started writing with an idea from a story I was told as a kid. Every Italian has “stories.” Growing up in a big Italian family, I’d heard that my great-grandmother’s first husband was killed in a suspected Mafia hit. I knew if I ever had the guts to finally write a novel, I’d start there—something unique to my roots that bordered on dangerous, emotional, and deeply
personal. But because I love reading romance, I had to weave in an epic love story too! I write about strong women and gorgeous men who are fiercely protective and love hard. My books embody family, sacrifice, and love.
I’ve published three novels. The first two, Queen of Secrets and Crown of Confessions, are women’s fiction with a central Mafia love story. They are the foundation of the Mafia Matriarch series, which explores themes of resilience, bravery, friendship, and forbidden love that stands the test of time. The series establishes a story world that fuels my third book, Between Roc and a Hard Place, a sizzling contemporary romance with high stakes action, suspense with a twist, and an emotionally intense second-chance love story.

2. What writing projects are you currently working on?
I’m working on two novels right now, a contemporary romance and another Mafia romance. Two novels at the same time. I must be crazy! But when the Mafia stuff gets muddy and heavy, the contemporary gives me a breath of fresh air.

3. Are you a daytime writer, a mid-day writer, a nighttime writer, or just someone who writes when the mood hits you?
I’m definitely a morning person, so I try to write when I wake up, but what I’ve learned is that creativity doesn’t always exist between the hours of 8-5. There have been many times when I get an idea late at night. The story possesses me and I’m sucked back into the writing cave. Now, I write when the story wants to reveal itself. I don’t run the show—the characters do.

4. Who/ what first inspired you to write?
Stephenie Meyer/ Twilight. I was in a dark place when I read Twilight. When I finished the books, I realized the power of words and that books have a certain magic in escaping reality. Those books literally saved my life. That’s when I knew I wanted to become an author.

5. What are your favorite book genres?
I’m a sucker for love stories and all things romance. HEA’s for days! I read Mafia romance, dark romance, paranormal romance, women’s fiction and historical romance. I have, on occasion, read horror, but I’m a scaredy-cat.

6. Do you have any pets?
Yes, two labradoodles. Cooper and Sadie Sue. They are the loves of our lives and bring so much joy into our home. They are not just our dogs; they are family.

7. What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a writer?
I’ve been writing for about six years now and I’ve learned that writers need four things: resilience, a belief in their work, a good editor and the ability to take criticism. My best advice would be to hone your craft, learn the industry, kill your darlings when you have to, and nurture your creative process. Rewrites are part of the game. The publishing industry is constantly changing and evolving, but if you write from your heart and gain the interest of just one reader,
then you’ve done your job. Stay true to your characters and trust your gut. You know your story better than anyone. Never forget that the words on a page can be transformative. For me, that’s the whole point. Books can change lives. I know for sure, because they did for me.