Thank you for joining us today as we go BEHIND THE AUTHOR with author, Tamara Hughes, to learn about what she fancies when she isn't writing! Hint; she might have a hobby...or three!
When I was asked what kind of hobbies I have, I almost choked on my coffee. While my husband would say my hobby is to collect miscellaneous crafting supplies and store them in our back office just to drive him crazy, I like think of my hobby habits as whimsical. I dabble in one thing until my mood shifts and then I move on to something else.
When I was a kid, I didn’t do a ton of craft type stuff. I latch hooked a few rugs and cross stitched some towels. But once married, I got the itch to be creative. It started out simple enough, using craft kits. I made ornaments for our Christmas tree – felt mice holding wreaths or gingerbread men. I also continued some cross stitch, giving away pretty much everything I made. When the kids came along, I stitched them stockings.
The kids got older, and for a while, I played with my sewing machine. I made aprons and oven mitts as Christmas presents, a shirt for my dad, a bed skirt for my bed (with accent pillows to match), Trick or Treat bags, and Halloween costumes, even dresses for my daughters.
Then for some reason I stopped. I saw a book on making jewelry in a craft store and decided that looked like a lot of fun. So I made necklaces and earrings for myself, my mom, my sister, and my kids.
Then one day, my teenage daughter was taught how to knit from a friend. She showed me how it was done, and before I knew it, I was a knitter. Scarves and hats. Gave away some of those too.
Yes, the closet in our back office is overflowing with fabric, yarn, beads, and more. But while my husband sees these things as abandoned clutter, I remember how much fun I had working on my projects and how much I learned. And who knows? Maybe the whim may strike me, and I’ll be back at one of these pursuits again.
What are some of your past and present hobbies? To celebrate the release of Tamara’s newest release, Tempting the Pirate, one commenter will win a print copy of her first book Once Upon a Masquerade (Int’l winner will get a digital copy). Please fill out the rafflecopter below.
Tempting the Pirate
(Love on the High Seas #1)
by Tamara Hughes
ebook, 240 pages
Published January 12th 2015 by Entangled: Scandalous
ISBN 1633751694
Charity Goswick thinks she is escaping an arranged marriage to a brute when she slips onto a ship unnoticed. Little does she realize that this is no honorable vessel of the King's Navy—it is a pirate ship. It's just a matter of time before she is discovered by a handsome rake of a pirate, who locks her in his cabin. And while she should be scared, her captor sparks the most unladylike feelings within her…
James Lamont is on the ship for one reason, and one reason only: to track down his brother. However, his spirited little stowaway certainly affords plenty of distraction with her many (failed) attempts to escape. And each time, the unspoken—and unbidden—passion between them grows stronger. But as violence and danger mount on the high seas, Charity will have to put all of her trust in the most untrustworthy of men... the arrogant pirate who just might steal her heart.
About Tamara Hughes
A small town girl with a big imagination, Tamara Hughes had no idea what to do with her life. After graduating from college, she moved to a big city, started a family and a job, and still struggled to find that creative outlet she craved. An avid reader of romance, she gave writing a try and became hooked on the power of exploring characters, envisioning adventures, and creating worlds. She enjoys stories with interesting twists and heroines who have the grit to surmount any obstacle, all without losing the ability to laugh.
I like my craft work - knitting in particular.
ReplyDeleteHi Tamara! Well, as for past hobbies, I used to like collecting rocks. Don't know why but there were some good looking rocks. Sadly I had to give them up because they were becoming too heavy to store away in a box. And as for now, I still draw and paint when I have time. Writing is becoming a hobby now too. =)
ReplyDeleteMy hobbies include sewing, crochet, crafting, and art with mixed media.
ReplyDeleteIn the past I've enjoyed horseback riding and collecting antiques.
Lori
other than reading :) I used to to crochet. I'm so out of practice that I'd have to relearn it, but I think I might try and pick it back up. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteSorry I'm late ladies. I got lost and couldn't find the post (another hobby of mine I'm afraid).
ReplyDeleteFirst off, thank you for allowing me to join you with my diverse hobbies. I appreciate you listening to me babble on.
I love knitting, Mary. It's so relaxing to watch a move or tv and knit away.
Kipha, rock collecting sounds great, especially if you get to go to beaches to do it. I've never been very good at drawing or painting though, but my kids are both quite skilled.
Lori: Horseback riding! I wish I could take up that hobby. I took one lesson and loved it, but otherwise don't really have access to horses.
Erin, I want to learn to crochet. I got yarn and a hook, but haven't figured out how yet. We'll see if I ever do.
In the past my hobbies were crocheting, and sewing. Now by hobbies are reading, and collecting things.
ReplyDeleteMy hobbies have included scrapbooking, FarmVille (thank goodness I moved past that), gardening and canning. These days, my hobbies include reading (when I can find time), trying to write my own first historical romance and taking classes via Savvy Authors and various RWA chapters.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to win a hard copy of Once Upon a Masquerade.
i love to read and with 2 kids that is a hobby...lol
ReplyDeleteAnita, you can never go wrong with reading. I don't even consider that a hobby anymore. It's a way of life.
ReplyDeleteAlisa, I wish I was good at canning. What a great pastime, and lots of good food all year round.
I see what you mean, Jodi. Kids keep you really busy.
Does reading count? That's the one forever hobby of mine. I like to garden - specifically have a vegetable garden but it has been difficult when I'm working long hours. I went through a sewing phase where I mostly sewed costumes for school events and halloween. I was never coordinated enough to do much with knitting or crochet.
ReplyDeleteReading, listening to music and painting.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win!
Glenda, I would say reading is the best hobby of all.
ReplyDeleteGlad you could make it, Natasha!
Some of my hobbies have been restoring furniture, crocheting, needlepoint, dancing, gardening, reading.
ReplyDeleteMostly reading, cross stitching, a little crochet and knitting.
ReplyDelete