Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tasha Christensen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Tasha, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I’ve wanted to be a writer since I was little, but I didn’t start taking it seriously as a career path until my senior year of college. I worked at the campus radio station and had a chance to interview the author of my favorite book growing up. (Ella Enchanted, by Gale Carson Levine, for those wondering!) I was so inspired by her that I started writing the first manuscript I would ever finish, a dystopian retelling of “The Little Mermaid.” Writing an entire book was a huge accomplishment, but I had a lot to learn, and that book has never been published. But it started me on the path to becoming the award-winning author of YA novels about music and love that I am today.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I write the Itaska High series, which is a set of YA romantic comedies that focus on different members of a high school marching band in Minnesota. They can be found on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop.org, and many other places for purchase.
The first marching band rom com in the series is called AS YOU WERE, and it was just named the YA winner of the Colorado Author Project for 2023! It’s about a drum major competing against her theater star ex-boyfriend for a prize that would save her struggling band program. The second Itaska High book, MARKING TIME, just came out in December. It’s about a broody girl with a motorcycle who’s determined to hate her new town—and a cute drummer who bets she can convince her otherwise.
I wrote these books to be an escape, something that will make readers laugh and swoon. I have equal numbers of teenage fans as I have adult readers who love the nostalgia of reading about characters in band, just like they were when they were younger. But these books are for band geeks and non-musical people alike. I have many readers who don’t usually read any romance but really enjoyed these books. I’m proud that I’ve written books that so many people can enjoy.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
For an aspiring writer, three of the most important qualities are perserverance, ability to take criticism, and and a desire to learn.
But when it all comes down to it, you have to write. Set aside time to sit down and make it happen. You can plan and outline and fiddle with wording all you want, but that won’t get you a completed manuscript. It’s incredibly motivating and validating to finish writing your first book. Keep that goal in mind, and allow your first draft to be messy and imperfect. Turn off that voice in your head that insists on everything being perfect. No one has to see what you write yet! This first draft is for you.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I love writing and sharing my books, but one of my biggest passions is inspiring and teaching other writers, especially young writers. I’m always looking for opportunities to present writing workshops for high school creative writing classes, take part in mentorships for teen writers, and take part as a guest for YA book conferences. If you’re a teacher, parent, or librarian, don’t hesitate to reach out via my contact info at https://www.tashachristensen.com/ to schedule an event!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tashachristensen.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_tasha/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTChristensen
- Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@author_tasha
Image Credits
Angie Hodapp Ben Christensen
