Interview with Tina Friesen

Published 2018-04-07.
What's the story behind your first published ebook?
101 Marbles is a short, true story about when my husband's parents bought him the bag of marbles he had been longing for and dreaming about as a boy. I wrote the book because of the underlying meaning in what happened to him. (Spoiler alert) As a result of his experience he has tended to figuratively hold onto his marbles as an adult. I think understanding our past can be liberating when it allows us to imagine alternative outcomes. My husband enjoyed the book and it was a great conversation starter.
What motivated you to write your second book?
I have spent several years now investing a fair amount of money in attending writing conferences and pitching my completed novel. Each time I come away with more books on writing, more information crammed in my head, and I begin the revision process on my novel all over again. My second Smashwords book, Skate With Me, is a short story I recently discovered tucked away in a file folder. I didn't remember writing it and I loved seeing my hand-written copy, virtually "untouched" by all the writing research I have done. I probably wrote it twenty years ago. I was surprised how much actual writing skill I had when I just wrote, without all those "edit" voices in my head. I decided to publish the story with minimal edits in order to retain the fresh, original essence. I love the simplicity of 'boy meets girl' and I hope my readers will find the same enjoyment I did when I accidentally re-discovered this short read.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
Smashwords has taken the pressure out of publishing. It is rewarding to know my writing is reaching an audience. By publishing short stories I have been able to do a sort of 'test run' of Smashwords in preparation for future, bigger projects. My goal is to eventually publish my full length novel.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
My greatest joy is when my husband reads my work and gets a bit emotional and tells me that's what I need to be writing. Then I know I've been authentic. This happened recently when I read an excerpt of my memoir (in progress) to him. What I love most is when my writing resonates with my readers.
What do your fans mean to you?
My fans are my audience. Without them I'm on a stage in an empty theatre. What is the point in that? The whole reason I practice, practice, practice, is that I hope one day someone will love my work and come see my show--buy the book and tell their friends about it.
What are you working on next?
I have several romantic short stories, as well as two children's stories awaiting publication. I am working on the final edits of a completed novel entitled, From a Distance. I plan to publish a story called A Happy Life, which I am currently posting in shot episodes on my website by the same name. I also have an evolving memoir in progress.
Smashwords Interviews are created by the profiled author or publisher.

Books by This Author

A Happy Life: Moments with Denny and Rosie
Price: $6.99 USD. Words: 56,280. Language: English. Published: December 30, 2022 . Categories: Fiction » Humor & comedy » General, Fiction » Humor & comedy » General
It is surprising how extraordinary an ordinary life can be. Denny, a banjo picker and self-taught computer geek, can roast and brew a perfect cup of coffee. Rosie, the love of his life, is coping with full-on menopause and grappling with the fact that an editor told her to scrap the novel she’s been working on for fifteen years. They find it’s really the simple things that make for “A Happy Life.”
50 Design Home Tips: How to Have Fun without Spending Real Money
Price: $1.49 USD. Words: 5,130. Language: English. Published: March 19, 2021 . Categories: Nonfiction » Entertainment » Computer gaming, Nonfiction » Home & Garden » Crafts & Hobbies » Decorating
50 Design Home Tips will help you design like a pro on the Design Home app without the need to spend actual dollars. Win design prizes in the app when you learn how to submit consistent, high quality designs with the help of these proven Design Home tips.
The Making of a Worship Leader - A Worship Leader's Handbook
You set the price! Words: 10,770. Language: English. Published: February 26, 2020 . Categories: Nonfiction » Music » Religious - Contemporary Christian, Nonfiction » Music » Religious - Christian
After two decades of worship leading, Tina Friesen takes you behind the scenes and writes candidly about what it takes to be a worship leader.
Wilhelmina
Price: Free! Words: 1,510. Language: English. Published: February 27, 2019 . Categories: Fiction » Children’s books » Animals » Pets & domestic animals
Wilhelmina enjoys life in Farmer Fred's barn with her friends Maribeth, Gertrude and Adeline.
My Invisible Friend
Price: Free! Words: 510. Language: English. Published: April 21, 2018 . Categories: Fiction » Children’s books » Religious / Christian / Early Readers
A child finds comfort in having an invisible friend named Jesus.
Skate With Me
Price: Free! Words: 3,390. Language: English. Published: April 6, 2018 . Categories: Fiction » Romance » Short stories, Fiction » Romance » Clean & wholesome
TJ works as a gas bar attendant. She hasn't had a Saturday night off in four months. When Derek pulls up in his 4x4 she likes his truck. Derek hopes she likes more than just his truck. Should he risk asking her out on Saturday night?
101 Marbles
Price: Free! Words: 530. Language: English. Published: December 7, 2013 . Categories: Fiction » Children’s books » Concepts / Money
What happens when a boy takes his new red bag of 101 marbles to school?