Tuesday, September 27, 2011

World's Quickest Interview: Tess Hilmo

It's Tess Hilmo's book birthday today, so of course I had to invite her over for a World's Quickest Interview (WQI)! Tess' debut, WITH A NAME LIKE LOVE, is on store shelves TODAY. She's running a contest over at her blog to give away a free copy, so don't forget to pop over >>there<< to enter.

I have to preface the WQI with the world's quickest story. I first *met* Tess (or, in this case, Tess' book) in a Miss Snark's First Victim Secret Agent contest. We were both entrants. I don't remember how either of us scored with the agent, but I do remember her first page. I loved it. So later, when I stumbled upon her blog and found out that same book had not only landed an agent, but was getting published, I was ecstatic! Congratulations again, Tess!

Now, on to the interview.... (Tess took me seriously. This is QUICK.)

Describe your book in one sentence.  
Southern murder mystery full of heart and soul

How long have you been writing? 
9 loooong years!

Who or what inspired WITH A NAME LIKE LOVE?  
Old southern spirituals like Amazing Grace
How long did it take you to write WITH A NAME LIKE LOVE? 
Five months

Besides writing, what do you like to do most?  
Making my kids laugh 

Larry, Mo or Curly? 
Curly :D

What's your favorite holiday and why? 
Thanksgiving = family

If you could meet any one person from any point in history, who would it be?  
Florence Nightingale 

What's your favorite food?  
Tikka masala or curry 

Any advice for aspiring writers? 
Believe!


Thank you, Tess!

Make sure to tell Tess Happy Book Birthday in the comments. And stop by her blog >>here<< to enter her totally-easy-to-enter contest for a chance to win WITH A NAME LIKE LOVE.

18 comments:

  1. Another great interview, Amy! Thanks for stopping by, Tess!

    (I popped over to Tess's blog and website and noticed that she's from American Fork. So many Utah writers! But now I have to know, what's a Utah girl doing writing a Southern murder mystery? Is there something you're not telling us... :) )

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  2. Super interview, and Happy Release Day, Tess!!

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  3. Thanks for the interview Amy -- the WQI was amazingly fun (really a favorite of mine).

    Krista V: I'm from Utah recently, as an adult, but grew up in California until my 30's and my father's side of the family is from the South. My great uncle on my mothers side was an itinerant preacher in the South, too. There's lots of southern blood in these veins :)

    Faith: Thank you! It has been made special by such supportive blogging friends (like you and Amy!)

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  4. Happy Book birthday to Tess and that last is great advice :-)

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  5. Happy book bday Tess! Great interview. Believe is the BEST advice ever :)

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  6. Congratulations Tess, and Happy Book Birthday! Sounds like a fun one. :)

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  7. I think I just read a review on Cynsations and I said, this one I've got to get. Happy book birthday, Tess!

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  8. Oh, and fun WQI interview ... now I know Tess shares my taste in food too. Anything masala is good.

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  9. I totally agree. Masala all the way! Oh man, now my mouth is watering for Indian food!! :(

    Amy

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  10. Sarah: thank you! yes...never give up that belief in your work!

    Jemi: love that name!

    Janet: it has been super fun :)

    Vijaya and Amy: wish we could go get some vegetable masala right now!

    thanks again for hosting this Amy, it was super fun.

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  11. Happy book birthday to Tess! I have a copy of her book. I'm looking forward to reading it.

    Curly's my favorite, too. :)

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  12. I love how writers are so supportive of each other. "Believe." What a perfectly inspiring word.

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  13. Hey, I posted about Tess today too! How exciting that her book's been launched!

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  14. Happy belated birthday, Tess! And I LOVE the title of your book. Just the quick interview answers alone let me know that this author has heart, and I'll bet I'd love her book.

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  15. Amy ~ I love your WQI posts. I've added this book to my "need to read" list. The cover art is beautiful and the premise sounds so good. Thanks for introducing us to great new stories.

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  16. It's my first time checking out your blog- I love it:) Looking forward to reading more...

    Nice concise interview, BTW.

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  17. Love this interview format and love the sound of that book. Good luck with your launch day, Tess.

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  18. Have I mentioned how much I love this feature on your blog? You are always introducing me to such great books I haven't heard of! Can't wait to get this one.

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