Today’s Featured Author:
Tara N Gabrys
Today on Notes from the Shelf, I’m excited to feature an interview with Tara N Gabrys, author of Under a Violet Moon, The Fall of Snow, and The Siren and the Guardian. In this written Q&A, she shares how she develops characters and story ideas and the ways she overcomes writer’s block. Tara also offers candid advice for aspiring authors and reflects on the inspiration she finds in everyday life and how her background in dance informs her storytelling. Enjoy!
Meet Tara
Tara N Gabrys is a romantic fantasy author who gravitates toward retellings with a hint of spice. She is represented by Josi Beck at Beck Literary Agency.
If you love immersive stories, lyrical writing, and books that feel like dark fairytales, you’re in the right place.
She was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, and graduated from Elmhurst University. She was raised with a passion for telling story through dance all the way into her adulthood. She has since found that telling story through writing is much like a dance of words.
She is most happy when surrounded by nature or near the sea. Her published works are UNDER A VIOLET MOON, THE FALL OF SNOW (Book 1 in the Guard Your Heart Duology) and THE SIREN AND THE GUARDIAN (releasing Aug 26th, 2025), with more to come.
In her downtime, if she isn’t ravenously reading, she is spending time with her husband, children, and chocolate lab.
Q&A
What inspired you to start writing in general?
I’ve always loved storytelling, but I started writing seriously with the intention to publish after reading the Shatter Me series by Tahereh Mafi. The way her words moved me and inspired me was like nothing I’ve ever read. I knew then that I needed to write my own story. I strive to move people with my words.
What inspires you to continue writing?
Everything and anything. Experiences, great books or movies, nature, different cultures, my children! I find inspiration every day.
When did you know you wanted to publish a book?
I knew I wanted to publish a book once I started writing my first story after reading the Shatter Me series. Needless to say, I did not publish my first story, as it was very much a learning experience of story structure.
How did you first get published?
I self-published my debut novel, Under A Violet Moon, in January of 2024. It was quite an experience to learn all about both the traditional and indie publishing world. I am still learning new things about the industry every day.
What is your writing routine?
I am very much a discovery writer/pantser. I do a rough, very vague outline of my story before sitting down and actually writing chapter one. I absolutely love drafting and enjoy the process of the characters revealing the story to me.
How do you develop an idea from initial spark to finished manuscript?
Like I mentioned above, I am a discovery writer, so before writing, I get down the main characters’ personalities, where their mind is at at the start of the book, and the setting down. I make a Pinterest board with aesthetic and a few emotional themes and then I make sure I have the story beats down. Then I finally write and let the story take me wherever it needs to go.
Have you dealt with writer’s block and how do you handle it?
Absolutely! I typically take a step back from drafting and take a walk, get close to nature, or listen to music and view my Pinterest mood board.
What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?
To not compare. Stay in your lane. Eyes on your own paper. Nothing good ever comes from comparing two different stories to one another.
Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
Finish it! No matter what it takes, there is nothing better than completing a manuscript. Don’t worry about the editing, just write! Get those words down on paper. And make writer friends. Life of an author can be very isolating and lonely, but having writer friends to lean on is priceless.
Which books or authors have most influenced your writing?
Absolutely Tahereh Mafi. She has such a beautiful way of viewing the world and infusing emotion into her work. SJM (Sarah J. Maas) for her in-depth world building and action-packed stories. Jodi Picoult for writing about tough topics and really diving deep into difficult stories. So so many more!
What book(s) are you currently reading?
Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil by V.E. Schwab. I went to see her on tour and she did not disappoint. Such a brilliant mind!
Sara: Wow, I’m totally jealous Tara saw V.E. Schwab on tour!
What’s something readers might be surprised to learn about you?
I have a dance minor! All my life, I have been a dancer and am now an instructor at my very good friend’s studio. I teach contemporary, lyrical, jazz, and ballet. Telling a story through dance is very similar to writing. It is very emotional and deep.
What book(s) have you published and where can people find them?
Under A Violet Moon, The Fall Of Snow, & The Siren and The Guardian. All books can be found on Amazon, Barbara’s Bookstore, or Barnes & Noble online. They are also all on Kindle Unlimited!
Sara: Consider buying them through Bookshop.org to help independent bookstores as well as this blog. If you buy through Bookshop.org, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you.
What are you currently writing? Anything coming out soon?
The Rise of Snow, which is the sequel to The Fall Of Snow, my Snow White retelling Duology!
Connect with Tara
You can find Tara on Instagram, Tiktok, and Goodreads @tarangabrys but you can mostly find her on Instagram. Her website is www.tarangabrysbooks.com
Wrapping Up
Thank you so much to Tara for taking the time to answer my questions. I love that she finds inspiration in everyday life, from nature to her children to the books and stories around her. It’s such a powerful reminder that creativity is everywhere if we just take the time to notice it. I also really appreciate her advice to just finish the dang manuscript and to stay true to your own story. In a world where it’s so easy to compare yourself to others, her reminder that every writer’s voice matters feels especially important. Tara’s passion, authenticity, and dedication to her craft are inspiring, and I’m excited to see where her next stories will take us.
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