We had the good fortune of connecting with Tessa McFionn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tessa, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Oh, that’s always the challenge, isn’t it? Especially since I have a day job on top of my authoring. It can be a battle to make sure I am hitting word counts in the sliver of time I have after getting home, and, oh yeah, I have a husband who does kinda like to spend time with me. I find that I need to schedule out hours after the day job ends so I ensure that I cover my bases. Sometimes, I get up early to get words down before things start kicking into gear and for the most part, Saturdays are completely mine.

It is a struggle to find enough hours in the day for everything, but that is what makes life interesting. The more I keep this dual life going, I am discovering the power of the word “no.” When I truly do not have the available hours to take an another duty or project, I am saying no and guarding my sacred times just to keep myself sane.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a romance author. I am proud to say that I write steamy speculative fiction stories where badass heroines meet beguiling heroes and I believe in the magic of a “happily ever after.” I think all of us need more of this in our lives. Along the way, things might seems bleak, but all romance readers know that the two characters will make it through and be stronger because of it. My characters and stories primarily fall into the “very not real” category. I have paranormals with immortal warriors, a few sci-fi novels and a new urban fantasy series out at the moment. It’s strange that most people think being an author is “just write your book and it sells itself.” But being an independent author is definitely not that easy of a road. You truly are alone, but if you’re lucky, you come across like-minded folks who are traveling in the same direction.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
A trip around San Diego? Well, that could mean just about anything. Definitely we’d hit The Field in the Gaslamp Quarter. Best place for a pint and a good Shepherd’s Pie. Next, we’d have to go to Bud’s Louisiana Cafe in Kearney Mesa for some fried pickles, a hearty bowl of jambalaya, and you can’t forget the beignets. Have to give a shoutout to Evan, Michael and the crew who take such good care of me whenever I’m in with my hubby. Of course, you can’t go to San Diego without having some great authentic Mexican food. We discovered an amazing little Mom & Pop place in Clairemont Mesa called Carmen’s. The food is just divine. But as for entertainment, we’d take a hike. Either enjoying Mission Trails or Torrey Pines would be my suggestions. After all that, we’d probably just relax in the tiki hut in my own backyard for a cool Mai Tai.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I feel so fortunate to have friends, loved ones, and fellow writers who buoy me up when things get rough. But I’d love to give a special shoutout to Southern California Romance Writers. Together, we created a safe haven for romance writers and the wonderful support has been such a blessing. I am so thankful for these folks.

Website: https://www.tessamcfionn.com

Instagram: instagram.com/tessam2112

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tessamcfionn

Twitter: twitter.com/TessaMcFionn

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tmcfionn/

Other: BookBub: bookbub.com/authors/tessa-mcfionn Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/tessamcfionn Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/tessamcfionn Threads: https://www.threads.net/@tessam2112

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