We are thrilled to share that one of our WGI Writers has published a book! Read below to hear from Tasha on her book entitled, “About That Day.”

1. Tell us about your book!

My book, About that Day, is about a female soldier preparing
for and going to the War in Iraq in 2003.

2. What was the inspiration for the book?

The book is therapeutic for my disabilities. Writing is a need for my
health.

3. Where can people purchase the book? 

The links to the books are below!

Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Fulton Books (Publisher)

4. What do you think makes a good story, and what kinds of stories are you drawn to?

A good story comes from various points of reference. Whether
it is based on non-fiction or fiction genre. The important thing is
keeping your story as authentically you as possible. My
meaning is, whether you write fiction or non-fiction do the
research work involved to be believable. My story involved my
experiences; I had to verify dates and places to ensure my
story was real and there were details I changed to protect
myself because the truth is so true. I redacted pictures also.

5. What is your earliest memory of writing? How did you start?

The earliest memory of writing as a younger person was how
effortless it was to formulate stories in my head. My
imagination has remained very fluid. I only have to have an
idea. I am still working to perfect my craft at any opportunity. I
didn’t start hard copy writing until I left home. Also at that time,
I was an active-duty soldier there was no time, and I was always taking
college classes. English has been my favorite subject since my
youth.

I started writing in the very program. I received to mentors who
are Jean Castelli, and Piero Iberti. They did a stand-up job of
challenging my drafts to pull out all the trauma (in the healthiest
way) through gentle prodding. They provided a wealth of
information and tools to becoming a more improved writer. The
Writers Guild working with Wounded Warrior Program is a
fantastic literary marriage. It has created the artist that I am not
afraid to be. My two mentors gave me the ultimate confidence
that there was a seed to be nurtured. Allowing me to believe it
also. I am eternally grateful for Jean and Piero, WGI, and
WWP. I can’t imagine where I would be regarding writing and
the craft.

6. What are you working on next?

I am toying with ideas of a next book being a sequel to About
that Day”, being titled After that Day. The sequel with be more
in depth about life after war in respect to leaving the military,
healing from trauma, and other surprise goodies about the
current years. I am also going to write a fiction book.
Screenwriting is my biggest challenge. I would like to take an
intense course in screenwriting for beginners.

7. Do you have any advice, tips, guidance or resources you’d like to share for someone who wants to write?  

My advice begins with write. I don’t want to put this in bold and
strobe light effects, it is however the only way to grasp the craft.
After many edits, you go line for line and correct your past
mistakes without taking it personally. Mentors are the key to
your success. There is no disagreeing, arguments mentors
want the best for you and your book, so go with that. However,
you may something emotional about all the red marks…they
are for your betterment not your demise.

Dedicate yourself to writing at least 500 words daily and you will
increase over time. I have to have the right ambiance, room in
my house, no distractions. I have found music helps.