

Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamara Davis.
Hi Tamara, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Hello, I’m an author, mom, fire-wife, substitute teacher, and dance enthusiast. I grew up in Michigan, joined the U.S. Coast Guard, advanced to the rank of E-5, finished my enlistment in California, and stayed for college. I met my husband out west, too, so he’s part of the equation that led me to living out here long term.
I’ve always been a diarist, and I eventually experimented with writing for publication while in college. Seeing my newspaper articles in print (in Michigan and California) helped develop my confidence and courage in putting ideas out there for public view. Professors at Cal State University Channel Islands inspired and encouraged me.
In 2017, I started writing a novel as a way to explore and speak up for causes I care about. I approached the project from a place of compassion, curiosity, and concern regarding technology’s trade-offs and other timely topics. I honored my vision of making it a multi-media story by including color, art, and footnotes to enhance meaning and guide readers. I got to experience the craft of character development, plus the process of professional editing and design.
The book serves as commentary on media’s influence and tech’s toll, particularly in high school and within the realm of communication. “Despite the Buzz” is set in a reflective writing classroom, so the story promotes journaling as well. Readers are invited to respond to prompts and reflect on their own cellphone usage.
Releasing the novel in 2021 led to other creative opportunities through book events, interviews, networking, advertising, and increased exposure. I’ve met interesting people and learned from imaginative individuals along the way in regard to marketing, too. Thankfully, my family is supportive, and dance friends are especially empowering.
“Despite the Buzz” (despitethebuzz.com) was awarded first place for contemporary romantic fiction and third place for literary fiction at The BookFest (thebookfest.com) in April of 2022. The realistic story is for readers over fourteen years old and is applicable to parents and teachers. The independently published paperback includes educational resources, digital wellness insights, and book club questions.
With a book under my belt, I began composing monthly articles for the Ventura County Mom Collective, thanks to an invitation from a friend. I like having a regular reason to write and connect with locals.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Authorship struggles included awaiting and weathering feedback from beta readers, trying to get the aesthetics and formatting laid out nicely, fixing minor issues after thinking the project was “finished,” overcoming perfectionistic tendencies, and braving the literary stage. Also, balancing daily life as a mom, wife, friend, relative, community member, and part-time teacher with authorship ambitions (writing, reading, networking, distribution, and promotion) is tricky. There’s always more I “could” be doing to develop myself as an author. Still, I’m grateful for reviews, collaborations, and opportunities like this.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Once upon a time, I earned a bachelor’s degree and teaching credential in English. As a substitute teacher, I’ve been able to experience a variety of classroom settings: private, public, charter, and summer school. I love learning and working in the field of education. I enjoy refreshing my knowledge in different subject areas. I like being around students and teachers. It’s inspiring because we all learn from each other’s perspectives. As a parent, I’m able to apply educational practices at home and even write weekend “lesson plans” for my kids.
I used my training and observations to create the school setting and student characters in “Despite the Buzz.” The story depicts demands upon teachers due to class size, special needs, language barriers, gender sensitivity, gun threats, cellphones, and the challenge of holding students’ attention. By offering insight to those who grew up before current trends, the multigenerational book aims to build rapport among members from different schools of thought. A variety of people relate to feelings of digital distraction, electronic accountability, and online exposure.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Journal more. You might use those idea seeds later. Write for yourself and for others. Connect with creative people. Join writing and publishing groups. Read. Take notes or write reviews to study the literary craft. Practice composition. Envision an audience. Consider your purpose when writing. Follow your passions. Be brave. Publish or share something. Seek out beta readers or pay for professional editing if applicable. See where your artistic path takes you. Experiment with expression! Follow your instinct and exercise caution when it comes to making connections and reciprocating interest.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.despitethebuzz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tamaramillerdavis
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/despitethebuzz
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-davis-094499238
- Other: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58341719-despite-the-buzz
Image Credits
David Reeser
Ojai Digital Design
Alyson Berg Photography