Tammy Harrow joins the Spotlight to discuss her debut, All the Salt in the Sea
Author Name: Tammy Harrow
Book Title: All the Salt in the Sea
Book Genre: Women’s Fiction
Release Date: January 11, 2022
Publisher: Red Adept
Welcome, Tammy! Please tell us a little bit about All the Salt in the Sea.
All the Salt in the Sea is a story about a broken St Augustine woman who discovers a secret that sets her on a path to freedom. While traveling Europe, she meets and falls for a family friend and makes plans for a new life with him. One problem—her estranged husband refuses to let her go.
How long did it take for you to write the book? Did you do any research?
All the Salt in the Sea is my debut novel. It took me about ten years, on and off, to write. I would complete a draft, put it away for a few months, then pull it out again.
I did research several topics in the book. Military and mental health treatments were probably the most extensive subjects.
What’s your favorite part about writing/being an author? What do you find challenging?
I have two favorite things about being an author. One is daydreaming about new book ideas and the colorful characters I want in the stories. The other is the camaraderie I’ve found in the writing community. I’ve made so many connections and met many wonderful people I’m happy to call my friends.
If you were speaking to someone who hasn’t read your writing before, why should they want to read All the Salt in the Sea?
All the Salt in the Sea, at its core, is about finding freedom after facing impossible decisions. Half of the story is set in the tourist town of St. Augustine, Florida (where I live), and the other half is set in five different European countries, beginning in Southern Italy. As an avid traveler, I do my best to bring those countries to life on the pages. The story is a great escape both for those who travel internationally and for those would love to, but can’t. It’s also a story for anyone rooting for women struggling to gain their independence.
What about the writing/editing/publishing process has been the most surprising to you so far?
The length of time it takes from completing a first draft to having a print book in your hands completely took me by surprise.
Any words of wisdom you give your pre-published writer self or to a new writer?
Be patient and don’t give up.
What are your interests outside of writing and reading?
I’ve been an avid solo traveler for about twelve years. I absolutely love immersing myself in a foreign country alone. There’s no better way to soak up the culture and really take in the surroundings. But I do also love traveling with my family. We usually take a summer trip to the mountains to hike and camp. We just finished converting a Promaster van into a home on wheels and I can’t wait to hit the road.
Other than travel, I enjoy throwing pottery and doing any type of art project. I’ve been a photographer for about thirteen years now so I love taking photos, especially when it’s not required (as in a paid job). Candids of people and landscapes are my favorite.
In my former life, I was a pastry chef. I still enjoy baking but I have a fierce sweet tooth and can’t resist cookies. These days, I’m trying to eat healthy, so I’ve been working hard to convert recipes into healthier plant based versions. I love converting savory dishes as well.
Are you working on a new project? Please tell us about it.
I recently completed a travel memoir about my twelve year journey as a solo traveler. I’m about to start a second draft on my next fiction novel, currently titled Half Life. It’s about two female best friends in law enforcement chasing down a vigilante serial killer who targets drug dealers.
Where can readers find you?
https://www.instagram.com/tammyharrow/
https://www.facebook.com/TammyLHarrowAuthor
https://twitter.com/TammyLHarrow
https://www.tiktok.com/@tammyharrow
Thank you, Tammy! All the Salt in the Sea is out now and available everywhere.
All the Salt in the Sea
In her first year of medical school, Abby West’s goals for the future were derailed by an unexpected pregnancy. Reluctantly, she discarded her dream of becoming a physician in favor of being a wife to one. Nineteen years later, Abby discovers her powerful, well-connected husband has been keeping a secret— an eight-year-old son from an old affair.
Devastated by the betrayal, she flees to her grandmother’s hometown on the Amalfi coast. There, Abby meets Daniel Quinn, a former American soldier turned travel photographer. As she travels across Europe with him, she begins to imagine a new life, one without a controlling and unfaithful husband.
Empowered by a newfound sense of freedom and courage, Abby returns to St. Augustine to settle things with her husband. But nothing goes as planned, and what awaits may very well destroy her.
Author bio:
Tammy Harrow is an international solo traveler, writer, and photographer. She’s spent much of her life in the publishing industry, the first half in newspapers and more recently working for various Florida magazines. Every couple of months, she escapes to a new city or country in search of adventure. Along the way, she often finds interesting stories to share with the world.