How You Found Your Tribe?

This month’s Author 2 Author guest is the international bestselling and award-winning author, T.I. Lowe. That “T” represents her given name, Tonya, but this is a Southern woman and there’s a story about why she goes by T.I. You’ll have to check it out on our YouTube interview.

Before we talk about finding your tribe, let me tell you a little about T.I. She claims to be an ordinary country girl who loves to tell extraordinary stories. She is the author of 21 novels, including the #1 international bestseller and critically acclaimed Under the Magnolias and her debut breakout Lulu’s Café. Her novel Indigo Isle won the prestigious Christy Award in the contemporary romance category and was subsequently named Christy Award Book of the Year. She lives in coastal South Carolina with her husband and family.

I had to laugh at her claim of being “an ordinary country girl.” Nothing ordinary about this woman of God. As you’ll discover in both interviews. She brings literary Southern hospitality to the world.

I’ve been a fan of T.I.’s books and always eagerly await her next release the minute I close the cover of her current book. This new release, South of Somewhere (Tyndale House Publisher) was another slice of Southern wit, wisdom, and wonder.

Here’s a synopsis of what is sure to be another bestseller:

When Juniper Wilder’s grief spiraled into addiction, leading first to an arrest for drunk driving, then jail and court-ordered rehab, she lost the most important thing in her life: her baby girl, Fern. Now, sober and on probation, Junie is determined to prove she can be the mother Fern deserves. But she’s burned a lot of bridges, ones that can’t be easily rebuilt.

Not every road is closed to her, however. Exiled to her late grandmother’s South Carolina beach house, Junie starts over, ready to pay off her debts and prove to her brother that he can safely return custody of Fern. She works hard and finds surprising grace in an eclectic recovery community. There’s an unexpected friendship, too—and maybe more—with her neighbor, Henry, a quirky college professor who helps her believe in second chances.

Still, it’s hard for Junie to imagine ever forgiving herself, let alone receiving forgiveness from those she’s hurt . . . particularly when her past rears its ugly head and threatens to undo every bit of progress she’s made.

See what I mean? Incredible–and I read it, so I can vouch for that!

How about learning a bit about the book and what inspired this heartbreaking and heart-healing story?

What sparked Junie’s story in particular?

Funny enough, I didn’t want to tell Junie’s story. It hit too close to home, but when I’m faced with something I don’t understand, I work it out through my writing. I lost a loved one in 2022 to a fentanyl
overdose, and it shook me. I turned to writing as I grappled with my grief and through that, Junie’s story emerged.

We all have thorns in our sides, and we should be less judgmental of others. Everyone is going through something.

Junie’s path—from addiction and jail to healing and hope—is both raw and grace-filled. What was your writing process like as this story unfolded?

This book allowed me a safe place to mourn the loss of my loved one. There were dark days that brought up bad memories, but then there were the lighter moments that helped me push through. I’m proud of this story.

How did your own Southern upbringing influence the portrayal of Sullivan’s Island and the community Junie finds there?

My daughter and I designed this tote for T.I. The quote and the pic of Winston, Junie’s dog just touched us. Isn’t it cute?

Community is a big part of Southern culture. We look out for one another. I focused on this in the book, wanting to highlight that you don’t have to go through life struggles alone. Of course, food is always a big part of our culture too, so I had to include a few recipes to drive this home. Everyone needs to make the tomato cracker salad. It is oddly delicious!

Community. Remember my question above? “Have you found your tribe?” Our tribe comes from community. Sometimes your tribe shows up in people and places you never expected, which is what I loved about South of Somewhere.

What is one of your favorite quotes from South of Somewhere and why do you love it?

“While I breathe, I hope.” This is my state, South Carolina, motto and this theme is woven throughout the entire book. There’s so much truth to this motto. As long as we are still breathing, we can still turn things around. Even if you don’t feel worthy of a second or third chance, seek it anyway. Not saying it’ll be easy, but well worth it.

What is the best writing tip you have ever received? How was it helpful?

I heard Francine Rivers respond one time about a critic giving a negative review. She said her book wasn’t meant for them and that helped me to understand the absolute truth of that statement. My books will not be meant for everyone and that’s okay. I’m honored for those it is meant for and that my humble words can impact them in a profound way.

What is the least helpful writing tip you ever received? Why wasn’t it helpful?

I’ve heard you should keep an eye out on book trends and write what’s trending. Nope. I feel like you should always write what’s on your creative heart to write and not what you think readers want you to write. Stay true to your writing craft. This is my advice to writers.

Do you have any strange writing habits/quirks?

Not really. If my character is a tea drinker or has a food they really like, I tend to do the same while writing. One of my characters loved dipping pork rinds into pimento cheese, so I may have eaten way more of that snack than I should have while writing the book.

Who is your favorite character—protagonist or antagonist—and why?

Probably Lulu from Lulu’s Café. She is the elderly yet spunky mother hen of her little town. She loves people as they are and cares deeply for them. Lulu is the woman I aspire to be. (Be sure to check out our YouTube interview where you’ll discover who inspired the name of Lulu.)

What are you working on now?

My next book is an aftermath story that should release Fall 2027. The title for now is A Southern Goodbye. We all experience loss, but we respond differently and that’s okay. This story will be told from three different people and their journey of grieving the same person.

Can’t wait, T.I.

As promised, here is Olla’s Tomato Cracker Salad recipe:

2 large tomatoes–really fresh tomatoes, “not those watery ones”

1 green onion, chopped

2 Tbsp. Duke’s Mayonnaise

1 tsp. ranch seasoning

1 sleeve saltine crackers, coarsely crushed

pepper to taste

In a bowl, mix mayo and ranch dressing. Then add tomatoes, onions, and saltines. Give it a good mix and eat immediately. 

Add-in options: Chopped hard-boiled egg

So, readers, did you fall in love with this sassy, Southern author? Be sure to check out our YouTube interview. We had so much fun–and we had our own type of “Southern Goodbye”.

April’s A2A Giveaway!

Yes! Thanks to T.I. and Tyndale House Publishing, this month’s giveaway winner will receive a softcover copy of her latest release, South of Somewhere.

PLUS!

A special gift from me as I celebrate the upcoming launch of my daughter’s and my online store, EmaBat Books & Bookish Things. A bookish tote with the perfect reader’s quote: Just One More Chapter with a matching bookmark.

Three great prizes! And you could be the winner? How? Well, by entering! Not just once, but up to SIX times– (see the YouTube interview)!* Leave a comment below and share this blog and if you haven’t already, please subscribe to my newsletter at the bottom of this blog and receive another free gift from me — and an extra entry.

NOTE: WANT TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING THIS INCREDIBLE GIVEAWAY?*

Check out my YouTubeA2A interview with T.I. Because, in the video interview T.I. answers different fun questions–and we have some funny and inspiring discussions! Also, you’ll learn about Southern-isms!

By Liking and Commenting on the video episode, you will have one more entry.* Sharing the video, another entry.* Subscribe, and you have TWO entries for a chance to win.* 

The Deadline is April 10th   

Watch our interview–

That means, my friends, if you comment and subscribe -– or are already a subscriber -– to my blog, then watch the video and LIKE, SHARE, and COMMENT on the VIDEO, then Subscribe to my YouTube Channel, your name will be entered SIX TIMES–SEVEN!*

Next month’s A2A Guest: Named One of the Funniest Voices in Inspirational Romance by Booklist, Jen Turano is a USA Today Best-Selling Author, known for penning quirky historical romances set in the Gilded Age. 

Thanks so much for stopping by. I hope you enjoyed getting to know T.I.–I certainly did! Until May, God bless and KEEP READING! 

*So sorry, entries from the contiguous US only.