An Interview with Tami Egonu, Author of The Meaning of Us

I’m a British author addicted to writing contemporary and historical fiction. Love and heartbreak are constant themes throughout my novels (excluding my horror) but I believe in a HEA, even if it takes some of my gritty heroines a little longer to achieve.

I love travelling, eating naughty things, and spending time with my nearest and dearest. I’m also a fan of long walks when new stories of “perfect” imperfect relationships bloom in my mind.

You can buy The Meaning of Us here.

Who/what made you want to write? Was there a particular person, or particular writers/works/art forms that influenced you?

When I was a teenager I loved reading horror and absolutely adored anything written by Stephen King, James Herbert and Dean Koontz. Stephen King remains a master storyteller and was pivotal in providing my young mind with not just words, but they conveyed powerful images and emotions. I was the type of kid who daydreamed a lot; I’d be lost inside my head making up silly stories, though it’s the importance of daydreaming that spurs creativity into reality. I also loved historical fiction and to this day two of my top twenty favorite books are Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights.

What other professions have you worked in? What’s something about you that your readers wouldn’t know?

In my twenties, I worked as a fashion photographer’s assistant in London and Tenerife, and I also had a job as a photographer on a cruise ship that sailed from Miami to the Caribbean. They were very interesting experiences.

Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

I’ve always been interested in philosophy and spirituality, and The Meaning of Us came as a thunderbolt to describe not only the feelings of one character’s love for another but also for the collective human race.

How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?

I was thrilled with my final book cover. The characters in my fiery sensual romance are in their thirties, and for me, the cover works well with its warm colors and beach vibe.

If your book had a soundtrack, what are some songs that would be on it?

There’d be traditional Greek music, anything by DJ Pete Tong (brill 90s vibe), Ministry of Sound (love their Chilled Ibiza album), “High by the Beach” and “Off to the Races” by Lana Del Rey.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

I hope my readers have a damn good time as they experience Julia’s POV as she enters Vincent’s romantic sphere. There are deeper conversations and descriptions, but being an “open door” romance will hopefully raise my readers’ temperatures during the colder months.

What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?

When the hard work of creating the story is finally over, it’s rewarding to share it with readers.

What new writing projects are you currently working on? Or, other projects that are not writing?

I’ve just begun writing the sequel to The Meaning of Us. Julia and Vincent have been vocal inside my head, telling me they’ve one more story to share before they ride off into the sunset. The Greek and Spanish heat will help me survive this winter.

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.