Behind the Pen: Tamsin St. James

Welcome to another segment of Behind the Pen where I spotlight some super fun indie authors for you guys to get your hands on some new reads!! This time, I’m interviewing Tamsin St. James, a gothic horror romance author (which is totallllyyy my vibe!).

Your Journey to Becoming an Author

1. Can you introduce yourself to our readers? 

Hi, I’m Tamsin and I’m a gothic horror romance author. I currently live in Cornwall in the UK and love everything dark and spooky. I’m just about to release my debut novel, Hollow Secrets. 

2. What first drew you to writing as a craft?

I’ve always loved writing and spent hours creating worlds as a child (I was never really one to play with dolls!). As I got older, university and then work took over and I didn’t have as much time or creativity to spend on it. I’ve always been an avid reader as well, you’ll never find me without a book nearby, and for years every time I’d finish one I’d think “this is what I want to do.” I’m so glad I found my way back to writing in my late twenties. 

3. How did your author journey begin? 

I’m always scribbling down ideas in various places and have mapped out so many stories over the years that never went anywhere. It was in October 2024 that I decided to get serious about it – that a fully formed novel wouldn’t just come to me, I’d need to work on it. It was something I’d said I wanted to do all of my life, and I needed to take active steps to accomplish it. I gave myself a deadline and created an Instagram writing page to keep myself accountable. 

4. Are there any authors or books that inspired you or significantly influenced the way you write? 

I genuinely wouldn’t be able to pick – I think everything I have read has inspired me in some way or another. Although the main genre that I read is domestic thrillers and I think you’ll see this heavily influences how I write. I love a cliffhanger. 

5. What was the most surprising part of your publishing experience? 

I think I always felt that if I did write a book, I’d go down the traditional publishing route. So when I realised self-publishing existed and was actually quite a popular route, this opened up so many opportunities for me. I didn’t really know what to expect, but everyone I have worked with and connected with so far has, thankfully, been so lovely and supportive. 

6. Where do you find is the best place for you to brainstorm your writing? Do you have a specific area in your house or a favorite cafe where you always end up writing the best? 

I think the best ideas always come to me on a dog walk! My notes app is filled with ideas, characters, settings and vague outlines. 

Let’s Talk Recent Releases

1. Tell me about your most recent release. What drew you into the story? 

Hollow Secrets is a modern retelling of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, but from Katrina’s point of view. I have always loved this story and the other reimaginings that stem from it. I don’t know why it never occurred to me to write my own before last year! As soon as I did think about writing my own, the ideas just started flowing and I went with it. I love any story that has a dark and spooky atmosphere.   

2. Who is your favorite character in this story, why? 

I think it has to be Brom, the friend Katrina reconnects with after moving back to Sleepy Hollow. The rest of the story has quite dark and, at times, heavy themes. Brom provides some comic relief to cut through it and I love his relationship with Katrina.  

What’s Next for You?

1. Do you have any upcoming books or novellas in the works? 

I do! But I’m not sure they’re ready to announce yet. Watch this space 🙂

2. Where did you gain the inspiration for these next projects?

I find inspiration everywhere, especially living in Cornwall. During the colder months, most of the beaches, clifftops, woods and towns are empty which make great settings for gothic stories. One upcoming piece is heavily inspired by the works of Edgar Allen Poe, and that’s all I’ll say. 

More About You 

1. If you could describe your writing in three words, what would they be? 

Moody, atmospheric and haunting. 

2. Where can readers find more information about you? Leave your links below! 

I’m most active on Instagram, but I am on TikTok too

Final Remarks

I want to give a huge thank you to Tamsin for joining me for this interview. It’s always so much fun getting to know new authors and spreading the word about their works of art!