A Note to My Readers
Hey there!
When I first sat down to write "Never Saw Me Coming," I had one simple goal— to document my journey with complete honesty and raw authenticity. Little did I know that putting those words on paper would spark something completely unexpected: I absolutely love writing. It's become my playground, my therapy, and my greatest joy all rolled into one.
My memoir gave me the chance to share my truth, but fiction? That's where the real magic happens. With "THE HOA," I've discovered the thrill of building entire worlds from scratch. What began as a dark comedy took an unexpected turn as I let my imagination run wild. The story evolved into something much darker—a psychological thriller that explores the unsettling potential of what happens when surveillance and control intersect in seemingly perfect communities. I get to explore power dynamics, oversight, and resistance—themes that shaped my own life—but through characters who take on lives of their own. Sometimes they surprise even me with where they want to go!
What's been especially rewarding is immersing myself in every aspect of the creative process, from writing, editing to designing cover and formatting the final book. I'm particularly proud of the cover design for "THE HOA" which captures the essence of the story in ways I couldn't have imagined when I first began writing. Finding this creative outlet has truly been like discovering a hidden part of myself.
My creative journey won't stop there. I'm also working on a historical non-fiction project that will be my third book. I'm committed to bringing you stories that resonate with people from all walks of life, whether through memoir, fiction, or non-fiction. You can always find updates on my latest projects at tanyasmith-author.com
What connects all my writing is a commitment to taking you places you've never been or dreamed of going. Some of these journeys will be based on real events, others purely imagined, but all will challenge perspectives and hopefully spark meaningful conversations.
I've included a sample chapter of "THE HOA" below for you to explore. It's my first venture into psychological thriller territory, and I'd love to hear what you think! After you've had a chance to read it, drop me a line through the Connect With Me page.
Thank you for joining me on this unexpected path. I never saw any of this coming, but I'm embracing every moment and grateful to have you along for the ride.
With appreciation,
Tanya