For many, retirement signals a slowdown, but for Twilla Kay Lamm, it marked the beginning of a vibrant new chapter: becoming a published author. Lamm, who recently celebrated her book signing event at the Atoka County Library, shared insights into her journey from long-held ambition to literary debut with 'His Sweet Obsession.'
'I retired, and I always said when I retire, I’m going to write. So, I retired, and I started writing. I pulled some things I had already written. This was a manuscript I had written maybe 20 years ago. I pulled it out and thought well maybe it has an opportunity,' Lamm explained. Her research into romance writers and publishers led her to The Wild Rose Press, Inc.
Lamm felt a strong connection when Wild Rose, after she contacted them, responded with the phrase, “Bloom where you are planted”. As a former teacher, she had often used that very phrase in her classroom. 'I thought maybe that’s a sign,' she mused.
Upon submitting her manuscript, Lamm received feedback from an editor who requested changes. After making the revisions and resubmitting, she was offered a contract. 'It is my first published book – 'I’m excited. I’m scared, but I’m excited. I thought I was retiring but now I’ve discovered that I have a whole new profession,'' she stated.
Lamm brings a diverse professional background to her new career. She spent 14 years as a Head Start teacher in Hugo and 27 years as a Medical Technologist in laboratories in Tulsa. She candidly admitted to experiencing 'burnout' in her lab work.
When asked about her inspiration for writing, Lamm reflected, 'I don’t think writing was a passion growing up, but as a child I loved pretend play, and that’s what fiction is, so, it’s just a carryover'. She recalled building towns for her paper-dolls and creating 'all these great lives for them'.
Lamm confirmed that romance is her preferred genre, stating, 'I like romance, because I like the happily-ever-after, and all the loose ends tied up'. The setting for 'His Sweet Obsession,' described as Indian Territory Fort Greer Oklahoma in Greer County, is deeply personal. 'I grew up out there in Granite, Greer County. I went to high school and college in the area. So, that’s why I placed it out there,' she said.
Her journey as an author is just beginning, as Lamm has already submitted another manuscript for publication and expects to hear back in a few weeks. Reflecting on the turnout at her Atoka book signing, she expressed her excitement, noting, 'It’s nice to see everyone here.
It’s exciting'.
For those aspiring to be published, Lamm offers powerful words of encouragement: 'You don’t have an expiration date. I signed my first contract at 70, and I’m 72 now. If you want to do it, do it'.
