Do you ever wonder what the process of writing a book is like? Meet my next guest, Tamara Miller Davis from Southern California. She explains what led her to write her first book, “Despite the Buzz,” and why it is relevant for our times. Tamara wrote this story in response to technology’s toll on teachers and students. The novel is also about timely social issues and topical interests.
Set in 2019, Tamara captivates a multi-generational audience with her interesting characters, witty observations, romantic elements, educational insights, and thematic material that almost everyone can resonate with.
Whether you grew up before or after the invention of smartphones, you will appreciate this cautionary tale.
The colorful book dives into topics of digital distraction, electronic accountability, and online exposure in a way that’s engaging and exciting.
“Despite the Buzz” of what’s going on in your phone, this artful book will definitely grab your attention and keep you reading.
Enjoy the show!
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Tamara is originally from Michigan. She is a substitute teacher, dance enthusiast, fire captain's wife, mother, Coast Guard veteran, and member of the Women's National Book Association.
You can find Tamara on: https://www.Instagram.com/tamaramillerdavis https://www.facebook.com/despitethebuzz/ and https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58341719-despite-the-buzz?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=QQeGWr8rbv&rank=1
•You can see her work on www.Despitethebuzz.com
•Her informational novel can be purchased here: https://amzn.to/3gAmohk. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/despite-the-buzz-tamara-davis/1139373450?ean=9781736372203, and https://bookshop.org/books/despite-the-buzz/9781736372203
•The book is distributed through Ingram Spark, so any independent bookstore or neighborhood Barnes and Noble can order copies!
•Resources She Recommends:
Screenagers: www.screenagersmovie.com
Center for Humane Technology: www.humanetech.com
Common Sense Media: https://www.commonsense.org
American Academy of Pediatrics: HealthyChildren.org
The Social Dilemma on Netflix
Parenting in the Screen Age by Delaney Ruston
Alone Together by Sherry Turkle
Unselfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-MeWorld by Michele Borba
Parenting in the Screen Age by Delaney Ruston
Some Finer Points from Tamara - Based on her Research and Experience Parenting/Teaching:
Not all screen use is the same.
Other (unstated) issues with cell phones in school (and with teens in general, especially on social media), include social comparison, anxiety, impatience, and body image.
Further digital wellness suggestions: unfollow outrageous people and groups on social media; don't subscribe to every platform; consider leaving your phone in the car or house when going out; support local journalism instead of relying on social media for news; examine your intentions when getting online; contemplate the trade-offs when you pick up your phone; do not share private information with strangers; use a private (vs public) profile when possible; do not contribute to the misinformation problem by sharing unchecked sources and/or inflammatory information; model cell-phone restraint to younger people; have a family media plan or screentime contract in place; use smart watches (with limited online access/capabilities) instead of phones to reach kids when necessary; do not let children under 13 sign up for social media that's intended for teens/adults; check age recommendations (and protective options) on video games.
Last but not least, in case any literary agents are listening, Tamara is open to writing a sequel, which could be set during the pandemic. Numerous readers are waiting for it to be written…
