Author & Truth Excavator
Building Community One Story at a Time
Siskiyou County, California
Photo: Myriam Riand
Tara’s Debut Memoir, Sunflowers in Iraq,
Available Now
From steamy bedrooms to scorched battlefields, stifling suburbia to lush Irish landscapes, Tara invites her readers in close. Join this California girl on her journey through the unruly waters of
Family
Combat
Mental Health
and
Love.
One intimate essay at a time, Tara contemplates the true cost of survival, as she redefines Together.
Cover Design: Myriam Riand; Tara image: Kevin Hegarty
My Work
When Brené Brown said, “I write to save my own life,” that resonated deeply. Every piece I craft comes from a story I’ve lived, and then I peel back layers by continually asking, “Is this the truest way to say this?” Here are a few of the ways in which I’ve answered that question.
Tara Darlene Smith feeds her soul by writing and reading creative nonfiction. She hopes to move ever closer to her truth one word at a time. She has studied creative writing in California and Colorado, earning her B.A. and M.A. Tara believes that where she writes is as important as what she writes about, and most recently moved home to stunning Siskiyou County. Tara’s love of tall trees, sun sparkles, and building community through storytelling have combined in the most nourishing ways in Northern California. Tara is fueled by caffeine, fierce optimism, and mountain air.
Photo: Kevin Hegarty
My Story
Encapsulated in this video is my profound journey that resulted in co-writing the song, "I'm Still Here." The retreat and collaboration were made possible by two incredible organizations, Songwriting With Soldiers, and the NAMM Foundation. If you can, please donate here:
You can also download “I’m Still Here” as all proceeds help support Song Writing with Soldiers too:
Get In Touch
Curious about a collaboration? Ready to read more? Pining to publish me? 😉
Fantastic!
Use this contact form to get in touch and I will get back to you within three business days.
Can’t wait to connect!