For those of you unfamiliar
with Tara Moss, she is the
Canadian writer/model who
produces mostly psycho
thrillers. Her new book will
be out soon.
Among other
things, Tara Moss is a guest
speaker on my favourite
daytime TV show Beauty
and the Beast (which is how
she caught my attention).
B&B is basically a panel of
Australian mini-celebrities
who get to respond to letters
sent in by Australians
regarding mostly
controversial current issues.
Alot of the time this show is
simply proof of how
disconnected TV
personalities are from the
community and how ignorant
they are of the
circumstances of the lower
and middle classes.
The speakers and host (Stan
Zemanek, though I'm sure alot of his attitude is purely for ratings) often show how
racist and sexist the
Australian population can be.
I first noticed Tara Moss on
B&B when I was cleaning the
kitchen one day. Amongst all
the shit-talking and
ignorance on the episode of
the day, there was a voice
who seemed to add some
intelligence to the debate.
For every dumb comment
made by Jeannie, and every
generalisation made by
Stan, this Tara person
seemed to say what I reckon
I would say if I was ever on
the show.
Every episode Tara “bust my
balls” Moss, as Stan calls
her, does just that!
I think it is
important to have a
personality like Tara on B&B,
a show alot of Australians
watch, and are influenced
by.
Our country is still
consumed by hatred,
sexism, racism,
heterosexism and
homophobia. Maybe a voice
like Tara’s could open some
eyes....
TTE: “Split”, your new novel, is still in the works. Is it too secret, or can you spill the beans a bit about it? As the sequel to “Fetish”, I’m guessing it will be another nail biting psycho-thriller.
TARA: Split is the sequel novel to Fetish, and it takes place about year later. The main character, Makedde Vanderwall - our butt-kicking forensic psychology student and part time fashion model - is back and faced with her toughest challenges, and biggest adventures yet. It will be released later this year with HarperCollins Publishers. I can't reveal much more, but the novel begins with this definition: split vb 1. to break or cause to break. 2. to separate or be separated from a whole. ~ See also split personality, split decision.
TTE: What initially attracted you to the psycho-thriller genre? Who would you consider your greatest influences?
TARA: I loved Stephen King when I was little. I wrote a knockoff of his classic "Christine" when I was ten. It was a gruesome little thriller called "Black and White Doom" and it starred my school classmates. The demonic car in my story was black and white instead of red and white, hence the title. Such originality! I went on to love Silence of the Lambs, which is my favourite book (written by Thomas Harris) and one of my favourite movies. Alfred Hitchcock's classic films (Rear Window, North By Northwest, Psycho) is another major inspiration, as are the Patricia Cornwell Kay Scarpetta series of crime novels.
TTE: They say good writers draw on personal experience. Have you ever had any scary episodes or encounters with any creepy characters like the ones in your stories?
TARA: I have travelled alone quite a bit (for over a decade) and had to deal with quite a cast of characters in the process. However, as much as there are similarities between myself and the main character, we are not the same person, and the books are not autobiographical by any stretch. (Thank goodness!)
TTE: On Beauty and the Beast you come across as the most intelligent “PC” personality. Do people like Stan play for the ratings or are they providing honest opinions? Is it more important to create controversy for TV viewers or to earnestly discuss national and international issues?
TARA: Thanks for your positive input on my part in B&B. I don't think I am really in a position to say what Stan's position is, but I am aware that he plays it up to suit his public persona. The controversy does contribute to viewers, who can then listen to valid issues being discussed. I think there needs to be a balance of entertainment value and genuine opinion value to the show in order for it to work.
TTE: On one particular episode of B & B you engaged in an argument with Stan about the general intelligence level of models, which he insisted is low. I think it was the same episode some bloke wrote in saying you had nice boobs or something like that. Does it bother you that despite the obvious academic and personal achievements of some individuals in the entertainment industry (i.e. yourself) people choose to ignore your comments and cling to stereotypical ideas?
TARA: Stereotypes are the lazy option for people who couldn't be bothered looking for reality. We see models in a one dimensional form (visual image) because that is their job. When we look at them, we don't know that they are paying their way through uni, or single-handedly raising a family, or writing a novel. I'm not sure where the stereotype began, really, but personally I have no problem with women or men being attractive and making money from that, and I would never assume that made them dumb. But much like athletes, models have a very limited shelf life, and it is much more telling to see what they do to build their future beyond their brief time in front of the camera. You are quick to correct those who believe the modelling industry is pure glamour. How would you describe your experience as a model overall? Modelling has been an adventure. It has been a rocky path for me, even though I never got involved in drugs, partying, or various other dangers presented to the young models out there. Just knowing that your career lies in the hands of others is a very hard thing for someone as naturally independent as I am, and I am greatly relieved and infinitely more fulfilled now that I have control of my own career, and can express my creativity and ideas in my work life.
TTE: One more B & B question. Once you and Stan (again hehe) were debating about whether people who listened to heavy metal were idiots. You (much to my delight) were all for a positive expression of feeling in a safe environment. Do you know much about hardcore punk?
TARA: I don't know enough about it, but I am a fan of a lot of underground art movements and unconventional expressions of human emotion and creativity, and I believe that music falls into that category. Personal choice and personal expression is important, and it is also important to exercise that freedom of expression in positive and non-destructive ways.
TTE: Do you read many smaller/DIY ‘zines?
TARA: Not until now, but I look forward to seeing this one. Would you get me a copy? It was a pleasure doing this interview. I hope the answers work well for your piece. Thanks Jacquie!
Thanks to Tara for doing the interview. You can check out her site @ www.taramoss.com.au.
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