Tethered
by TJ Williams
Released: Nov 25, 2025
Genre: Science Fiction Romance
Why this book and why now?
My brain is stuffed with ideas and sometimes they even make it onto a page. Tethered is the one that was talking to me the loudest and I managed to get through it despite being a new mum and breastfeeding, which is saying something!
Do your character names have special significance or meaning?
Marlowe is actually inspired by Christopher Marlowe, and it’s mentioned in the book that her mother liked the threadbare theory that Shakespeare’s famous works were actually written by Kit. It’s a very thin, stretched, comparison but white people have historically stolen and taken credit for Black creations, and I wanted to give a little nod to that using universally known names.
Tanisira, I have to admit, is completely made up. I made up a few things for my Martian colony haha.
Did any real-life events or personal experiences influence the story?
Well it’s not a secret I’m also a single mother haha but I also incorporated small things from my life and the people I love such as struggling to grow past being the eldest daughter, forgiving oneself after mistakes in the past and learning to let people in. There’s a scene where Marlowe’s chronic condition catches up to her, and she hates feeling infantilised and weak, but she has to accept help, and a lot of people in my life have struggled in the same situations.
How does it feel to finally share this book with readers?
Incredible! I was so nervous at first, I felt sick about it. But the response has been so amazing and lots of people have resonated with it, which is all I really want! I can’t believe it took me so long to get here but I’m glad it did, my writing wouldn’t have been ready before Tethered.
Is there anything you wish readers knew before diving into this book?
It is a lighthearted read — I promise! — but there are also moments where you might feel read for filth. I’m so sorry, especially if you’re a millennial! 😅
What’s one fun fact about your book that most people wouldn’t know?
Initially, I wrote a placeholder epilogue where all the crew had paired up and things like adopted daughters and travelling the stars together were happening! But then I realised I didn’t want to tie everyone’s story all up in a neat bow, so I undid all of that. It leaves a lot of opportunities open for the future!
What TV show would your main character(s) most likely binge watch and why?
Tanisira would binge something like How It’s Made, 100% haha. Marlowe is a reality show babe, something like Real Housewives!
One of your main characters is planning a romantic night. Tell us about it.
Tanisira would make sure Vee was occupied for the night so Marlowe wouldn’t worry about him. Then she’d string up fairy lights in the hydroponic greenhouse and set up a picnic by the waterfall. She’d tell Marlowe what to expect, because she’s straightforward like that, and then she’d feed Marlowe delicacies from her planet—with lots of sweets to satisfy Marlowe’s sweet tooth. Then they’d cuddle up and talk all night, because Tanisira loves to hear her speak, and whenever Marlowe tried to make a move, she’d make her wait. A little tease here, a little tease there.
Were there any scenes or characters that surprised you as you wrote?
Mae! She started off as a vague side character, less than that even, just mentioned in passing, but I immediately took to her. And so I started to flesh her out and suddenly I wanted more of her! (She will be making a reappearance!)
Which character was the most fun to write, and which was the hardest?
Beau was the most fun! I love my little Beau bear, they’re just such a good time in the midst of madness. They’re living their best life, and they’re just a great person to have on your team.
Dominik was the hardest because whilst he was always going to be the antagonist, I didn’t want him to be The Villain. By that I mean, he’s a deeply wounded man, and he hurts people for his own gain, but he doesn’t think he’s the bad guy, and I wanted to balance that well. He IS harmful, and I didn’t want to excuse his behaviour, but I also wanted to show that sometimes people do terrible things without truly understanding that.
If you could spend a day with one character from the book, who would it be and why?
Vee. That kid means a lot to me, and he’s the glue that holds the whole book together. I love his character, he’s a sweetheart and he reminds people to have fun, to get in touch with their inner child.
What song does your character put on to start your book launch party?
Marlowe would put on Time Warp because it would stress Tanisira out and force everyone to do a coordinated dance!
If your book had a scent, what would it smell like?
Not garlic mayo, that’s for sure. Hmm pomegranate and lavender, which make constant appearances throughout the book.
Your characters are throwing a party—what’s the theme?
Mario Kart. You get it 😝
Do you outline your books in detail, or do you prefer to discover the story as you write?
I’m a pantser, but I do really try to outline! I’m so bad at it, my brain does what it wants and then my characters take over the train and completely derail it!
Do you have any writing rituals or habits?
I tend to put on playlists I’ve made that are very epic movie soundtrack-like. People like Ludovico Eunadi and Hans Zimmer. I need to be nice and toasty too!
If you could have dinner with any author, living or dead, who would it be?
bell hooks, are you kidding me???
