Grant’s Taunee Watson trades pastries for pages, becomes published author

By Emmalee Parsley Stevens

Grant Tribune Sentinel

For many residents, Taunee Watson is known as the owner of Butter and Bliss Bakery, where customers stop in for fresh baked goods and friendly conversation. What many didn’t know, however, is that Watson has spent years quietly working toward another dream, becoming a published author.

That dream recently became a reality with the release of her debut novel, Fractured, a “romantasy” novel that blends magic, adventure, romance and complex characters into a story she hopes readers can lose themselves in.

Watson’s love of storytelling began long before she opened her bakery in December 2024.

“I have been interested in writing since I was little,” Watson said. “I used to write plays when I was in the Children’s Theater in Albuquerque, New Mexico.”

While writing had always been a passion, it wasn’t until about six years ago that she was able to seriously focus on completing a book. The idea for Fractured came from an unexpected source.

“It started out as a dream I had years ago,” she said. “Once I wrote that down, the plot, twists, characters just started flowing.”

As the owner of a busy bakery, finding time to write could have been a challenge. Instead, Watson found inspiration right where she works.

“Most of the baking is done before I even open for the day, so once the morning rush is over I will sit down in the front window area and start writing,” she said. “It’s actually a great environment for writing. It’s quiet, and I don’t get distracted too often.”

Although writing the novel came naturally, Watson said the publishing process tested her patience.

“The writing was the easy part,” she said. “Being patient during the publishing process was extremely difficult for me because I’m not patient when it comes to something I want.”

Watson quickly learned that getting published involves much more than simply finishing a manuscript. Authors must prepare query letters, book synopses, biographies and submission packages before facing the possibility of numerous rejections.

“You are sending it out to be judged and stripped down,” Watson explained. “And you are just praying that someone likes it.”

For her debut novel, Watson chose to work with a hybrid publisher, which provided editing, proofreading and cover design services similar to a traditional publisher while allowing her to bring the book to market without receiving an advance.

Throughout the process, she credits her husband for encouraging her to take the next step.

“Once my book was completed and I had received some positive feedback, my husband encouraged me to seek out publication,” she said. “He had been extremely supportive through this whole process.”

Even after securing publication, Watson said a mix of excitement and self-doubt followed.

“I was beyond happy, ecstatic,” she said. “But then you start doubting yourself. Are people going to like it? Are they going to hate it? Is anyone even going to buy it?”

The novel centers on a morally gray heroine named Stevie and features dangerous magic, found-family relationships, monsters and romance. While the story is fictional, Watson said some of the characters contain traits inspired by people she knows.

“Most of the characters have a little bit of their personality from certain people in my life,” she said. “Stevie, especially, some of her personality and history was based on my experiences.”

Watson describes Fractured as an adult romantasy novel recommended for readers 18 and older. More than anything, she hopes readers enjoy the escape it offers.

“Life can get so serious and stressful sometimes, and reading a book should be able to draw you out of that for a little while,” she said.

Despite being a published author, Watson has no plans to leave the bakery behind. In fact, customers may still spot her working on the next installment in the series between baking and serving customers.

“I am currently writing the second book in the series, so if you see me sitting at the front with my computer, that’s what I’m doing,” she said.

Many community members were surprised to learn Watson had been writing a novel at all.

“I kept this a secret from most people except for a special few,” she said. “Even most of my family didn’t know I was writing a book.”

Since the announcement, however, the response has been overwhelmingly positive.

“The community has been very supportive,” Watson said. “From buying the book to posting about it.”

For aspiring writers, Watson offers simple advice: pursue the dream.

“Do it,” she said. “You are only here for a short time and if this is something you want to do, do it. Even if it doesn’t work out, you still did it and have something to be proud of.”

Fractured is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kindle Unlimited and at Butter and Bliss Bakery. Readers can also follow Watson’s author pages on social media or sign up for updates through her author website. Watson said discussions have begun about a possible future book signing at the local library, though no event has been scheduled yet.

Looking back on the journey from aspiring writer to published author, Watson hopes her story demonstrates that dreams are worth pursuing.

“If you have a dream or you want something, if you set your mind to it you can do it,” she said. “It just might not be on your timeline because that is up to God.”