Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a native Floridian, wife, and mother who loves to travel, especially to the mountains of North Carolina an Tennessee, the setting of my Elan Series. I have published three books in the Elan series, Echo, Whisper, and Blur.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Whisper, a novella that bridges the events from my first book, Echo, to Blur, the second in the Elan Series describes what happens in the weeks that follow Tara McAllister’s abduction, attack, and rescue. She and her soul mate, Derek Williams, have chosen to continue their relationship despite the legalities.
I wrote Whisper in response to readers asking: What happened to such-and-so character? How does Tara reconcile her fear of being caught with her love for Derek?
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I like to dictate most of my ideas into my recorder as I drive to save time with the first draft process. I will transcribe these notes using Dragon Naturally Speaking and edit them during my scheduled editing times.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My greatest influence as an indie author is Sarra Cannon. The information and inspiration she provides on her site for non-trad authors is amazing. I also have to give a shout-out to my writing partner C.L. Roman, author of Descent, Sacrifice, and Illusion in the Rephaim series. She has encouraged me to write what is true to me.
What are you working on now?
I am finishing up second drafts and cover art for the Elan series prequel, Spirit, and the finale, Bound for release in the next couple of months.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t promoted too much. Facebook and Twitter are the only sites I have used for the most part. Plus word of mouth.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I would tell new authors to find a critique group or writing partner that will be honest with you. Your writing will only get better with honest, constructive feedback. Choose what writing chores you can do yourself and hire out those tings you can’t do or don’t have time to do. And don’t give up, even when it gets tough. If writing is what you really want to do, find a way to do it.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
The best advice I’ve heard relating to writing is that it’s a marathon, not a sprint. If you want this to be a career, you have to set long term goals and be in this for the long haul.
What are you reading now?
Right now I’m focused on finishing two books so I read a lot of marketing, cover art, or prep books on the different aspects of writing. Take Your Pants Off by Libbie Hawker is what popped up when I opened my Kindle app. It’s a how-to book for faster, better writing through the use of outlines. It has really helped me prepared for the Jesse Carpenter series.
What’s next for you as a writer?
What’s next? Too much! I have the first book in a new YA series, The Supernatural Adventures of Jesse Carpenter, slated for release in March of 2016 with future releases scheduled monthly throughout the summer. I also have spin-off books for the Elan series characters in the works, but they are only in the outline stages now.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Bible, a romance novel, a survivalist how-to, and To Kill a Mockingbird.
Author Websites and Profiles
Tracie Roberts Website
Tracie Roberts Amazon Profile
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