Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hello! Let me start by saying that I LOVE WRITING!
I wasn’t always a person that loved writing or dreamed of being a writer. Instead, I was one of those people that was a fiendish reader. I’d read everything in sight–no genre was safe from my greedy little hands. I was never without a book clutched protectively to my chest to ward off boredom, and anybody who thought they may borrow my book before I was finished.
People said to me, “Wow, that’s a thick book. You should be a writer, you read so much.”
I’d stare blankly back at them like they were insane and to be pitied, which they were and I did.
First of all, like about most things in life, size DOES matter. To an avid reader, the thicker the book the better. Second of all, any of us obsessed readers worth our salt knew just because you loved to read books didn’t mean you could write them! I mean, come on! I love steak–should I go slaughter a cow?
Well, a couple of years ago when I received a kindle and discovered the world of self-published authors, and in a fit of pique over yet another formula romance by a formerly favorite author, I decided to sit my butt down and write my own romance.
Four books later, I am now the totally insane woman that is trying her darnedest to not write formula romances and give her readers something fun, smart, unique, and very, very hot to read. Please pity me!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is titled Acadia’s Law: Book One, Undying Love Series. I was inspired by my two loves in reading–witty, sexy, funny romance novels with strong, intelligent, snarky female leads and even smarter, stronger men that can be their equals AND adrenaline pumping, zombie apocalyptic tales. (Hey, don’t laugh! Zombie books are nothing like most of the B movies out there. Talk about thrillers–apocalyptic books are some of the most well-written action you will ever read!)
Anyway, as I was saying before your laughing so rudely distracted me, Acadia’s Law is a combination of fun, hot romance and nail-biting action that I think really works, and I hope you do, too! (Rom-Zom is a genre that desperately needs to be officially recognized.)
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Yes. I think I am unusually stupid in my determination to make my self-published author life just that much harder by writing what I love to read. Despite severe warnings to myself and appropriate punishments, I still make conscious choices to mix genres. It is becoming a filthy habit that shows no signs of abating.
Otherwise, I can’t really think of any. Is spirit writing while channeling in a trance considered unusual?
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Seriously? How much time do you have? Every single book I have ever read has influenced be in some way.
What are you working on now?
I am about to start my fifth book, which will be the fourth book in my ongoing series, “The Adventures of Anabel Axelrod”. (A contemporary romance/romantic-comedy/mystery/steamy romance/thriller. )
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My promotion method has evolved by probably making every mistake I possibly could along the way. I am a woman with goals, but tend to be a tad enthusiastically impatient. Now, I take my time self-publishing. I try to plan short term (one-two months out) and long term. I am open to all ideas for promotions and marketing, but I meticulously budget, track, and analyze the results of every campaign I run for every book, no matter how cheap or how expensive. If it got results, I will use them again.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes. Here is my email. Write to me with any specific questions. I would be happy to pass on any self-publishing/writing knowledge I have garnered, but I don’t do readings or critiques.
tracy.ellen@aol.com
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Love what you write. The rest is just details.
What are you reading now?
LOL, believe it or not, my first series to refresh my memory. Actually, I have never sat down and read the books just for fun. So, on my upcoming camping trip, they’re coming along for the ride!
What’s next for you as a writer?
Foremost, I hope to keep approving and learning the craft of writing. BUT, I’ve been told by those near and dear that I need to get myself out there publically and do a ton of self-promotion. (What the..?! I thought the whole purpose of being a writer was that I got to sway the direction of the universe without leaving home or getting dressed! Geez, if I wanted to be a public figure, I ‘d be running for Dictator of the World!)
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?
Oh, man! I’d like to see the person and their army that would “allow me” to take only 3-4 books! Any reader worth their sea salt knows you’d bring your loaded eReader and a solar battery charger!
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