Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am not naturally a word girl. Numbers were my thing and always came easy to me. However, as I found myself a stay at home mom for the first time, I found writing to be a great outlet. I knew nothing about writing at the time. Since then, I’ve spent 10 years writing and learning about writing. I think I’ve almost spent as much time reading about writing and attending writer’s conferences as writing. Of course if you factor in editing….
To date, I’ve written (and published) 5 books and co-written two. I also have my first novel in the editing process with a traditional publisher
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest published book is Living Stress Free. It’s a Bible study that I wrote in conjunction with a talk I did for the 2015 Abundant Life Conference for Women. Stress seems to be a big issue in lives today, yet there is a way to live without letting stressors control us. My goal is to write things that not only entertain, but also encourage people to live better, more fruitful, more joyful lives. Living Stress Free is aims to guide people to life-long habits that reduce stress and can even have eternal consequences.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t think I do. As any author, I sometimes write at really odd hours. As a homeschooling mom, people often ask me when I find the time. I don’t find it, but make it. Sometimes it’s at the school table, sometimes holed up in my bedroom as they do “computer school” or watch educational videos, sometimes it’s in the middle of the night as everyone’s sleeping.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Gone with the Wind is the first great book that had a major influence on me. Although I saw the movie dozens of time before I ever read it. Margaret Mitchell’s ability to weave characters and story lines is very inspiring. More contemporary authors that have influenced me are Karen Kingsbury, Dee Henderson, and Terri Blackstock.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on a handful of projects. The first is a non-fiction book called A Closer Walk: Exposing Deceptions that Hinder Your Walk with God & Revealing Truths that will Set You Free and Bring You Closer to Him. The is serious, while the second main project I have going on right now is a lot of fun. It’s called Broccoli for President and is about a very shy 6th grade who gets bamboozled into running for class president by her very outgoing friend. I also have about half a dozen other projects that are in some stage of progress, from outlined to 1st draft completed and in need of revising.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think consistency is the best book promoting method. Also, I try to do several events a year where I’m able to sell my books directly. Online, I haven’t found the magic sweet spot yet, but have found free book promotions to help boost sales, and Twitter very helpful in reaching the most people.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep writing! Don’t give up if it’s your calling. Also, keep learning. I often tell people that learning everything about writing well and the world of publishing is like studying for/earning a Master’s Degree. It’s a lot of work! And it’s never as good as it could be on the first go round.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write, revise, and rewrite. Then revise again. A good idea only becomes a great work of literature by hard work, a little blood, a lot of sweat, and some tears. To make a book feel seamless, an author must pour over every page, line, and word.
What are you reading now?
Love Takes Flight by Lee Carver and You and Me Forever by Francis & Lisa Chan
What’s next for you as a writer?
Keep writing. As I browse my works in progress, hopefully lots of writing! I’m excited to be moving into the traditionally published world after self-pubbing several books and hope that will allow me more time to write and go to events.
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?
Definitely my Bible. It is the food of my soul and most thirst-quenching reading. Beyond that, it’s hard to decide. Maybe War and Peace, since I’ve never read it. Also, a couple of uplifting and encouraging biographies of people like Corrie Ten Boom and Billy Graham.
Author Websites and Profiles
Tracy Wainwright Website
Tracy Wainwright Amazon Profile
Tracy Wainwright’s Social Media Links
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