Tracy: Although I have always loved the creative process and have been a “storyteller” for my entire life, I started writing about 25 years ago. Of course, in those days it was a compulsion I found time for during my children’s naps. I hammered out reams of paper on my mother’s old typewriter, or filled notebooks with my scrawl.
When the home computer age came to be, it revolutionized my writing, but I spent many tedious hours retyping what I had previously written and discovered most of it wasn’t really worth the paper it was written on! I finally started looking more seriously into publishing about eight years ago.
Lorilyn: How do you write? By the “seat of your pants” or outlining?
Tracy: A little of both. Once I get the inspiration for a novel, I like to create very elaborate background stories for each character. I like to know my people inside and out and understand what makes them tick. Then I do a rough outline, eventually expanding into plotting each Chapter or scene. Invariably, though, when I start the actually writing process, lots of things change and I go with that. The characters seem to take on a life of their own and often surprise me with what they say and do.
Lorilyn: Tell us about your new book, where the idea came from, how long it took you, what inspired you, and how people can get a copy.
Tracy: My Mother the Man-Eater was originally inspired when I was playing the Sims. The characters and interaction mushroomed into the idea for this book – a forty-something cougar on the quest for fulfillment.
Lorilyn: How do you write? By the “seat of your pants” or outlining?
Tracy: A little of both. Once I get the inspiration for a novel, I like to create very elaborate background stories for each character. I like to know my people inside and out and understand what makes them tick. Then I do a rough outline, eventually expanding into plotting each Chapter or scene. Invariably, though, when I start the actually writing process, lots of things change and I go with that. The characters seem to take on a life of their own and often surprise me with what they say and do.
Lorilyn: Tell us about your new book, where the idea came from, how long it took you, what inspired you, and how people can get a copy.
Tracy: My Mother the Man-Eater was originally inspired when I was playing the Sims. The characters and interaction mushroomed into the idea for this book – a forty-something cougar on the quest for fulfillment.
From the time I actually sat down and began crafting the idea into a book until it was finished was about four years. I tend to work on several projects at once, so this was while working on three other novels and about six plays (not to mention working). I
t is available at the usual online stores - Amazon, B & N, Chapters/Indigo (in Canada), Blessings Christian marketplace, and others. It is also for sale in several local brick and mortar stores in my area, Chapters/Indigo Stores, or directly from the publisher.
Lorilyn: What would you say to a writer who aspires to write fiction? Any good tips?
Tracy: Never stop learning. The moment you think you know it all is the moment you become stagnant. This means writing, writing, writing, and sharing your work with a critique group or other trusted friends. (Start with people who won’t be too hard on you.)
Lorilyn: What would you say to a writer who aspires to write fiction? Any good tips?
Tracy: Never stop learning. The moment you think you know it all is the moment you become stagnant. This means writing, writing, writing, and sharing your work with a critique group or other trusted friends. (Start with people who won’t be too hard on you.)
After that, seek critique from unbiased and professional people. These commentaries often hurt, so get used to it and get tough. It makes you stronger and makes you a better writer.
Taking courses and workshops is probably also a good idea as is reading lots of books in various styles and genres. Finally, examine your reasons for writing. If it is to get rich and become the next NY best-seller, then maybe you should quit and do something else.
If it is your passion, however, you really don’t need me telling you what to do. You already know: WRITE.
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Tracy Krauss is an author, artist, playwright, director, worship leader, and teacher. Originally from a small prairie town, she received her Bachelor’s Degree at the University of Saskatchewan Canada Tumbler Ridge , BC
My Mother the Man-Eater is Tracy
