Author Interview: Tracy James Jones

Tracy James Jones was kind enough to do an author interview for us, yesterday. She was kind enough to allow me a chance to return the favor.

Tracy James Jones

Howdy and welcome Tracy!  Could you please share a little bit about your past before becoming an author?

Hello, Lynn.  Thanks for the opportunity to share my story with you.  So okay, I was born in Waxahachie, Texas, about 30 miles south of Dallas.  For most of my life I have lived back and forth between the two cities, and to this day I consider both as my home.  At Navarro College, I majored in Journalism with a minor in Mass Communication. Before college, I worked as an actor with the local Community Theater, and as an extra/stand-in for feature films. As a freelance writer/novelist, I have written several college introductory letters, other contract writing projects, newspaper articles, and three published novels. My writing also includes a screenplay adaptation of my first original fiction novel, Searching For Eden. To date, my entertainment portfolio is twenty-four pages long.  I have been in the Communication/Entertainment industry for a very long time and I am not done yet.

It is a pleasure to have a fellow Texas author here. I'd say you've taken an intriguing path on your life journey. Along the way, have you read any authors that have become your personal favorite?  If so, who might they be?

Over the years I have a long list of writers that I’ve loved.  In college I remember a story by Shirley Jackson called “The Lottery” that was one of the most amazing things I had ever read.  My all-time favorite writers have been Stephen King, Anne Rice and Dean Koontz.  Today, with Indie authors taking a big leap forward and showcasing some fantastic written works, I have to choose from a very long list.

After reading all of these authors, was there a defining moment that you said, “I’m ready to be a published author”? Or was it more of a gradual thing?

After the first book I wrote, I was immediately drawn into writing. I had stories of my own dancing in my head for a long time.  I actually wrote my first romantic novel thereafter, but I didn’t believe in myself enough at the time to try to publish.  The publishing world was different then.  I did publish the next book I wrote in 2003, but I didn’t publish anything else until Secrets & Lies in August of 2011.  

Do you have a writing schedule or is it haphazard?

Usually, if I have a story idea in mind, I will simply write day and night until it is complete.  No set schedule.  The problem now is finding time to write at all. 

I understand that sentiment.  I know you have several books out right now.  Which one is your personal favorite and why?

It would be difficult to choose a favorite.  I love all the stories and characters because they are all a part of me.  Choosing one, gosh, for now that is something I just cannot do.

That is a diplomatic answer to be sure. Can you share with the audience a little bit about your current release?

Newest release

Secrets & Lies 2 – A Family Affair is a book that I did not even known I was going to write.  After the first book, I had several requests from friends and fans. I finally discovered a fresh link into the families involved, a way to continue their amazing story.  ‘Secrets 2’ brings the story even closer to home with revelations of deeper family secrets and more sweet little lies.

Do you have a central location where all your books and their respective locations can be found?

For now, all of my books and short stories can be found on my Amazon author page.  I also have a lot of information listed on Facebook  or on my blog.

What plans do you have in mind for your writing in the future?

My future plans for my books is to have a few of them adapted for film.  Having spent a lot of time working on stage and film projects in the past, I see my writing is inspired by that form of story-telling.  It would be my greatest dream to return to the movie business, only now behind the cameras instead in front of them.

That is an admirable goal, one I hope that you achieve. Before we sign off, I have one more question for you...just for fun.

There are three doors...behind each one is all the veggies, chocolate, or meat that you would eat for a year. Which room would you choose and how filled up would it be?

I would definitely choose the door with all the chocolate for the year.  The room would be filled so far up to the top, it would not be a good idea to attempt to turn on the light.  :o)

Thanks Tracy for being such a good sport and letting me interview you. I hope the audience will take a moment to share any comments or questions they have.