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In April 2014, I mentioned the creative aspects behind the cover art for our novella, Genesis: Call Sign: Wrecking Crew Slice of Life .   ...

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Wednesday, August 8, 2012

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.

Author, Tracy James Jones
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 EdenTo 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?

Secrets & Lies 2: A Family Affair
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.

19 comments:

  1. Thanks, Lynn, for this amazing review. It definitely goes to the top of my list of interviews from this past year. Appreciate it more than I can say. Best wishes to you always. :o)

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    1. You are most welcome. I certainly learned a few new things about you. "Bestsellers" to you. Maybe at some point I'll be able to say "Break A Leg". :0}

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  2. What a great interview, Lynn and Tracy! I'll have to check out Secrets and Lies.

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    1. Thanks Frederick for stopping by. I hope to get to your book soon after I read Tracy's book.

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  3. I am very proud of you honey. I can't wait to read more and hopefully watch one on tv or in the theater. Love you

    Terry O

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    1. Howdy and welcome Terry. Many thanks for stopping by and cheering for Tracy.

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  4. Good interview. Open and honest. I listened to a lot of those ideas when the first part of this book was just an idea and I'm proud of my sibling for having creativity and heart to write what best represents a chosen life.

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    1. Thank you so much for stopping by. Those are very kind words indeed.

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  5. Super interview Lynn and Tracy. Great to learn more about you and your work Tracy. Wishing you nothing but the best!

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    1. Thanks so much Charity for visiting and your kind words.

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  7. Excellent interview, packed with fun and interesting facts. Well done to both Lynn and Tracy

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    1. Thank you so much Jeff, for your wonderful words and visit.

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  8. Big hugs and thanks to everyone; friends, family, and all, for stopping by to read my story. Thanks again, Lynn, for taking the time to interview me. :o)

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    1. You are most welcome Tracy. Thank you so much for taking the time to interview David and I yesterday.

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  9. Hi Tracy, I'm so happy I stumbled upon this interview on Facebook. Nice to read a bit more about you and your writing life passions. We share the same love of Shirley Jackson. I love that. You would love Rachel Ingalls' books too. Can't wait to see your movie. Manifest . . .

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    1. Howdy Justin. I'm so glad you stumbled upon it as well. Thank you for stopping by and for your words of encouragement.

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  10. Yes, thank you, Justin! Big hugs! I'm just about to get started with the screenplay, so keep your fingers crossed that I hit the right market at the right time. :o)

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