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Daily Archives: January 15, 2013

An Interview with Tracy James Jones

1 Comment Posted by Amber Jerome~Norrgard on January 15, 2013

One of my favorite unexpected bonuses of becoming an Indie Author is the friendships I’ve made. And one friendship I’m thrilled about is the one I’ve developed with Tracy James Jones over the past several months. And you can imagine the wooting I did when I discovered that Tracy is also a resident of Dallas, Texas, just like your’s truly. Recently, Tracy asked me if I’d mind giving an interview for her website. Which I happily agreed to do, and then surprised Tracy by sending back interview questions of my own. Yes, I am that evil!

Who would your guest list include for your fantasy dinner? Wendy Williams – Talk Show Hostess – because I just love her personality. Marilyn Monroe – Super Actress – so I could sing with her. Martin Luther King Jr. – Civil Rights Activist – for a whole lot of reasons I dare not explain. Theo James – Actor/Director – just so I could look at him all night before I asked him to direct and take the role (Sexy Executive) in the movie made about my book.

What year would you visit in a time machine and why? Somewhere in the future. Never the past. No explanation needed.

Who would you love to have a few beers with and just bullshit? You and all the other amazing Indie Authors I’ve met in this past year. Hey! We get to do that this year, right? Yay! (note, I love it when my interviewees list me as a drinking buddy!)

What is your go to movie or television show? Waiting on “Being Human” on Syfy. I simply love that show, both UK & US versions. Right now it’s “American Horror Story.” Long story.

When did you start writing? I started my first diary at 13 but really got into writing in high school. Light poetry that was all about love and everything rhymed. In college is where the novel writing began, so needless to say, I have been writing some of everything since I was 13. Plus, something with a teacher having the class to write the directions, with specific details, on “How To Make A Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich,” really peeked my interest. I learned a lot about descriptive writing from that.

What book exceeded your expectations? I have never read any of the classics except for those we had to read for English class. I know – boo on me, and I really don’t like big thick books. Just before I started “Twilight”, I picked up Stephenie Meyer’s “The Host” – 600 plus pages – and I loved every word of it. Can hardly wait to see how they will cut it up for the movie.

Toilet paper/ paper towels: what’s the correct way to put them on the dispenser? Top sheet goes on the outside.

If you’re going on a long road trip, what drinks and snacks are you going to pack? Water, chips, and light sandwiches.

Which of your books took you the longest from starting the book to going live with the book? “Secrets & Lies” Book 1 in the series took me close to 5 months to write. My big brother talked me into it. Another 2 months for all the beta reviews to come in. And nearly a year before it was finally edited correctly. It was my first book ever to publish on Amazon and I did it wrong, but it’s all good now.

Do your characters ever show up in your dreams? “Secrets & Lies” would not let me sleep. My characters and their stories were always on my mind to the point that I hardly slept. (Hence my need of a good Editor). Not long after that one, all the characters started up on me again with another story to tell in book 2. Book 3 hasn’t done that yet, so I’m waiting on the characters to share.

What made you start writing? After singing, I think I was born to be a writer. My thoughts & dreams are full of drama.

What character have you previously written that you would love to write another book about? Bren Searcy from my “Secrets & Lies” Series. She is the woman I have always thought of myself to be. In a way, she is me, just in a more complete form.

What is your morning ritual? Coffee and quiet. My day starts shortly thereafter.

Do you have any writing quirks? I have so many things to do that I don’t have time for quirks, unless growling at people for interrupting during my writing time is considered one.

What do you think of books turned into movies? Love them. Even if they don’t tell the whole story from the book, I usually enjoy seeing the characters acted out in film. Just seems to clarify things for me.

If you were going to a deserted island, what three items would you take with you? I can’t go anywhere without my laptop and cell phone. All else I would need is food and water.

Name 3 books on your to-be-read list. “Identity” by Ted Dekker (Fantastic Traditional Publishing Author), “Sanctum Retribution” by Edenmary Black (Amazing Indie Author), and “A Splash of Hope” by Charity Parkerson (Super-talented and Amazing Indie Author).

Best thing about where you live? I’m grumpy about living in Dallas right now because I miss my hometown, Waxahachie, Texas.

What book could you read over and over? Not sure. I have a lot of books and I love them all.

Who is your favorite band or musician? I’m really into the band “Fun” right now for some reason. Adele & Katy Perry too.

What book do you think is a necessary read? Personally – The book of Psalms. For me, there is a lot of peace and comfort in those verses. Our country, our world, really needs to find some of that right about now.

All about Tracy and her bad-ass self:

I am a blogger, reviewer, writer, former actor & artist, with much love for books, film, music, and open-minded, friendly people. :o) I write true-to-life like stories, novels & screenplays with real characters set in realistic human situations. In terms of genre, I write interracial multicultural romantic drama with a GLBT twist.

Born and raised in Waxahachie & Dallas, Texas, I have had a lifetime love affair with the entertainment industry. Starting with singing in my church choir, I later ventured into stage productions with my local community theater and eventually feature films.

I started writing in high school, with the help of an amazing Journalism teacher, which I continued as my major in college, with a minor in mass communications. Switching from journalism to creative writing came into play after I was offered the opportunity to write the life story of a local boxer, which later became a documentary film. Writing his story opened the door for me to begin writing my own novels and short stories.

My writing includes two screenplay adaptations of my original fiction novels, “The Inhabitants of Magnolia Park” & “Searching For Eden.” My next project, “Secrets & Lies,” is also being formatted for film.

About My Writing:

Growing up shy, as far back as I can remember I have always been observant of the people around me. I’ve always had a fascination regarding how people reacted to one another in all sorts of situations. I love human emotions. It’s like if someone smiled, I always felt compelled to smile back, or if someone were sad, I felt sad with them. This compassion I have for others is often reflected in my work. I Like that about myself. It’s an important factor of who I believe I am.

Author Note: No matter which of my novels or short stories are reviewed, someone will always say that my work is very thought-provoking as it opens your eyes to social issues that are often over looked. And you know what? I like that. It is my honor to give a voice to those who are barely seen, often misunderstood, and hardly ever heard. I know how that is because I was one of them. To know that my work is challenging to that condition makes it all worthwhile. :o)

Achievements: