AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH RUSSELL ELKINS

AUTHOR INTERVIEW WITH RUSSELL ELKINS

Author Bio:

Russell Elkins was born on Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, D.C., in the fall of 1977. Along with his five siblings, he and his military family moved around a lot, living in eight different houses by the time he left for college at age 17. Although his family moved away from Fallon, Nevada, just a few months after he moved out, he still considers that little oasis in the desert to be his childhood home town. He and his family now live in the Boise, Idaho area.

Russell has always been a family man at heart, looking forward to the day when he could be a husband and a father. It took him a little while, but eventually his eyes locked onto a beautiful blonde, and he has never looked away. Russell and Jammie were married in 2004. Years of struggling with infertility left Russell and Jammie with a decision to make and their lives changed dramatically when they decided to adopt.

Russell and Jammie have adopted two beautiful children, Ira and Hazel, and have embraced their role as parents through open adoption. Both are actively engaged in the adoption community by communicating through social media, taking part in discussion panels, and writing songs about adoption. Russell also writes a weekly post for Adoption.com and contributes regularly to Adoption Voices Magazine.

Book Summary:

The world of adoption has changed dramatically over the past twenty years. No longer do biological parents have to say goodbye to their child forever. They now have more options when deciding the type of adoption to pursue, such as open adoption. Open adoption creates the opportunity for a special relationship between biological parents, the adoptive parents, and the child.

Open Adoption, Open Heart is an inspiring and true story, which takes the reader deeper into the feelings and emotions experienced by adoptive parents. As you read this incredible story, you will experience the joys, difficulties, and amazing victories facing adoptive couples. Russell and his wife, Jammie, invite you to share in their inspiring and heart warming journey.

Purchase

Amazon * Author's Website
 Amazon Kindle * Barnes & Noble

Links

Website * Facebook

Book Trailer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=ZxAwc-7wL9w

~Inspired Kathy~

Q and A

James: When did you begin to write?

Ever since I was a teenager, I enjoyed writing of one form or another. I love artistic expression of all kinds. I've written more than 50 songs since I first picked up a guitar at age 13. Written enough poetry to fill volumes. As far as writing "books", I started right after college. It was just something I wanted to try and once I finally graduated, I finally had time. After I self-published my first book I was HOOKED. Addicted. There was no going back. So, when my wife and I were going through the adoption process, that's where my brain went. I knew I had to write our story.

James : What make you to think of publishing a book to share with others and at the same time encourage others to share their faiths? So far what is your worst criticism/attacks, and how you overcome it?

I'm not afraid of putting myself out there. I'm not afraid of criticism. My wife and I have been advocates for adoption ever since we decided to adopt, and believe it or not there are a lot of people out there who strongly oppose adoption. Most of my criticism comes from those people- the ones who hate adoption. Some people think it's not possible for adoptive parents to love a child as much as a biological parent could. They're wrong. Some people think it's always the right thing to do for a single parent to raise the child. They're wrong. I'm not saying it's always right to choose adoption for an unplanned pregnancy because that's not true either. But there is a right time and a wrong time- all a personal decision.

James: How you come up with title of your books?

The main title- "Open Adoption, Open Heart" I came up with on my own. "Open adoption" means that our children's biological parents are still part of the picture. We love them, talk to them, share photos with them, and even visit face to face quite often. The subtitle "An Adoptive Father's Inspiring Journey" fits well with what the book is about. It's our story. We came up with that subtitle in a group meeting at the publisher.

James: Can you enlighten us a little more about your books?

This blog tour is focusing on Open Adoption, Open Heart. I've written a few other books, some adoption and some not. This book is our story. There are so many things about the adoptive world that people just don't know about and I strongly feel the best way to help people see into our world is not to just tell people what it's like. You have to come along on the journey and experience the entire process, with all the emotions and feelings. It's quite the roller coaster- one minute feeling secure, then the next minute wondering if the adoption is going to fall through and the baby taken away. Up and down, up and down. It's quite the story. And while it was so stressful, that only makes it that much sweeter in the end.

James: Is there anything else you would like your readers to pay special attention in regards to your book, which you have not mentioned above?

This book is not just for people who plan to adopt, or have adopted. In fact, although I think reading something like this is essential for someone considering adoption, the majority of those who have read it are regular people who just want to read a good true story and see what it's like to live through an open adoption. Even my next door neighbors and my best friends said things like, "We were near you the whole time and we had no idea." It's such a wild ride you would think it was fiction.

James: When do you plan to publish your book 2, if applicable?

Book 2 is written already! It continues the story from our first adoption since that relationship will always be growing and adapting. It also tells the journey of our second adoption- one that takes place locally and is also an open adoption. Even though we'd gone through the process once before, the second time through was just as intense.

James : How many volume of books for the above series?

There will be more than these 2, but the ones after these two will not likely be the same style or length.

James: Tell us your guided principle that governs your life? How you cultivate these values?

My wife and I are Christian, believing strongly in the power of meditation and prayer. God gives each of us personal revelation if we are seeking it. We also believe strongly in the constant need to nurture our spiritual side, or life would drift away from what brings true joy.

James: Is there any other advice which you like to share with our readers?

Whether you're interested in adoption or not, do what is right for YOUR family. We've found that out for ourselves. Nobody else knows what we need but us, and that's for us to decide.

Thank again for joining us today. Let us wish him a rewarding and fulfilling day.

ASHLIEGH WOLFGANG - AN INTERVIEW

About the author:

Ashliegh Wolfgang first gained notoriety as founding member and vocalist for National recording artists "The Orphan Punks".

The Devil's Serum is his first foray into fiction writing, a love he has had behind the scenes for decades. Ashliegh claims writing influences from historical authors such Edgar Allan Poe and H.P. Lovecraft to contemporary authors such as Anne Rice and Clive Barker.

Ashliegh currently lives in the suburbs of Chicago, IL (USA) with his wife Heather and children Addison and Samantha.

Now, onto the interview.

When did you begin to write?

I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember, whether it was poetry or lyrics in my former life as a musician. I’ve always loved words, I’ve been writing in story form for more than a decade.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I think I’ve always viewed myself as a writer. I think people have an image of themselves that may or may not be what others perceive. Even before I was ever content to release anything, I’ve always had notebooks of ideas and phrases, and just anything that I thought I may want to revisit later.

How much did you write before you were published?

A lot! I actually had finished two novels of biblical proportions that I wasn’t happy with, and eventually tossed out. It may have been the silliest thing I’ve ever done. I’m my worst critic and it took me years before I was willing to trust other people’s opinions in regards to my writing. I know that I will continue to edit and re-write until a story is pried from my hands if I don’t have someone else read it, fairly early on.

What is your favorite part of writing?

I’m a reader just like everyone else. I love having the stories develop on the page. I get excited and even surprised at what comes next. Sometimes I find that I can’t sleep if I’m in the middle of a book because I need to know what is going to happen next, just as I would if I were reading someone else’s book.

So far what is your worst criticism/attacks, and how you overcome it?

I’ve received some less than stellar reviews as I’m sure all writers experience. It’s painful when you’ve put part of yourself out there, and you feel like you’ve been rejected. I believe it’s just like anything else in life, you have to do things that make you happy and in the process you’ll make others happy as well…just not everyone. I think all writers have to realize that they are never going to appeal to everyone at the same time, so there is no reason to ever try. Appreciate the ones that love what you do, and ignore the ones that don’t, although it is often easier said than done.


What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

It’s a cliché I know, but I’m most proud of my children and their accomplishments than of anything I could ever achieve in my professional life.
Wow! The next book sounds really good too. Are you planning on writing more in the years to come?

I just released The Devil’s Apprentice this week, which is the third book in the Ramblings of the Damned Novella Series. I currently plan to have two more installments released before the end of the year. Beyond that series, I have several partials and even more ideas that I expect will be published at some point.

What does your writing process look like?

It’s fairly messy. I have character notes scribbled on everything…backs of receipts, unopened mail, etc. I imagine if you could look inside my head it would be very similar looking.

How do you come up with title of your books?

With this series I’ve been very conscious of having similar titles and similar covers, so it’s easy for readers to know the books are related. The Devil’s Serum, The Devil’s Folly, The Devil’s Apprentice…I’ve kind of locked myself into a theme with these titles so it actually makes it fairly easy to title them. So far I have never had a title until I was ready to publish. I write the story first and then find a title that fits, I think if I had a title first it may influence or restrict my writing.

Can you enlighten us a little more about your books?

The Ramblings of the Damned series is a collection of journals from Christian Laurent. Christian was born in 1870 in the American Midwest and at age 40 he finds an ornate silver flask and drinks the mysterious contents. He wakes up, several days later to discover that the drink has given him immortality. So it’s a retelling of the love, loss, confusion, and eventually understanding of a man destined to outlive virtually everyone that he comes into contact with.

Is there anything else you would like your readers to pay special attention in regards to your book, which you have not mentioned above?

While all of the books are centered around the same characters and the stories are cohesive, each book focuses on different points of importance to the protagonist and therefore I think the feel of the books change dramatically. The Devil’s Serum (Book One) is absolutely a love story more than anything, while The Devil’s Folly (Book Two) has substantially more action and adventure. The Devil’s Apprentice (Book Three) combines all of the previous elements while refining the overall story and purpose.

When do you plan to publish your book 4, if applicable?

I hope to publish Book Four (currently untitled) of the Series in early November at the latest.

How many volume of books for the above series ?

I currently have a five part story arch planned but I can’t say for certain that book five will be the last we see of the characters.

Tell us your guided principle that governs your life? How you cultivate these values?

Stay positive. It feel so much better to be appreciative for the things that go your way than to be discouraged by the things that don’t. Everyone knows someone that causes the lights to dim when they walk into the room because of the permanent cloud that they allow to follow them around. Sadly that feeling can be contagious and before long that person is wondering why everything seems so doom and gloom. A smile can be every bit as contagious and before you know it, everything seems a little brighter.

Do you have any advice for writers looking to get published?

Write, write, and write…if you believe that your writing is good enough then who’s to say it’s not. The most famous authors in the world have been rejected multiple times and received scathing reviews. The only person that can stop you from being successful…is you.

Anything else you want to say?

Thanks so much for the opportunity to be interviewed and allowing me to introduce my books. I hope your readers will consider giving them a read, and if they enjoy them I hope they’ll tell anyone that will listen.

Thank again for joining us today. Let us wish him a fulfilling day everyday.

JAMES OH

CHARMEINE BLOG TOUR APR 23 - MAY 4

About the Author:

Emily Guido is a new Paranormal Romance Author. She was inspired to start writing "Charmeine" because one day she got an idea of two characters that needed to have their story told. Not ever dreaming a week later she would have over a 100,000 words written. When Emily writes, it is similar to you or I watching a movie. She pictures the characters in her head going through vivid descriptions of each scene. There are so many nuances going through her mind that she cannot type fast enough.

Emily is currently editing the second novel, in "The Light-Bearer Series," Ransom, soon to be published in May 2012. She is currently working at a College full time, and pursuing her Master of Business Administration.

Where to find/follow Emily:

Website: http://emilyguido.com/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5764521.Emily_Guido

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/Emily__Guido

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thelightbearernovelist

Q & A portion:

James: When did you begin to write?
A : I always wrote easily as a child and in college, and I loved Literature… British and American.  I was never a writer per se.  I was always a good at conveying my stories, reports or reviews on paper but I never wrote anything of the length of “Charmeine” which is 130,000 words plus.  “Charmeine” was out of left field for me.  “The Light-Bearer Series” was just an obsession when I first started because I had to get the idea out of my head and on paper.

James : What make you to think of publishing a book to share with others ? So far what is your worst criticisms/ attacks and how you overcome them.

A: I was telling my gal pals at an alcohol induced dinner we were having at a local pub that I had written this book and no one was going to read it because I sent inquiries to several Publishers and none had bitten the hook.  Then my friend said, “Publish it yourself on Amazon?”  I just shrugged her answer off and filled my wine glass up again!  Later that night when the fog lifted… I sat down and wrote an author that I love a letter asking her how she did it.  A few hours later, she wrote me back!   She wrote a long email telling me some rudimentary steps to self-publish!

My worst criticism is the editing!  Editing is so hard to do yourself.  However, I now have two beta readers that are going to go through “Charmeine” and clean it up and go through “Ransom” before it goes on line at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.  My biggest criticisms are about my editing mistakes!  Nothing about the content or story of “Charmeine”, they love the romance!  However, I personally feel when I review a book, which I do every week, editing is such an easy fix; I do not take off stars for it.  I tell the author to get an edit but never take off stars.  A star to me is the content and story! 

James: Where do you get the courage to do so?

A:  I believe everyone is entitled to their opinion!  I do not let anything people say in constructive criticism bother me about my work!  I try to let criticism roll off my back.  I guess because I’m just a new author I tend to be harder on myself.  However, in the end, my work speaks for itself and my courage comes from knowing in my heart that it is good. 

James: Can you enlighten us a little more about your books?

A:  “The Light-Bearer Series” is a love story about a sweet, innocent and somewhat playful romance between two star-crossed and totally different people, Tabbruis and Charmeine.  During the first book, “Charmeine” you will read a lot of backstory and history which supports the other books coming up.  Tabbruis and Charmeine meet in the first novel and sparks just fly!!! 

I like to describe “Charmeine” like building a Hot Fudge Sunday: ice cream (heaven), fudge (Tabbruis’ background), nuts (present day Tabbruis and Charmeine) and a cherry on top (their romance).  In “Ransom”, the second novel, I have more of the romance, of course, but a lot more reveals about the supporting characters, and a lot more revealed about Tabbruis and Charmeine… I thought as I was writing it, “Whew, these kids never catch a break?”

James: Is there anything else you would like your readers to pay special attention in regards to your book, which you have not mentioned above?

A: Just to read this with no preconceived notions about Vampires and Angels… the book is not like a normal Paranormal Romance.  The scenes that I have written from my head are not like anything I have ever read before.  “The Light-Bearer Series” holds a lot of surprises and even when I wrote it, at one point I was up cheering in the middle of the night because I was so happy.  You get really invested in these characters’ lives.  I know your readers will enjoy the love, tears and humor. 

James: When do you plan to publish your book 2.

A: “Ransom” the Second Novel in “The Light-Bearer Series” will be coming out in May 2012!  I am so excited for my fans to see what is in store for the characters next!  My Third Novel in “The Light-Bearer Series,” which I am revealing today is going to be called “Conundrum”! My head has the movie playing in it, just waiting for me to write it all down!

James : How many volume of books for the above series, if applicable ?

A: There will be four novels in “The Light-Bearer Series”.  I promise you, the fourth one is going to knock my fans socks’ off!

James: Tell us your guided principle that governs your life? How you cultivate these values?

A: I try to be nice to other people, not take myself too seriously, and always have a sense of humor.  I love the concept of “Paying it Forward” too.  I have to tell you that I believe every kindness bestowed on you should be given out in kind.  I’m a firm believer of that philosophy!  I cultivate these values by practicing what I preach.  I’m not a saint by any means but I try to make an extra effort to be kind.

James: Any other advice which you like to share with our readers?

A: Just do it!  Try to Blog, Twitter, Goodreads, Facebook and email a lot.  Promotions are your lifeline.  Without it, you will not get your book read.  Also, copyright all your material.  Take time out for yourself and exercise or go out just for the sake of taking a breather.  Try not to take yourself too seriously.

Thanks again ...........for joining us today. Let us wish her a Success.  Thank you for sponsoring my FIRST BLOG TOUR!!!!!

INTERVIEW WITH BEST SELLING AUTHOR - TRACY KRASUSS

About the author

Tracy Krauss is a best-selling 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.  She has lived in many places in northern Canada with her husband, a pastor, and their children. They currently live in Tumbler Ridge, BC.

She currently has four romantic suspense novels and several stage plays in print. Visit her website for more details. http://www.tracykrauss.com

Now, onto the interview.

When did you begin to write?

I started writing shortly after I had my first child. (She’s 27 now.) I could hardly wait for her nap time so that I could pound away at my mother’s old typewriter. What started out as mere fun soon became a compulsion which has lasted all these years.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I was one of those kids that enjoyed making up stories, even at a young age. I wrote my first stage play while in grade four at school and convinced my friends to practice during recess. When our teacher saw what was going on she arranged for us to perform it in front of the entire school. It was my first ‘written’ work and my first time as a director.

How much did you write before you were published?

I wrote on a daily basis. I finished four full length novels before I even started submitting. It took some courage to finally share those early works with anyone, and then even more courage to keep doing so since they were soundly rejected multiple times. The candid criticism did me good and I learned from it, though. I’m thankful for it now, although it hurt at the time.  

What is your favorite part of writing?

There is something exciting about starting something new – the freshness of it. I also love it when the words just seem to flow, and then the best is that feeling of accomplishment when you finally finish the first draft.  

What made you think of publishing a book to share with others and at the same time encourage others to share their faith?

I guess my faith is an important part of who I am so it makes sense for me to write from this worldview. I remember being influenced early in my writing career by a Christian rock group that I liked. (DC Talk – this was the 90s, remember!) I was impressed that they were so blatant and unapologetic about their faith. I wanted to be like that with my writing.

Tell us about your latest release.

Here is the back cover blurb:

Marshdale. Just a small farming community where nothing special happens.  A perfect place to start over… or get lost. There is definitely more to this prairie town than meets the eye. Once the meeting place of aboriginal tribes for miles around, some say the land itself was cursed because of the people’s sin. But its history goes farther back than even indigenous oral history can trace and there is still a direct descendant who has been handed the truth, like it or not. Exactly what ties does the land have to the medicine of the ancients? Is it cursed, or is it all superstition?

Wind Over Marshdale is the story of the struggles within a small prairie town when hidden evil and ancient medicine resurface. Caught in the crossfire, new teacher Rachel Bosworth finds herself in love with two men at once. First, there is Thomas Lone Wolf, a Cree man whose blood lines run back to the days of ancient medicine but who has chosen to live as a Christian and faces prejudice from every side as he tries to expose the truth. Then there is Con McKinley, local farmer who has to face some demons of his own. Add to the mix a wayward minister seeking anonymity in the obscurity of the town; eccentric twin sisters – one heavily involved in the occult and the other a fundamentalist zealot; and a host of other ‘characters’ whose lives weave together unexpectedly for the final climax. This suspenseful story is one of human frailty - prejudice, cowardice, jealousy, and greed – magnified by powerful spiritual forces that have remained hidden for centuries, only to be broken in triumph by grace.

Wow! This book sounds really good. Are you planning on writing more in the years to come? 

Writing has been such an integral part of my life for so many years that I can’t imagine NOT writing. I currently have two more novels ready for revision which I plan to submit to my agent soon. Beyond that I have several works in progress. New ideas keep popping up all the time.

So far what is your worst criticism/attacks, and how have you overcome it?

I haven’t really been attacked, per se, since getting published. My worst criticism came before publication and all of that was justified, as I already said. I have had a few less than glowing reviews, but I’ve decided that any publicity is good publicity, so I don’t let it bother me. In fact, a few lower reviews might even add credibility. Not everyone likes the same things, so this just shows that people are actually reading my work and being honest about it.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Besides raising four kids who are now great adults, I guess I am proud of the fact that I reached my goal to become a published author by the time I reached a ‘certain’ magic age. I’m zeroing in on that age and I’m happy to say I have four books and five stage plays in print.

What does your writing process look like? 

After I get an idea, I write a brief outline. Simultaneously, I create detailed character sketches that help me to understand each person’s motivation. Then I write a chapter by chapter outline. It’s at this point that I actually start writing the book, and of course, it usually changes quite dramatically. The outline helps me to have a sense of where I’m going, but I don’t let it dictate to me. If something interesting crops up, I go with it.

How did you get published?

I started sending out a few tentative submissions in the early 2000s, and as I already said, met with a lot of rejection. I took all the criticism to heart, however, and finally, in 2008 I decided I was going to do a submission blitz once and for all. I sent out a ton of submissions and after a few months I ended up with three requests for more. Out of those I signed a contract for my first book AND THE BEAT GOES ON with Strategic Book, New York, NY. I was quite happy to continue my relationship with them for my next two books. Then my agent found me a deal for my fourth book WIND OVER MARSHDALE, with Astraea Press. At the same time, I regularly submit to a variety of play publishing houses and, much the same as with my novels, I’ve had lots of rejection, but also some success. I have plays published with Pioneer Drama Services, JAC Publishing, and Big Dog Publishing.

How do you come up with title of your books?

MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER came to me in the shower. (True story) In a couple of cases, I thought of the title before I even started writing. Other than that I just toss different ideas around as I’m writing the thing. 

Can you enlighten us a little more about your books?

My novels are: AND THE BEAT GOES ON, where archaeological evidence for creation comes at a heavy cost; MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER, the story of a ‘cougar’ who takes on more than she bargained for; PLAY IT AGAIN, about an unlikely match during the 1980s rock n’ roll scene; and WIND OVER MARSHDALE, where strong spiritual forces rock a seemingly peaceful prairie town. All of them have a redemptive element and are sometimes called ‘edgy Christian’, although they are not graphic by any means.

Tell us your guiding principle that governs your life? How have you cultivated these values?

Strive for excellence in whatever you do. This comes from a verse in Ecclesiastics which says, ‘Whatever you do, do it as unto the Lord’.  

Do you have any advice for writers looking to get published?

 Number one, hone your craft. Take classes, read books, get others to critique your work -  do what it takes to get good at writing. Number two, always get fresh eyes to look at your work. I suppose I said this in number one already, but I can’t stress enough how important this is. We can become too emotionally attached to our own work and not see it objectively. Number three, be persistent. Submit, submit, submit is my motto.

 

Contact information:

Website: http://www.tracykrauss.com

Amazon: http://www.kraussamazon.com

Blog: http://www.tracykraussexpressionexpress.com

FB: http://tinyurl.com/Tracy-Krauss-Author-Fanpage

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TracyKrausswrtr

INTERVIEW WITH BEST SELLING AUTHOR - TRACY KRASUSS

About the author

Tracy Krauss is a best-selling 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.  She has lived in many places in northern Canada with her husband, a pastor, and their children. They currently live in Tumbler Ridge, BC.

She currently has four romantic suspense novels and several stage plays in print. Visit her website for more details.

http://www.tracykrauss.com

Now, onto the interview.

When did you begin to write?

I started writing shortly after I had my first child. (She’s 27 now.) I could hardly wait for her nap time so that I could pound away at my mother’s old typewriter. What started out as mere fun soon became a compulsion which has lasted all these years.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I was one of those kids that enjoyed making up stories, even at a young age. I wrote my first stage play while in grade four at school and convinced my friends to practice during recess. When our teacher saw what was going on she arranged for us to perform it in front of the entire school. It was my first ‘written’ work and my first time as a director.


How much did you write before you were published?

I wrote on a daily basis. I finished four full length novels before I even started submitting. It took some courage to finally share those early works with anyone, and then even more courage to keep doing so since they were soundly rejected multiple times. The candid criticism did me good and I learned from it, though. I’m thankful for it now, although it hurt at the time.  


What is your favorite part of writing?

There is something exciting about starting something new – the freshness of it. I also love it when the words just seem to flow, and then the best is that feeling of accomplishment when you finally finish the first draft.  

What made you think of publishing a book to share with others and at the same time encourage others to share their faith?

I guess my faith is an important part of who I am so it makes sense for me to write from this worldview. I remember being influenced early in my writing career by a Christian rock group that I liked. (DC Talk – this was the 90s, remember!) I was impressed that they were so blatant and unapologetic about their faith. I wanted to be like that with my writing.
Tell us about your latest release.

Here is the back cover blurb:

Marshdale. Just a small farming community where nothing special happens.  A perfect place to start over… or get lost. There is definitely more to this prairie town than meets the eye. Once the meeting place of aboriginal tribes for miles around, some say the land itself was cursed because of the people’s sin. But its history goes farther back than even indigenous oral history can trace and there is still a direct descendant who has been handed the truth, like it or not. Exactly what ties does the land have to the medicine of the ancients? Is it cursed, or is it all superstition?

Wind Over Marshdale is the story of the struggles within a small prairie town when hidden evil and ancient medicine resurface. Caught in the crossfire, new teacher Rachel Bosworth finds herself in love with two men at once. First, there is Thomas Lone Wolf, a Cree man whose blood lines run back to the days of ancient medicine but who has chosen to live as a Christian and faces prejudice from every side as he tries to expose the truth. Then there is Con McKinley, local farmer who has to face some demons of his own. Add to the mix a wayward minister seeking anonymity in the obscurity of the town; eccentric twin sisters – one heavily involved in the occult and the other a fundamentalist zealot; and a host of other ‘characters’ whose lives weave together unexpectedly for the final climax. This suspenseful story is one of human frailty - prejudice, cowardice, jealousy, and greed – magnified by powerful spiritual forces that have remained hidden for centuries, only to be broken in triumph by grace.

Wow! This book sounds really good. Are you planning on writing more in the years to come? 

Writing has been such an integral part of my life for so many years that I can’t imagine NOT writing. I currently have two more novels ready for revision which I plan to submit to my agent soon. Beyond that I have several works in progress. New ideas keep popping up all the time.

So far what is your worst criticism/attacks, and how have you overcome it?

I haven’t really been attacked, per se, since getting published. My worst criticism came before publication and all of that was justified, as I already said. I have had a few less than glowing reviews, but I’ve decided that any publicity is good publicity, so I don’t let it bother me. In fact, a few lower reviews might even add credibility. Not everyone likes the same things, so this just shows that people are actually reading my work and being honest about it.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Besides raising four kids who are now great adults, I guess I am proud of the fact that I reached my goal to become a published author by the time I reached a ‘certain’ magic age. I’m zeroing in on that age and I’m happy to say I have four books and five stage plays in print.

What does your writing process look like? 

After I get an idea, I write a brief outline. Simultaneously, I create detailed character sketches that help me to understand each person’s motivation. Then I write a chapter by chapter outline. It’s at this point that I actually start writing the book, and of course, it usually changes quite dramatically. The outline helps me to have a sense of where I’m going, but I don’t let it dictate to me. If something interesting crops up, I go with it.


How did you get published?

I started sending out a few tentative submissions in the early 2000s, and as I already said, met with a lot of rejection. I took all the criticism to heart, however, and finally, in 2008 I decided I was going to do a submission blitz once and for all. I sent out a ton of submissions and after a few months I ended up with three requests for more. Out of those I signed a contract for my first book AND THE BEAT GOES ON with Strategic Book, New York, NY. I was quite happy to continue my relationship with them for my next two books. Then my agent found me a deal for my fourth book WIND OVER MARSHDALE, with Astraea Press. At the same time, I regularly submit to a variety of play publishing houses and, much the same as with my novels, I’ve had lots of rejection, but also some success. I have plays published with Pioneer Drama Services, JAC Publishing, and Big Dog Publishing.

How do you come up with title of your books?

MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER came to me in the shower. (True story) In a couple of cases, I thought of the title before I even started writing. Other than that I just toss different ideas around as I’m writing the thing. 

Can you enlighten us a little more about your books?

My novels are: AND THE BEAT GOES ON, where archaeological evidence for creation comes at a heavy cost; MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER, the story of a ‘cougar’ who takes on more than she bargained for; PLAY IT AGAIN, about an unlikely match during the 1980s rock n’ roll scene; and WIND OVER MARSHDALE, where strong spiritual forces rock a seemingly peaceful prairie town. All of them have a redemptive element and are sometimes called ‘edgy Christian’, although they are not graphic by any means.

Tell us your guiding principle that governs your life? How have you cultivated these values?

Strive for excellence in whatever you do. This comes from a verse in Ecclesiastics which says, ‘Whatever you do, do it as unto the Lord’.  

Do you have any advice for writers looking to get published?

Number one, hone your craft. Take classes, read books, get others to critique your work -  do what it takes to get good at writing. Number two, always get fresh eyes to look at your work. I suppose I said this in number one already, but I can’t stress enough how important this is. We can become too emotionally attached to our own work and not see it objectively. Number three, be persistent. Submit, submit, submit is my motto.

Contact information:

Website: http://www.tracykrauss.com

Amazon: http://www.kraussamazon.com

Blog: http://www.tracykraussexpressionexpress.com

FB: http://tinyurl.com/Tracy-Krauss-Author-Fanpage

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/TracyKrausswrtr