Tracy can't remember when books weren't a part of her life. She is an accomplished musician in the flute (something I recently took up again) and vocal performance. Her creativity further emerged with the love of romance writing. Recently, published is Texas Gold, which has been noted by Romantic Times magazine.
Thanks for coming to Books and Stuff, Tracy. Tell us about Texas Gold. What is the appeal of writing Texas historicals? Did this come naturally to you? have you dabbled in other genres?
Have you always been a writer or did something push you in this direction. What led you to the path of publication?
Do you have a favorite author and why?
13 comments:
Vicki, thank you so much for inviting me to Books and Stuff! I’m looking forward to our chat.
Tell us about Texas Gold.
Wow, we have been friends for a while. lol Texas Gold was the working title for my first release, TOUCH OF TEXAS, which came out in October, 2007. It is the story of Jake McCain, a burned out Texas Ranger who is sure he has no future to look forward to. Then he meets Rachel Hudson, the daughter of a prostitute, whose way of life depends on keeping where she came from a secret.
Jake stumbles onto her cabin in a snowstorm–-and the bad guys aren’t far behind. When the snooty citizens of the little mining town she lives in reject her for she saving Jake’s life, she’s left defenseless against the man who murdered her mother. Jake rides to the rescue (of course--this is a western!), but she ends up saving him instead. [To read an excerpt, go to www.tracygarrett.com and choose BOOKS.]
TOUCH OF TEXAS has been nominated for the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best First Historical. I’m very honored and excited.
Tracy G.
What is the appeal of writing Texas historicals?
I love westerns! John Wayne, Roy Rogers, Clint Eastwood, Matt Dillon, The Lone Ranger, the Cartrights…good guys with guns make my heart palpitate. I grew up watching Bonanza, Gunsmoke and The Virginian, and I’ll stay up half the night watching John Wayne reruns!
I have always loved the ideal of right over might, and that the good guys always win. Add to that my love of history and the amazing breadth of stories about Texas’ past–-and writing western historicals was a natural for me.
My second novel, TOUCHED BY LOVE, takes place in south Texas, just a few years after it became our 28th state. Jaret & Isabel’s story is a special favorite of mine. He’s a gun for hire with a wide streak of honor and she’s the Spanish/American heiress he’s sworn to protect. Isabel is just stubborn enough to make it a challenge for Jaret, and that makes for some fun times on the ranch.
Tracy G.
Have you always been a writer or did something push you in this direction. What led you to the path of publication?
You know, being a writer never entered my mind until I was knee-deep in the corporate world and desperately needed some kind of creative challenge. There were scenes rolling around in my mind, keeping me awake at night. I decided to write them down, get the voices to hush. One led to another, then I wanted to learn how to do it “right”. I joined Dallas Area Romance Authors and Romance Writers of America, and I haven’t looked back. It took ten years of learning before I sold my first book.
Did this come naturally to you?
Telling stories, play-acting, theater--that comes naturally, I think. Music comes naturally. But I’ve had to work at writing, which could be why I’m enjoying myself so much.
Have you dabbled in other genres?
Dabbled is the right word. lol I have worked on a contemporary series featuring three brothers in the racing industry, and a Civil War time-travel that I love. For the time being, though, I have plenty of Old West characters living in my head, wanting their stories told.
Do you have a favorite author and why?
I don’t really have one favorite author. There are several writers whose latest books I will buy the minute they are released, but I love reading lots of different authors in different genres. There is so much wonderful writing out there—I can barely move around in my office for the to-be-read stacks.
Tracy G.
Talk about subconscious thinking. Texas Gold? Must have been shelved in my mind waayyy back when. I apologize. It's Touch of Texas. By the way, your trailer is fabulous.
You can't just be honored and excited about the RT Award. This is shout it out, jumping up and down on the couch excited. Right?
I, too, run out and buy author's new releases the second I can (I've even camped in parking lots), like Sue Grafton, Janet Evanovich, and Dick Francis. Who creates this excitement for you?
Jake is one hottie. Rachel is great, but I was drawn to Rachel's brother. I rooted for him.
...Touch of Texas. By the way, your trailer is fabulous.
No apology necessary--and I'm glad you enjoyed the trailer.
You can't just be honored and excited about the RT Award. This is shout it out, jumping up and down on the couch excited. Right?
Oh, I giggled and laughed and cried and jumped up and down for days after I found out. I can't imagine what shape I'll be in by the time April rolls around (the awards are given out at the RT convention in April.)
I, too, run out and buy author's new releases the second I can (I've even camped in parking lots), like Sue Grafton, Janet Evanovich, and Dick Francis. Who creates this excitement for you?
Elizabeth Lowell, Nora Roberts, J.R. Ward, Christine Feehan, Lorraine Heath, Jodi Thomas, Linda Lael Miller...see, I told you I didn't have just one. :-)
Jake is one hottie. Rachel is great, but I was drawn to Rachel's brother. I rooted for him.
Rachel's brother, Nathan, will get his own story, I think, but he has to grow up a little first. Right now I'm working on Wolf's story, so you'll be hearing more about Calvin, too. [NOTE: Wolf is the major secondary character in TOUCH OF TEXAS--he broke my heart the first time I met him.]
Tracy G.
Yes, Wolf is an intriguing character. How fun this will be to read about him.
So, Tracy, what's your writing day like? What kind of writing turns you off? What stops you from writing? How have you shocked your readers?
Can you tell us about your next release?
So, Tracy, what's your writing day like? What kind of writing turns you off? What stops you from writing? How have you shocked your readers?
My writing day is always variable. I spend the morning catching up on email and doing promotion. The afternoon--and evening sometimes--is spent writing, either on my wip or on a blog entry, questions, etc. Of course, life happens and that schedule gets flipped on its head regularily, but I try!
Can you tell us about your next release?
TOUCHED BY LOVE is set in 1847 south Texas, on land that is now the famous King Ranch. Here's the blurb from the back cover.
A TEXAS PROMISE…
Jaret Walker is a loner, a gun for hire with a heart of ice. He’s never had anyone to call his own, and he likes it that way. But when a promise made to a friend leads him on a ride through the desert and to remote Two Roses Ranch where he meets Isabel Bennett, the woman he’s supposed to protect, all he can think of is making her his. She’s the kind of woman a rough-riding cowboy like him can never have. But her hot gaze tempts him like no other woman has before...
A SCORCHING DESIRE…
The moment Isabel Bennett lays eyes on Jaret Walker, she remembers the dreams she’s denied for so long. She’s sworn never to marry. It’s the only way to protect her ranch. But when Walker rides into her life, she decides to let herself taste what she’s giving up—a passion that burns through her with each kiss—and a desire that won’t be denied...
TOUCHED BY LOVE comes out in November 2008.
Hi Tracy and Vicki! I'm loving this interview!
Tracy, do you think have a particular affinity for the old West time period? If so, any clue why -- such as stories passed down in your family?
TOUCH OF TEXAS was terrific, and congrulations again on your RT nomination! That rocks!
Light,
Nancy
La Vida Vampire, April 2008www.nancyhaddock.com
Hi Nancy! Thanks for stopping by.
My family stories, for the most part, are more recent than the old west, although here are a couple of circuit preachers in my tree. I've always loved history and the "romantic" version of the old west potrayed in books and movies. Maybe watching so much Gunsmoke & Bonanze during my formative years is the reason. lol
Tracy
I want to go back to a question that was skipped because I think it is important that we as writers do this. How have you shocked/surprised your readers?
Earlier you said you have dabbled with a Civil War time travel. This idea sounds very intriguing. Do you think you'll pursue it further?
Golly, I can't blieve our interview with Tracy is almost over.
Fill in this blank: Your ideal fictional hero would think you gorgeous if you...
What are three things people don't know about you?
How do you feel about cake?
Apologies for the delay. I didn’t go AWOL – sometimes life just gets in the way. On to your questions:
How have you shocked/surprised your readers?
I think, when people read Touch of Texas, they were surprised that Rachel grew into such a strong, self-sufficient lady, strong enough to protect those she cares about, even when it meant killing. At the beginning of the story, she wanted nothing more than to be cared for; by the end, she discovered her inner steel. Truth be told, it was a surprise to me, as well, but I really like that about her.
Earlier you said you have dabbled with a Civil War time travel. This idea sounds very intriguing. Do you think you'll pursue it further?
I will someday. It is a good premise, I think, one that readers will enjoy.
Tracy
Fill in this blank: Your ideal fictional hero would think you gorgeous if you...
Met him on the street--I'm pretty happy in my skin. lol
What are three things people don't know about you?
1) I hold a Master's Degree in Flute Performance
2) I am certified to captain a sailboat up to 50' in length
3) I enjoy "golf with guns" - that's a trap shooting course that has 9 stops, similar to a golf course.
How do you feel about cake?
Never met one I didn't love.
Vicki, this has been such fun! Thank you for inviting me to join you here at Books and Stuff. I'll hang around a while longer, in case anymore questions come along, but I'm so glad you let me drop in this week! Tracy G.
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