Today, we welcome author Tracy Krauss aboard The Christian Bookmobile. She's been here a couple of times before and I find her interesting to talk to. I hope you'll enjoy learning more about her today.
Tracy grew up in small town near Saskatchewan and has always enjoyed writing, along with many other creative pursuits. She received her Bachelor of Education Degree from the University of Saskatchewan with majors in Fine Arts, and minors in History and English. She has lived in many interesting places in northern Canada with her husband, a pastor with the Pentecostal Assemblies of Canada, and their four children. She teaches English, Art and Drama at the high school level and lives in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia.
Tracy has two Christian novels available now and a third one will be out soon. We published an excerpt of And The Beat Goes On here April 18, 2011. See:
The other book, My Mother the Man-Eater is described below:
A forty-something ‘cougar’s’ search for fulfillment keeps getting foiled when her prospects fall for one of her daughters instead. Her ex-husband is out of prison and looking for revenge. He’ll stop at nothing – even murder – to ruin Joleen’s reputation as well as her relationship with their daughters. My Mother the Man-Eater makes for some truly tempting and redemptive reading.
I hope you enjoy reading this interview with an up and coming writer of Christian fiction, Tracy Krauss.
How long have you known you wanted to be an author?
‘The Dream’ started approximately 25 years ago, shortly after my eldest daughter was born. I have always been interested in writing and the creative process in general, but that’s when I actually started writing seriously. (Clacking away at an old typewriter or writing long-hand in notebooks!)
Can you tell me a little bit about your newest book?
MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER is the story of a forty something ‘cougar’ out to find fulfillment. She has several men on the line at once, and life gets even more complicated when her ex-husband, fresh out of jail, begins to blackmail her. Added to this, there is a lot of family tension with her five grown daughters, not the least of which takes place when her love interests start looking at the daughters instead.
When a reader gets done with your book, what do you want them to come away with?
Besides being entertained, I want them to reflect on God’s grace and utter redemptive nature. He doesn’t judge based on appearances or past mistakes, but takes everyone ‘just as they are’.
Is there a place you have always wanted to visit? A vacation spot, historical monument, overseas, etc?
I have never been to Europe. I especially want to visit some of the castles in Germany. I love architecture.
If you could have dinner with two people, who would they be?
Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandala – at the same time. I would love to hear them talk about their civil rights experiences and swap stories. It would be very inspiring.
What one event would you love to be at? Historical or future?
I’m a Sci-fi fan from way back, so I guess I’d have to say the future. Since it’s in the future, I don’t know what it would be …
Do you have a favorite hobby?
I am an artist as well as a writer. Right now I mostly paint, but I did a lot of printmaking at one time, too.
Is there something about you most people wouldn't know?
Of course. And I’m not telling. On a more serious note, I was blind for several months between experimental eye surgeries. I regained my sight, but the experience taught me a lot about myself, among other things.
Do you have any suggestions for the aspiring writer?
Just keep honing your craft. Everyone can always improve, no matter if you’re an old hand or a newbie.
Any last thoughts for your readers?
Thanks for hosting me. Keep your eyes open for my third novel PLAY IT AGAIN, coming in a few months.
And how can they connect with you?
I’m on a ton of sites, but the main ones are:
Website: www.tracykrauss.com
FB fanpage: http://tinyurl.com/Tracy-Krauss-Author-Fanpage
Hey, Tracy - good to see you here! I find you interesting too--looking forward to seeing your BC (again) in a couple of weeks.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Lisa.
ReplyDeleteHi Tracy & Sid ~ great interview, thank you for sharing! Tracy, when you go to Germany to check out the castles, please know there is one VERY jealous person who wants you to send TONS of pictures to her because she'll probably never get the chance to go! ;)
ReplyDeleteGreat post
Amanda Stephan
Amanda, thanks for commenting. I've been to Germany a number of times and love it. In fact, my book, Where Love Once Lived, has several references to my favorite town, Hildesheim, and the sequel contains scenes there. Tracy, I like Wales best for castles, but they're much smaller than the ones in Germany.
ReplyDeleteHi everyone. Thanks for the great exposure, Sid. Seems we're on the topic of Germany and castles ... My daughter lived near Munich for a year, and has been back to Europe a couple of other times. (Her father-in-law is from Berlin) I'm hoping she'll want to take 'Mom' along next time :)
ReplyDeleteNice to get to know you a little bit more, Tracy. :)Marcia
ReplyDeleteFantastic blog!
ReplyDeleteThat would be so difficult to be blind for a several months. I don't think I could handle a few days. Trials like this can really humble us and make us look at life a little differently. Thanks for sharing a part of you today.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your newest book Tracy!
ReplyDeleteWow, I can't imagine being blind. I'm so glad that you recovered your sight (though there have been other blind writers in history, like John Milton). I'd also love to go to Germany and tour some of the castles. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Sis. Just stopping one last time ...
ReplyDeleteAm LOVING "My Mother the ManEater" Tracy! Great interview too!
ReplyDeleteTracy, you have some great fans out there.
ReplyDelete