Tracy Krauss Featured Author ~ plus book give-away

It is my pleasure to introduce to you author, artist, playwright, director, worship leader, and teacher, Tracy Krauss. Before she gets back into school for the year, I wanted to ask her a few questions about herself.  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.  I think you'll enjoy meeting her as much as I did.

 

 

Tell us a little about yourself, Tracy.

 

I’m all about the creative process, so everything I do has that bent to it. When I’m ‘making’ something – be it a painting, directing my vision for a play on the stage, playing an instrument, or writing a book – I feel energized. Sometimes I tend to burn myself out because I take on too much, but I like to be busy and I love all my creative pursuits, so it’s hard to drop anything.

 

I'd like to know more about your most recent book, since you will be giving away a copy to one lucky reader.

 

WIND OVER MARSHDALE takes place in a small prairie town where, on the surface, everything seems quaint and happy. Underneath there are some serious issues, especially with racism, sexual promiscuity, and the occult. Thomas Lone Wolf is a Cree man on a mission to build a heritage site near the town based on some ancient archaeological evidence. He and his children aren’t prepared for the level of prejudice they begin to face. Rachel Bosworth is the new kindergarten teacher, fresh from the big city and running away from a hurtful past. Con McKinley is a local farmer, who also happens to be single and good looking. A love triangle of sorts develops, with the two men unwitting participants. As well, eccentric twin sisters bombard the town; one with her legalistic religious views and the other as a practicing witch. The local pastor has little effect trying to keep his parishioners in line since he is involved in some unsavory business of his own. The lives of these and many other unusual characters weave together into a surprising climax.  Beneath it all is a thread linking everyone’s problems to the spirit realm; an ancient curse from the past that must be dealt with once and for all. 

 

 

What was your journey to publication like?

 

 

I first started writing when my eldest was just a baby. I could hardly wait for her to go down for her nap so that I could pound away at my mother’s old typewriter. That was more than a quarter century ago. Four kids, plus homeschooling for nine years, plus going back to work as a public school teacher full time, and I finally signed my first contract in 2008. So far I’ve got four novels and five stage plays published, but I’m also working on a children’s book, a devotional, and I’ve got three manuscripts with my agent.

 

 

What advice would you give writers who are on their own journey to publication?

 

Be patient. If you are going the traditional route, expect and even embrace rejection. Take the time necessary to get feedback from critique partners and get professional editing. Even if you decide to self publish, don’t rush publication. I still see many things I’d like to change in my books, but once a contract is signed, you can’t go back.

 

Where can we find you on the web?

 

Website: http://www.tracykrauss.com

Blog: http://www.tracykraussexpressionexpress.com

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

Twitter: http://twitter.com/TracyKrauss

Amazon: http://www.kraussamazon.com

 

 

 

Tracy's published works include four romantic suspense novels: AND THE BEAT GOES ON, where archeological evidence for creation comes at a heavy cost; MY MOTHER THE MAN-EATER, the story of a ‘cougar’ who takes on more than she can handle; 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. She also has several stage plays in print, including Ebenezer’s Christmas Carol; Dorothy’s Road Trip; The Western Tale; A Midterm Eve’s Phantasm; and Little Red In the Hood. If you'd like to know about Tracy and her work, visit her website for more details. http://www.tracykrauss.com

And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.  Colossians 3:23 NKJV

I enjoy first Monday's so much because I get to introduce another Christian author and we give away a book.  I hope you'll participate.

To qualify for the random drawing in 3 easy steps:

1. Leave a comment below with your email address so we can contact you if you win.

2.  Share the link to this blog post on FACEBOOK, and tell your friends about it.  It's easy to share this on Facebook and tweet this by clicking the links at the bottom of the page.

3.  Become a follower of this website. I appreciate you.
Please do this by Saturday, Sept 7.  The winner will be announced on Monday, September 9th.

God bless you and keep you safe. Thank you so much for visiting.