A Prepublished Novel in the Process of Revisions and Rewrites

Showing posts with label Traci Hall. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Traci Hall. Show all posts

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Author Spotlight: Traci Hall, Author Young Adult Paranormal



Traci Hall is a friend and a fellow Florida Romance Writer member. I met Traci over three years ago when I wandered into the Super Saturday celebration our local RWA chapter, the FRW. At the time, she was President of our RWA Chapter and did a mighty fine job of it! The rest as they say is history.

Welcome, Traci. It’s so nice to have you here today.

Tell me about yourself. What makes you angry, happy, sad, snoopy dance?

I am simple I don’t like to be angry or sad, so I avoid those emotions at all cost. I smile whenever possible because my grandma said that frowning causes more wrinkles.

I have to tell you, I follow the same rule of thumb with frowning. I prefer less wrinkles, especially as that number climbs each year, therefore smiling lots is the only option!

So tell us, how many books have you written?

Over twenty.

Wow! That is quite an inventory. Are they all published?

Thank God, NO, lol. I wrote a book about a 19th century heroine who was raped by the local sheriff. She had a blind son, and an MIA dad who turns out to be the star of the traveling show just come into town. (hanging head)

Ho! Boy! Which brings to mind my next question How do you decide on a topic?

Usually something will ignite the creative spark and a title comes to mind, which then leads to theme and plot.

Hmm…so you title your works before you actually have written the story? Interesting. Titles are usually the hardest for me.

What works best to keep you focused and on track?

Duct tape my ass to the chair, and self-bribery of diet coke, sunflower seeds and Good and Plenty candy.

LOL Unique tactic and dangerous! Have you ever tried to get duct tape off of anything? My preferred bribery is chocolate―dark chocolate:)

Do you write to make money or for the love of writing?

I love money, don’t get me wrong, but so far writing has been a break-even affair. Book marks, travel expenses, and don’t get me started on an hourly wage:)

I hear you, Traci. Anyone who thinks writing/publication will gain the average newbie fortunes is delusional, LOL I write because I love to see my stories build on those blank pages.

Hourly wage? Did you say we should be charging an hourly wage?! *grin*

When was the first moment you felt comfortable saying, “I am a writer?”

I remember going to a Florida Romance Writers conference back in 2003, and I walked around wide-eyed at the way people talked about writing like it could be a business. I had no clue – about anything! One of the first things I learned from that conference was to take myself seriously – which meant practicing saying – before being published - “I am a writer”.

Oh, I do remember the wonder of that first meeting! You were the chapter president at the time and how great you were at it. You welcomed me like I was a long lost friend. We have a wonderful group at the FRW.

Thank you!!! You were so friendly that it was easy to be nice:)

What type of stories do you like to write and why?

I like writing stories about families, and about possibilities. I like action, and happy endings. Always happy endings!

Where do you write?

I have a very small house, so my ‘office’ is a corner of our bedroom. It works for me:) And my hubby knows better than to complain about the book piles and post it notes.

LOL I can definitely relate to that. Where do you go to think?

The beach – the inspiration comes in (prepare for bad joke) waves, lolol

LOL good one! Do you have an upcoming release?



Yes, Something Wiccan This Way Comes is the second book in my Rhiannon Godfrey series(the first being, Her Wiccan, Wiccan Ways) – Rhiannon Godfrey is a teenaged girl who has recently moved to a small town. Her parents are Wiccan, but she is still searching her heart for her spiritual path. She’s psychic, almost fifteen, and confused, lol, as only a teenager can be. I really love this girl *grins*

Where can we find your upcoming release?

Amazon.com is the easiest way to order, although Barnes and Noble and Books A Million carry it on their websites too.

When will it be available?

September 1st! Here’s the purchase link:
Something Wiccan This Way Comes

Sneak Peak:

What’s a girl to do when trouble finds her at every turn?
A Rhiannon Godfrey story.
Being different is nothing new for Rhiannon Godfrey. Neither is hiding who she really is to all but a select few. So far she’s managed to walk that line, but now someone is spreading rumors that the Godfreys’ New Age store is really a front for witchcraft, complete with cauldrons and eyes of newt.
The whole town is turning against them—even Rhee’s boyfriend is suspicious. Then there’s her ex-crush Matthew, who just showed up uninvited on her doorstep carrying a single suitcase—and a heavy secret.
Rhiannon tries to be good, she really does. But it’s hard when trouble pounces at every turn, and her unsuccessful spells seem to prove that science is the only path to enlightenment.
Hiding her gifts and running from confrontation is easier than standing up for what she believes in. But this time, there’s more at stake. And the possibility she may have to find the inner strength to banish one friend in order to save another.

More about Traci Hall:

Traci Hall writes young adult paranormal stories, and medieval paranormal romances. She is an active member of FRW, and she lives in Southern Florida with her family – you can contact her at traciella@aol.com or visit her websites at www.tracihall.com or www.traciehall.com

Thank you, Traci, for taking the time to join me today. I’ve really enjoyed talking with you. Wishing you well with you series and your newest release.

Thanks for having me – it’s been a blast! By the way, I will be drawing a name over the weekend from all visitors who’ve left comments for their choice of print or ebook copy of Something Wicked This Way Comes, so tune in on Monday for the winner.

Oooohhh, that sounds great, Traci. Have a wonderful weekend! Thank you all for joining us today. Don’t forget to check in here on Monday to find out who won Traci’s book.

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Two days and counting...

My new author spotlight series will begin Thursday! Please bring yourself and all your friends to hang out with Traci Hall, YA paranormal and historical romance author.

Traci will be joining me here, Thursday, September 3rd for the debut of the weekly spotlight feature. And Traci will be giving away a lucky winner's choice of print or digital copy of her newest release, Something Wiccan This Way Comes!

Each week a new author will grace my blog and tell us all kinds of stuff about themselves. Why not add this blog to your list of favorites haunts. Also, if you haven't already done so, I'd love for you to sign up to Dayana's Happenings. Just click on the Yahoo Groups icon on the right sidebar. Get first notice of new events, releases, contest information, and newsletters.

Also, September's newsletter will be coming soon! I'm a bit behind but will have the newsletter ready within the next few days. I'm really excited about all this new activity here and hope you are too.

If you are a published author and want to participate in the "Author Spotlight" feature please email me at gothscribegirl@aol.com. I'd be happy to accommodate you. I'm booked now through November and as far out as April, 2010.

Gotta go for now, but I'll catch up with you all again soon:)

D~

Sunday, April 5, 2009

High Tea and My First Book Signing:)

I have successfully completed my very first booksigning! Let me just say that I was beside myself all week. I don't like crowds, and I don't like to think about public speaking. Don't get me wrong. I am very much a people person but when it comes to making 'appearances' to promote myself. Yikes! That scares the heck out of me. I'd rather be in my own little space writing my heart out all by myself.

Okay all that aside, I took myself by the proverbially sandle straps and got myself to the Serenity Tea Room in West Palm Beach on time and had a wonderfully relaxing afternoon amongst my peer authors, friends, family, and walkin customers.

What a wonderfully quaint place! I have some personal pictures to share with you later because I have not gotten them downloaded as yet, but here are some a friend has taken.

This is the beautiful little cottage that houses the tea house. This picture is not the most current. It came off the Serenity webpage but I will share an updated one as soon as I get them. The cottage trellis in front it completely covered in bougainvillea and the front is surrounded by various flowers and plants now. When you pass through the arch of the trellis you are enclosed in a little garden terrace.


The Serenity Tea House serves the traditional British High Tea. Complete with a three course meal. The fair consists of a wonderful brothy soup, scones, cucumber and tomato sandwiches, as well, coddled cream served with lemon and strawberry preserves, and the traditional tiny desserts. The ambiance is so relaxing.

Below are the signing authors as well as members of the Florida Romance Writers(my RWA chapter), family, and friends. I am seated in the toward the back of the first group picture behind the rose centerpiece to the left.


As you will notice the first two photos are either end of the room I was seated in and the below picture is taken in one of the adjoining rooms. Assorted fresh flowers, knick knacks, period pieces from hats to antique wedding gowns, furniture, lighting, so much imagery it's truly hard to describe. All I can tell you is it turned out to be the perfect afternoon.

I'm quite sure you are wondering how the signing went. Fantastic! I went with a small number of books and came back with only two. It seems my debut author signing proved to be a wonderful success:) All the authors report the same result. I will definitely look forward to doing this again.


In closing, I would like to thank Mary Ricksen for all the work she did in making this signing the success it was. She did a terrific job and and deserves a standing ovation along with lots of hugs. I know for a fact there were times she probably wanted to pull her hair out:) I hope to do more promotional events with my good friends:
Mary Ricksen,
Jianne Carlo,
Mona Risk,
Patrice Wilton, and
Traci Hall.