Tracey knows best

I've know Tracey Bateman for many years. She's a good friend and a wonderful writer. For the last couple of years she has served as the president of American Christian Fiction Writers, and she's done a marvelous job of juggling her family, her writing, and that office. It is with pleasure that I interview her.

Remember that when you leave a comment, you will be included in the drawing for a free copy of her new book Claire Knows Best.

Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.

Depends on the book. With Claire, there is quite a bit of my personality.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

Since there was no answer to this one, I assume Tracey's trying to say the ashe hasn't done anything quirky. I find that hard to believe. After all, she's a writer. Aren't we all quirky?

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I really started writing stories in grade school. By the time I was 12 I knew I wanted to write. I never really thought I would though until I was in my late 20s.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

Romance, chicklit, historicals, I love authors like Lisa Samson who makes me think, and Francine Rivers who makes me want to be better, Karen Kingsbury, who makes me cry. Kristin Billerbeck who makes me laugh. I also love to read Jodi Picoult an ABA author.

What other books have you written, whether published or not?

A lot for Heartsong Presents and Barbour. The Claire series with Warner Faith, A suspense series for Steeple Hill Love Inspired Suspense.

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I’m not sure I do keep my sanity. I do know that I keep going. I just know I have certain responsibilities. My kids have to be taken care of, they have to eat, I have to write, etc. Sanity is highly overrated anyway.

That's very true. How do you choose your characters’ names?

I chose Claire during an election year when one of our candidates for State auditor was named Claire. I don’t have a method of choosing.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

My marriage. I have a strong marriage to a great guy who still loves me after 18 years.

Yes, that is wonderful. Mine still loves me after 41 years. What would you like to tell us about the featured book?

Claire Knows Best is the second in the Claire Everett Series. Just when she thinks things are going great, a tornado hits her house and leaves her and the kids homeless for a while. It’s funny, but I also wanted to drive home the thought that just when we think we have things figured out anything can happen. The rain falls on the just and the unjust according to the word and we have to be able to trust God even when our lives don’t follow the path we thought they would.

That's a good thing for all of us to remember. Thank you, Tracey, for sharing part of your life with us. We look forward to seeing lots more of your books. By the way, I just loved the Love Inspired Suspense series, too.

Remember, you still have intil this Saturday, July 17, to leave a comment on Sharon's post for a chance to win The Secret Life of Becky Miller.