Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Author Tracey Bateman - Free Book

I've known Tracey Bateman for many years, since before her first book was published. I've enjoyed watching her career take off. Now it is soaring.

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

Depends on the character. I tend to put a lot of myself into my heroines. Claire was very much me. Cat, from Color of the Soul had a lot of my issues. It’s really cathartic to face your issues through characters. Having said that, not ALL my characters’ issues are mine.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?


So many quirks, so little space.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

Still working on that one, actually. LOL I wrote some when I was a kid, but I guess I really got it, when I took a writing class in college and fell in love with creating the story. It just sort of escalated from there as God began to confirm one thing after another for me.

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

I like all kinds. From ChickLit to historicals to contemporaries.

I'm like you in that. I read all kinds of books. What other books have you written, whether published or not?


I’ve only written one book that wasn’t published. That was the first one. Since then, I’ve written 12 Heartsongs, a number of novellas, three Love Inspired Suspense, The Claire Everett Series, Westward Hearts, Drama Queens, The Color of the Soul, The Freedom of the Soul. And more.

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


Jesus and chocolate—in that order

Me, too. In that order. How do you choose your characters’ names?


I pull them out of a hat. I need a better system though. I have too many Sarahs and Andys.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?


My marriage. 18 years, almost 19. We still love each other and have a ton of fun.

It keeps getting better, Tracey. James and I are going on 44 years. What is your favorite food?


Seafood.

What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?


Probably confidence in my talent. I don’t think I have overcome it yet. Every day is a walk of faith and allowing God to be strong where I am weak.

What advice would you give to an author just starting out?


Trust God, obey his voice and be patient. The advice I’d really like to give is to newly published author, to be honest, and that is don’t take yourself too seriously (too many new authors do and it’s an ugly sight). Don’t drop newbies and enjoy where you are on the way to where you’re going.

What would you like to tell us about the featured book?

It’s a story of unconditional love and mercy set against a Westward expansion backdrop. It has all the archetypal characters and some other secondaries thrown in. It was a great book for me to write.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

Right now, they can’t. (maybe by the time this is up, they’ll be able to).

Actually, I found you on your author page that your agent has up for you:

http://www.stevelaube.com/authors/traceybateman.htm

Readers, you might want to check her out there. You can find all of her books listed.

Want a free copy of Distant Heart? Leave a comment for a chance to win one. Also be sure to check back to see if you are a winner. We still need to hear from a few of the last couple of winner lists.

There's still time to leave comments on these interviews, too:

Lynette Eason - Lethal Deception
Virginia Smith - Stuck in the Middle
Leanna Ellis - Elvis Takes a Back Seat
Wanda E. Brunstetter - A Sister's Test


We'll choose some winners this weekend.

32 comments:

Tracey Bateman said...

Hi Lena,
Thanks for the opportunity to hang out here for a day! The book I'm giving away is Distant Heart, though...the second book in the Westward Heart series. There's a typo that says Defiant Heart. :) I'm all out of those!!

Rhonda Gibson said...

I love Tracey and the interview is great!! Way to go girls!!!

Elizabeth Ludwig said...

I love your books, Tracey. Thanks for allowing us into your writing world!

Anonymous said...

I'm working on the Claire series and loving it!!! Thanks for all the great hours of reading, Tracey!

Lynette Sowell said...

Great interview! Tracey, you're so versatile. :) Way to go!

Janelle said...

You're one of my faves, Tracey. Keep the stories coming.

Nancy Toback said...

Great interview, Tracey. You've got AMAZING talent!!! I enjoy all your stories immensely, whether contemporary, historical, or anything in-between. How fabulous to be gifted to write in so many genres.

Tracey Bateman said...

Hey all! Thanks for piping in!
Tracey

Sonya said...

Great interview! I think this book sounds wonderful!

Janna said...

Please enter me - I love Tracey's writing!

Janna
ryanx6 at msn dot com

Shari said...

I'd love to be entered into the drawing. I enjoy historical fiction, especially if there is romance.
sharih3@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the great interview. Would like to read this book. Blessings! Melody msproule1225@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

great interview! i'd love to win a copy of this book! hsmuda[at]gmail[dot]com
thanks!

Susan Stitch said...

Please include me in this drawing -- I love Tracey's work!

likes_to_stamp (at) sbcglobal.net

Lena, I love your interviews -- keep up the great work!

Susan

Anonymous said...

Oh, this book sounds good. I love westward expansion books. Books where they are on the move. exciting. I'd love to win this one.

Julie Arduini said...

I love Tracey's work. Claire has to be one of my all time favorite characters. Can't wait to get my hands on Tracey's latest work!

Cherie J said...

Please enter me in the drawing for this book. Enjoyed the interview!

ChristyJan said...

Great interview. Please enter me in the drawing for Tracey's book.

Carolynn said...

I would love to read this book. Thanks for the interview:)

TK Williams~Hurlston said...

Great interview, I would love to read this book. Please enter me in the drawing, thanks. TK, my e address is: vcw1476 at gmail dot com

Maureen said...

Thanks for the interview. I would love to win the book.
mce1011[at]aol.com

Anonymous said...

please enter me in the drawing, thanks!

Anonymous said...

Count me in. I would love to win this for a friend of mine.


blogged ya:


http://laurawilliamsmusings.blogspot.com/2008/01/thursday-edition-of-contests-galore_31.html

Tidy Bowl said...

I LOVE a good book. Count me in.

melinda(at)melindamusil(dot)com

Thanks!

Anonymous said...

I loved The Color of the Soul. Read it on vacation in Canada last year. It capitvated me, and I'd love to read more of Tracey's books.

Bonnie
bengstrom@hotmail.com

Stacey said...

I can't wait to read this book. Please put me into the drawing. Thanks.

stacey_dale[at]yahoo[dot]com

Carole said...

I enjoyed the interview very much, and would love to win a copy of Distant Heart. Thank you so much for the opportunity!

cjarvis@bellsouth.net

Miralee Ferrell said...

Oh, I love contests! I don't win very often, but fun to enter and I'd love to win this book. Thanks for introducing me to a new author (for me).

Anonymous said...

I LOVE TRACEY'S books. This book looks good too. Please put my name in for the drawing. I really liked Defiant Heart!!!
Thanks
Nora Stlaurent
music-mama@fredstlaurent.com

tetewa said...

Enjoyed the interview and would like to be included for the draw! tWarner419@aol.com

windycindy said...

Hi, I have been following Tracey's interviews and reviews of her book!
It sounds so enjoyable to read. Please enter me in your drawing.
Thank you very much.....Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

Tracey is such a fun person. I love her hilarious posts at ACFW. Enter me, please to win the book.
carole212@verizon.net