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.
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.
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.
