I write historical and contemporary Christian fiction with a focus on the historical. I love history and find it compelling material to show life lessons and Bible application. I enjoy a variety of settings and always try to visit the locations I write about.
Besides when you came to know the Lord, what is the happiest day in your life?
That’s a really hard one to answer. There are many and I can’t say that one supersedes the other. I loved becoming a wife and mother - seeing my kids come to the Lord, my husband turn his life over to God, moving to Montana, holding my newborn grandchildren. Just too many to have one.
How has being published changed your life?
Publishing has changed my life for the better in that I am active in a mission field and ministry that God has given me to share the Gospel of Jesus and Biblical encouragement to a needy and weary world. I have been very blessed by the way God has touched the lives of readers, but also in how He continues to teach and encourage me through the writing He gives me.
I so agree, Tracie. What are you reading right now?
Just finished Rooms by James Rubart
I loved that book and recommend it to many people. We've featured it on this blog. What is your current work in progress?
I’m working on a contemporary that is slated out next fall. It’s a stand alone title that deals with a family whose lives were greatly changed by mental illness in the family and the secrets that were kept because of it.
What would be your dream vacation?
Every vacation or research trip or day trip is special and fulfills my dreams because I’m usually with the folks I love most and enjoying the creation God has given.
How do you choose your settings for each book?
I usually find places when research reading or traveling. Recently while researching the book I’m currently writing, I found a nifty location for a possible series. We’ll see what develops.
If you could spend an evening with one person who is currently alive, who would it be and why?
My husband – because there are no pretenses between us and I could just relax and be myself and know that I was loved for just being me.
That's how it is with James and me, too. What are your hobbies, besides writing and reading?
I like to quilt when I get a chance, but it seems those times are fewer and farther between. I love to travel and I adore playing with my grandkids.
When we're older, grandkids make life worthwhile. What is your most difficult writing obstacle, and how do you overcome it?
What advice would you give to a beginning author?
Get Thee To An ACFW conference. Writer conferences are the best way to learn the ropes in this industry, to network, and to get a foot in the door. There are numerous conferences out there that offer fantastic helps, but I’m especially fond of the American Christian Fiction Writers’ conference because I helped to found this organization.
And we're just coming off of another wonderful conference, aren't we? Tell us about the featured book.
EMBERS OF LOVE is book one in the Striking A Match series. The series is a family saga with romance and events of the day that create multiple obstacles to overcome. Deborah Vandermark is a young woman who always thought she knew her mission in life, only to discover that things aren’t at all what she thought.
Please give us the first page of the book.
Philadelphia—June 1885
‘I won’t let you go through with this,” Deborah Vander-mark declared. She clasped her best friend’s gloved hands. “Even something this drastic will not win your mother’s respect, and it certainly won’t soften her heart with love.”
Elizabeth Decker—known as Lizzie to her dearest friends—shook her head. “You don’t understand. If I don’t go through with this, I’ll have to return home with her.”
“Nonsense,” Deborah replied. “You can come home with me. My brother is waiting at the train station—or will be in another half hour. There’s no reason to remain here. You’re of age, and my guess is that even your father will approve.”
“Simply one more thing my mother would blame him for.”
Deborah squeezed her friend’s hand. “Lizzie, your parents are divorced and your father is capable of dealing with this. They live in different towns. They needn’t ever speak to each other again—and even if they do, it won’t change how you feel about Stuart. Don’t let your concerns about everyone else be the reason you go into a loveless marriage.”
Lizzie walked over to the window and gently removed her wedding veil, revealing carefully coiffed blond hair. With that one simple action, Deborah took hope that her friend was finally starting to see reason.
“Oh, Deborah, how I can stop things now? Everyone is seated and waiting for a wedding. And what of Stuart? He doesn’t deserve such ill treatment.”
“Stuart doesn’t love you any more than you love him. This is all some sort of game to him. You are simply a beautiful ornament for him to add to his life.”
“Just as my mother has always said. Men do not marry because of love.”
“That isn’t entirely true, and you know it,” Deborah countered. “Many men marry for love. My father, for one.”
How can readers find you on the Internet?
http://www.traciepeterson.com/
Thank you, Tracie, for visiting with us again.
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