A CHAT WITH THE VERY WONDERFUL AUTHOR, TRACEY ROGERS!

Friends, I can’t tell you how excited I am about having author, Tracey Rogers, visit me on my blog today! Tracey who has already penned two novels, Daring To Wish and most recently, Best Fake Day, kindly agreed to talk to me about her successful publishing journey and her passion for writing.

Tracey, who lives in Staffordshire, UK, has always loved books. Her first step into the world of romance was when she took a sneak peak into her nana’s books. Tracey is still in that world and refuses to leave!

Here’s what the lovely author had to say when I put some questions to her,

Thank you for inviting me on your blog today Calida! It’s so lovely to be here.

You’re very welcome Tracey. I’m so looking forward to finding out a little bit more about you. If I may, I’d like to start by asking, what was the first book you ever read?

I have always been a bookworm. I devoured many books during my childhood, mainly by Enid Blyton. One of my firm favourite childhood reads was The Lion, The Witch And The Wardrobe by C.S Lewis.

Did it inspire you to become a writer yourself?

It certainly stirred my imagination! I used to write alternative endings to it. It was so magical I never wanted it to end.

Why do you write and what is the inspiration behind your writing?

I started to write again when I became ill. It frustrated me not being able to do anything. I have a lung condition and was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, which is a pain and fatigue syndrome, so I only had the energy to devour books once more. I read a lot! Then when I noticed there was a New Voices writing competition, I decided there was more I could do and I was determined to do something with my life, so I armed myself with a pen and rediscovered my writing love. I also discovered the wonderful writing community out there.

I have to give credit to my favourite authors for inspiring me to write. There’s nothing better than reading a book that leaves you with the smiles at the end, or a tear in your eye. They make me want to write. I’m not a plotter so often my stories begin with a picture in my head of my hero or heroine in a scene. It encourages me to search for their happily-ever-after!

What genres are your favourite?

I love contemporary romance and also paranormal.

Are there any genres which you haven't written for and would maybe contemplate writing for and why?

I would love to write a paranormal, simply because I love the genre. There’s something about the possibility of creating your own world, with the addition of heightened senses, that really appeals to me.

What ambitions do you have as a writer? Where do you see yourself in say, several years time?

My only ambitions are to keep writing. I love what I do and if in several years time I’m continuing to do it, I’ll be very happy. And if in that time I can make one reader smile, I’ll consider my writing career a success!

Trying to get published can be tough. Is there any advice which you can give to aspiring writers out there who are trying to realize their dreams?

If you love to write, then keep going! A no isn’t a never, it’s a not here and not right now. Rejections sting and getting published is tough, but there are lots of publishers out there, so keep trying to find the right home and treat any feedback like gold dust.

Before you sub try changing your font, or read your work on an e-reader. It’s much easier to spot mistakes and check the flow of your writing this way. Also read through your chapters starting from the end. You’ve seen your first chapters so many times by now they are ingrained in your mind, so reading backwards is like reading with a fresh pair of eyes. Make your manuscript as ready as it can be. Be brave and hit send. Subbing is scary but if you procrastinate you’ll never get a yes if you don’t try!

Wow Tracey, what a great pleasure it was talking to you. Thank you for being so inspiring and I would like to wish you continued success with your writing career.

Some wonderful words of inspiration and great advice from Tracey and like she said, if you love writing, then keep going! Happy writing!

This is a little excerpt from Tracey’s latest book, Best Fake Day. Enjoy!

"Let me work off the money," Izzy said.
She felt Jack's gaze rake over her body, watched the clench of his jaw. "And how are you planning to work it off, Isabel?" he almost growled. "Is that what all of this is about?" he asked as his hand made an indicating sweep over her body. "Dress to impress so you can pay me in kind?"
"Oh God, no," she spluttered. "This is me showing you I'm not the weak, naïve girl I used to be and I won't be pushed around!"
The hard glint in his eyes softened slightly. "You were never weak. Naïve…" He trailed off. "So how exactly were you planning to pay me back?"
"Working here for you for free until I pay you back. I could collect glasses, work the bar, or clean."
"And you have experience in any of those roles?"
"No. But I could learn."
"But what about the house repairs?"
She shrugged. "I could do that during the daytime and work here at night. Then when I'm earning again from my day job I'll pay you back."
"And what exactly is your day job?"
"I'm a photographer. I could even do that here. Take photographs of the patrons and sell them for you."
"You work freelance?”
"I have my own business." She hesitated before elaborating. "As a wedding photographer," she said quickly, hoping he wouldn't snag the teasing opportunity.
Too late. The corner of his mouth quirked until it bloomed until a grin. "A wedding photographer. How appropriate. I knew playing dress-up with your mother's veil and having teddy bears as your guests would have an influence on you one day."
"You mean like wanting to have a traditional wedding where the groom doesn't have to bribe the bride? Yeah, my childhood messed me up real bad," she said with sarcasm.
"You're not working here, Izzy. And this conversation is over."
"No, it's not. I'm giving you a solution to paying off what I owe. I'll work off the amount Ellie paid for our debts and the rest you get from her. So when do I start?"
"You are not working here."
"Why?"
"Do you really want to have some guy groping you as you serve drinks? Or a group of guys? I run a tight ship and look out for my staff, but sometimes it happens."
"I can look after myself. I have been groped before, you know. I can deal with it."
He slid his chair closer, bending his legs so hers surrounded him without touching, but close, very close. He looked up at her under dark lashes. "So if some guy puts a hand on your leg you wouldn’t mind?"

She shook her head.
"And if that hand strayed beneath your dress?" he asked as his hand reached out to graze the sensitive skin of her inner thigh, making her shudder.
She shook her head slowly, earning a dark look. Of course she would mind. But this was Jack.
He stood abruptly, stepping into the v of her thighs. "And if a guy tried to kiss you?"
"I have been kissed before, remember?" she said, inwardly cringing at how breathless she sounded.
"I remember being a boy kissing you as a girl. If I were to kiss you now I wouldn’t be holding back and I wouldn’t be kissing you as a boy—I’d be kissing you as a man."
"Then do it," she demanded.

If you would like to buy Tracey’s books, which are receiving rave reviews from readers, then here are links to the places where they can be bought.

AmazonUK| Amazon.com | Nook  | Beachwalk Press

Also, if you would like to get in touch with Tracey, there are several ways in which you can:

http://traceyrogers.wordpress.com/  |  Facebook  |  twitter  |  traceyrogersaut@gmail.com  |  Blog   Pinterest  |  Goodreads