Interview with Tracey Llavay
Published 2013-08-27.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in small town Ohio.
When did you first start writing?
I first started writing in Kindergarten. I punched holes in my five page papers with a pencil and bound it together with hair ribbon.
What's the story behind your latest book?
I was at a wedding, and there was a tiff. A groomsman wanted revenge. I thought: What if he offed half the wedding party?
What motivated you to become an indie author?
Although I received lots of encouragement from agents and publishers, I never received that book contract. Now I can be my own boss.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
I've become my own boss and determined my own destiny.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
The greatest joy is beholding the finished product.
What do your fans mean to you?
Everything. My fans motivate me to write faster, smarter, and harder.
What are you working on next?
The sequel to The Case for Brandy. It's the second volume in the series.
Who are your favorite authors?
James Patterson by far.
What inspires you to get out of bed each day?
Knowing I have characters to develop inspires me to get out of bed each day.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
When not writing I spend my time playing with my Yorkie mix, helping with homework, and thinking up plots and characters.
How do you discover the ebooks you read?
I'm a sucker for women-in-jeopardy/romantic suspense so I sea
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
Yes! The character, Suzy (I think), saved her entire family from a house fire.
What is your writing process?
Now I try outlining first--or at least brainstorming before I type my first page.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
Yes! My earliest memory was being in a daycare center and reading a book about America.
How do you approach cover design?
I possess zero artistic skills, so I imagine how the title should be represented.
What are your five favorite books, and why?
The Love Relationship Formula because it's the astrology guide to finding a mate. The Associated Press Style Book because it helps me with editing. Ditto, The Chicago Manual of Style. All of James Patterson's Alex Cross novels. All of James Patterson's Michael Bennett no
What do you read for pleasure?
James Patterson and astrology
What is your e-reading device of choice?
The kindle
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
I'm not certain.
Describe your desk
Cluttered. Cluttered. And cluttered.
What kind of books do you like to write?
Without a doubt, I like writing women-in-jeopardy books. I love when a woman in hot water gets herself out of it.
Smashwords Interviews are created by the profiled author or publisher.
