geocaching (noun) - the recreational activity of hunting for and finding a hidden object by means of GPS coordinates posted on a website.
Keep reading for more interesting info about Tracy and this latest
addition to her publishing portfolio.
1) Can you give us a brief overview of Caching
In?
Caching In is a romance centered around Ally, who
has had enough of her boring life and wants to do something different. She
meets a couple that is out geocaching, and after researching the pastime, she
tries it on her own, and meets Seth.
2) What's your favorite quality about
your heroine/hero?
Her sarcasm. I feel like my answer
should be something deep and meaningful, but I’m a sarcastic person by nature,
and brought that out in Ally.
3) What made you want to write
Caching In?
A friend of mine geocaches all the time, and I have gone with her a few
times. It’s a lot of fun, and I wondered how you could bring romance into a
hobby such as geocaching. Also, I haven’t seen a romance book focusing on
geocaching. Most I come across are mysteries. I wanted to do something
different.
4) How long did it take you to write Caching
In? What is your writing process like?
It took me about a week to get the first chapter
done. I wanted it to be perfect before I moved on. I don’t normally work that
way, but I needed to do it this way to see if I had a story. Once I completed
that, it took a good seven or eight months. When I write, I use Evernote a lot
and dictate through my iPhone or iPad. I get much more done that way instead of
typing.
5) If Hollywood comes calling and asks
you to sign over the movie rights for Caching In, who would you like to
see play Ally and Seth on-screen?
When I write a story, I need to have a visual of the
characters. I picture Ally as Jennifer Lawrence, with the long hair, and Seth
as Jake Gyllenhaal. Putting them together on screen would be interesting, I
think!
6) How did you decide on the title for Caching In?
Actually, the title came first. On
a trip to the grocery store, the title Caching In on Love popped into my head.
After I had the title, the storyline just came to me. I knew exactly what was
going to happen the second I had the title.
7) Tell us about your cover art design.
How did you come up with the concept? Did you execute it yourself or have a
professional do it?
After much
too much time on stock photo sites, I found two images. The one I fell in love
with is the one on the cover. After first I utilized Fiverr. I liked what came
back to me, but it didn’t feel right. With the help of Chick Lit Chat HQ, an
awesome online meeting space for chick lit authors, the cover you now see was
born.
8) The fiction market is so competitive now. How did you find an audience for your work? What do you think are the most effective ways an author can promote herself?
This is a very difficult question. I am
not sure if I have found the audience for most of my work. Caching In definitely has an audience, but reaching them is proving
quite the challenge. With an extremely limited budget, I rely on Facebook,
Twitter, and great friends to spread the word about my books. I hope one day I
can reach more people by way of newsletters and ads.
9) What are your thoughts on love
scenes in books? Do you prefer to read/write sweet/romantic encounters between
your hero and heroine or spicy ones?
Honestly, I think these scenes are hard to write. I have written both. My
first book, Pieces of it All, is a
coming-of-age novel and has a few vivid scenes. Caching In is the complete opposite and everything happens behind
doors. I have fun writing the spicy scenes, but the sweet romance leaves so
much more to the reader’s imagination, and, as a reader, I prefer that.
10) What are you working on now?
Mid-January I began revisions on my next
book, which could be considered a sequel to Caching
In. Seth and Ally are not in the book at all. It is a stand-alone featuring
Ally’s best friend, Chelsea. I have no idea when it will be ready for
publication, so stick around to find out!
This is
always a hard question to answer. I don’t want to leave anyone out. The author
that got me writing is R.L. Stine. Yes, completely different genre. As a young
kid, I devoured his books. My reading has evolved greatly, but I look up to
authors such as Jodi Picoult, Laurie Halse Anderson, Gillian Flynn, and Mary
Robinette Kowal. I also adore all the authors in the Chick Lit Chat HQ group!
12) What genres do you like to
read? Do you stick to one or are you eclectic in your reading tastes?
Years ago, I only read thrillers. Over
the past four or five years, I began reading many more authors, and while I
enjoy romance the most, I also will pick up fantasy or science fiction here and
there.
13) If you could be plopped down in the
middle of any book, which one would it be?
Wow. Based on the books I read, I don’t want to deal
with any of their issues! I would much prefer to be in the middle of something
less stressful. I’m going to have to go with a simple book, like Goodnight Moon. I mean, this way I get
to take a nap, right?
14) If you could invite any five
people (living or dead) over for a dinner party, who would they be and
why?
You really
know how to ask impossible questions! This is one of those questions that would
have a different answer every day. First, my grandmother. She passed away when
I was very young, and she was extremely young as well. I would love to spend
time with her. Second, Drew Barrymore. She overcame a lot as a child actress in
Hollywood and has become a great woman. Cesar
Milan. Can he please tell me what my dog is thinking? Maya Angelou because her
poetry was amazing, and she was as a human being. Fifth, I have to go with
Mindy Kaling. She’s hilarious and I think she would be so much fun to hang out
with.
Fast and Flirty
Favorite scent? Lavender and coffee. But not together.
Favorite color? I am all
about PINK. Love it in every shade.
Favorite food? Popcorn. I
eat a bag every night.
Favorite word? Love
Favorite article of clothing? Lounge pants or a hoodie. It’s a tie.
Dream vacation spot? Anywhere warm where I can read.
Dream vacation spot? Anywhere warm where I can read.
Favorite time period in history? The 80s for the music. The present
because I’m loving life.
Favorite date night activity? One that I can mention here? Okay, a
movie then, but at a theater, preferably one that serves dinner.
Favorite song? This changes. Currently "Blank Space" by
Taylor Swift.
Celebrity hottie on your laminated
list? Come on, Tracie. You know this. Justin Baldoni. <Blogger's Note: We'll have to timeshare him.>
Book Blurb:
Can a compass lead you to love?
Broken-hearted Ally Couper has had enough with her ridiculous life. Her job at the bank is going nowhere, and her love life might as well be non-existent.
Determined to try something new, Ally becomes absorbed in the world of geocaching. The high-tech driven scavenger hunt introduces her to Seth, and she realizes the game isn’t the only thrilling part.
Ally’s bad luck may finally be changing, until the past threatens to halt her future with Seth. Can they find happiness together, or is love the one cache Ally can’t find?
Buy Caching In
Amazon (US)
Amazon (UK)
Author Bio
Tracy's loves of writing began at nine years old. She wrote stories about aliens at school, machines that did homework for you, and penguins. Now she pens books and short stories about romance. She loves to read a great book, whether it be romance or science fiction, or any genre in between, or pop popcorn and catch up on her favorite TV shows or movies. She's been known to crush a candy or two as well. Her first romance novel, Pieces of it All, released in May 2014 followed in December with Caching In, a romance mixed with the hobby of geocaching. She also has written several short stories. Sign up for her newsletter so you won't miss out on any new releases.
Connect With Tracy
Website
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads
Pinterest
Can a compass lead you to love?
Broken-hearted Ally Couper has had enough with her ridiculous life. Her job at the bank is going nowhere, and her love life might as well be non-existent.
Determined to try something new, Ally becomes absorbed in the world of geocaching. The high-tech driven scavenger hunt introduces her to Seth, and she realizes the game isn’t the only thrilling part.
Ally’s bad luck may finally be changing, until the past threatens to halt her future with Seth. Can they find happiness together, or is love the one cache Ally can’t find?
Buy Caching In
Amazon (US)
Amazon (UK)
Author Bio
Tracy's loves of writing began at nine years old. She wrote stories about aliens at school, machines that did homework for you, and penguins. Now she pens books and short stories about romance. She loves to read a great book, whether it be romance or science fiction, or any genre in between, or pop popcorn and catch up on her favorite TV shows or movies. She's been known to crush a candy or two as well. Her first romance novel, Pieces of it All, released in May 2014 followed in December with Caching In, a romance mixed with the hobby of geocaching. She also has written several short stories. Sign up for her newsletter so you won't miss out on any new releases.
Connect With Tracy
Website
Goodreads
I lvoe the cover and it sounds like a fun book. Great interview too.
ReplyDeleteThank you Janine!
DeleteI've heard of geocaching but have never tried it. I heard about it from my husband who is a land surveyor. He has participated in some geocaching for fun. This book sounds fun.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Bonnie!
DeleteAwesome interview! Nice to find out a bit more about you, Tracy - and lovelovelove the premise for your novel. Can't wait to read it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Maggie! Hope you enjoy it!
ReplyDelete