Traci is the author of paranormal/urban fantasy and contemporary romances featuring a sly, urban edge, including her current Seven Seals series. Her stories feature sizzling alpha-male heroes full of dark humor, quick wits and major attitudes; smart, independent heroines who always give as good as they get; and scrumptiously evil villains who are—more often than not—bent on world destruction. She enjoys weaving ancient curses and mythology, modern science and old religion, and great dialogue together to build red-hot, sizzling chemistry between her main characters.
A storyteller since childhood, she began putting her tales down on paper in November 2011 after the idea for the Seven Seals Series occurred to her in a dream. She finished the first draft of what was to become Seal of Destiny in one month and decided to pursue a full-time writing career in January of 2012. Life has now been a rollercoaster, crash course in pursuing your dreams.
Traci is an active member of Romance Writers of America (RWA), Indiana Romance Writers of America (IRWA) and Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal Writers (FF&P) and is pursing a Masters of Fine Arts degree in Writing Popular Fiction through Seton Hill University. Her stories have made the final rounds in several RWA chapter contests, including the 2012 Duel on the Delta, the 2012 Molly Awards, and the 2012 Catherine Awards. An earlier draft of Seal of Destiny won the paranormal category of the 2012 Marlene Awards sponsored by the Washington Romance Writers.
Other current projects include upcoming books in the Seven Seals series and a new futuristic detective series with hints of the paranormal and plenty of romance.
Do you plan everything or just let the story flow?
I’m what’s called a ‘pantser’ with my first drafts. I like to get the story out there on paper and see what happens. Many times my characters take me to places I never would have imagined, but are so much better than anything I would have come up with on my own. I usually then go back and outline after the first draft is done, to make sure I haven’t got any loose ends to tie up or characters who’ve fallen off the face of the world. (It happens.)
Do your characters ever want to take over the story?
Of course. If you’ve made your characters real enough, they must. Your job as a writer is to reign them in to the story you need to tell.
What is your favourite food?
Does chocolate count? And bread/pasta. I’m a carb gal. :)
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Night owl.
Where do you dream of travelling to and why?
I’ve travelled extensively within the US, and I’ve been to Canada and Mexico a couple of times, and the Caribbean. I’d LOVE to go to Europe one day. So much history and wonderful sites to see.
Do distant places feature in your books?
Yes. Kagan is Italian, although his homeland is mentioned only sporadically in the book. In the next story in the series, the locale become much more international.
Do you listen to music while writing?
Absolutely. The best purchase I ever made was my Pandora One subscription. I listen mainly to instrumental, new-agey stuff when I’m writing. It’s like white noise that helps me shut the outside world away. Lyrics are too distracting.
Seal of Destiny tells the story of Mira Herald, a normal gal with a not-so-great childhood who discovers she carries the first Seal of the Apocalypse, Brutality and Enslavement, in her DNA. Kagan is the Scion warrior assigned to protect her. The Scion are a band of immortal soldiers hand selected by Divinity to guard the Seals and protect humanity.
What have you learned about writing and publishing since you first started?
What haven’t I learned in the past year? LOL! The biggest advice I can give is read, read, read! Craft books, books in your genre, books outside your genre. Good writing is good writing, no matter the subject. And listen to those who have gone before. They can save your butt and keep you from making some awful mistakes. Finally, write! The more you write, the better you get and the easier it becomes.
Is there anything you would do differently?
No. Every step I’ve had brought me closer to where I am now. I wouldn’t change anything.
Who, or what, if anything has influenced your writing?
Joining the national organization, Romance Writers of America (RWA), made a huge difference in my writing, as has my wonderful local RWA chapter. Everyone is so supportive and there are an abundance of wonderful resources available to help you reach your writing goals.
Anything you would say to those just starting out in the craft?
As I said above: Read, write, learn from those who have gone before. There are no shortcuts.
What are three words that describe you?
Smart, Snarky, Perky
What's your favourite book or who is your favourite writer?
Book: Pride and Prejudice Writer: Jane Austen
Seal of Destiny blurb:
Love conquers all… but can it stop the Apocalypse?
Mira Herald is having the worst life ever. Not only is she plagued by horrific nightmares starring the Devil himself, she’s now the target of a power-hungry, rogue minion, freshly sprung from Hell and bent on her destruction. To complicate matters further, she’s acquired a stalker. One who insists he’s a divine warrior sent for her protection because she houses an ancient relic with the power to unleash Armageddon. Last time Mira checked, she wasn’t insane. Still, all this celestial mayhem is enough to drive a girl crazy.
Kagan is a member of the Scion, an elite team of immortal warriors selected by Divinity to aid mankind and save the world. After a century alone, Kagan is summoned for a new mission. He’s eager to begin. Eager until he’s informed his mission consists of protecting a woman with no clue to the power she wields. Plus, his briefing fails to prepare him for his new target’s cosmic-sized attitude problem. As Divinity’s sworn servant, he’s required to fulfill his duty. His oath, however, does not require him to be enthusiastic about his new assignment or warm-and-fuzzy toward his new compatriot. He plans a wham-bam rescue and a quick return to solitude.
The minion attacks—with the backing of a mysterious organization—and all Hades erupts, putting a fast end to any whirlwind escapes. Accustomed to staunch independence, Mira’s survival now requires full cooperation and an unwavering belief in Kagan. The battle-hardened warrior is also forced to chose: between duty and desire. Amidst the turmoil, Kagan and Mira’s undeniable passion draws them closer to each other and down a path neither expected but both yearn for, more than they ever knew.
Will love save the day? The world’s fate depends on the answer.
List of previous books if any
Seal of Destiny is my debut novel.
The second book in the series, Seal of Surrender, will be coming soon from Crimson Romance.
Any websites/places readers can find you on the web.
Website: http://www.tracidouglass.net
FB Author Page: http://www.facebook.com/TraciDouglassAuthor
Twitter: @Traci_Douglass
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/8112113-traci-douglass
Thank you, Traci and good luck with your books!
Best wishes, H.J., with your new release. So awesome!
ReplyDelete-R.T. Wolfe
Thanks, R.T.! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for having me on your site! :)
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