Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Tracy Hewitt Meyer - HBS Author's Spotlight

Today our blog puts the Spotlight on Author Tracy H. Meyer. She writes gritty, edgy Young Adult/New Adult fiction and Adult Romance.



Author Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary

Website: Tracy Hewitt Meyer
Author's Blog: Write in Style
Blog: Google +
Twitter: @tracyhmeyer
E-Mail: tracyhmeyer@gmail.com
Goodreads: Check Out Goodreads
Facebook: Check Out Facebook


Author Description:
Tracy Hewitt Meyer has a B.A. in English and a Master of Social Work, but becoming an author was her true calling. She specializes in Young Adult and New Adult fiction, as well as Adult Paranormal and Contemporary romance.

Born and raised in West Virginia, Tracy now lives in Virginia with her family. She is a member of Romance Writers of America, Washington Romance Writers, and the Young Adult Chapter of RWA where she acts as the PRO Liaison for its membership.

Follow Tracy's blog for writing tidbits, inspiration, motivation and senseless meandering thoughts on whatever goes through her mind.


SPOTLIGHT Questions and Answers with the Author

First things first. Rumor has it that you have another book on the horizon called A Life, Forward. Can you tell us the timeline for its release and give us a little tease?

That’s right! A Life, Forward is the sequel to A Life, Redefined. It picks up where the first novel ends. Rowan Slone’s life has been wrought with one painful event after another. At the end of the first book, though, she finds herself in a hopeful place.

The sequel picks up at that point in her life and follows her as she starts to heal from the past. It will be released early 2014.

You have a good following on twitter. How important have your social media relationships been? Do you see a carry over to your writing success?

Social media is essential. It has become pivotal in building relationships with readers, authors, and bloggers/reviewers. What I love, though, is that social media can help a writer connect with readers on a personal level. I get the most comments on a post when I’ve shared something that’s happened during the day, something about my life. That can, in turn, carry over into sales.

Do you do book signings, interviews, speaking and personal appearances? If so, when and where is the next place where your readers can see you? Where can they keep up with your personal contacts online?

I’ve done one major book signing and it was so much fun! I plan to do more after A Life, Forward is published and I can sign for both books in the Rowan Slone Series.

As for speaking and personal appearances, I’ve done a radio interview which was frightening and thrilling at the same time. I’m not so adept at thinking on my feet and fear I came across as a little goofy. But it was real and honest, so I would call it a success. I am in the process of scheduling more events. Check my website for details as they arise!

You have great covers. How does your book cover creation process work? Do you hand over the basic theme or do you have more of a hands-on approach? Do you get your readers involved in its development?

Thank you! I worked with Blue Harvest Creative for the cover art of A Life, Redefined and they will create the cover for A Life, Forward as well. We spoke on the phone about my ideas for the cover and then they presented me with options. It was a seamless, easy, exciting experience. One of my worries was that it would be hard to find the right cover model to portray Rowan, but they found her and she’s perfect.

Have you created a book trailer for any of your books to promote them online?

I have not created a book trailer, though I really enjoy watching them by other authors. I haven’t seen value in a book trailer as of yet but am definitely open to creating one in the future. Who knows? A Life, Forward may end up with a trailer. Never say never!

Besides the Romance Writers of America, what other writer support groups do you belong too? Do they help with the writing, marketing and the publishing process?

Romance Writers of America has several smaller chapters, specific to genre and region. I belong to the Washington (DC) Romance Writers chapter as well as the Young Adult (online) chapter where I serve on the Board. These groups offer support, advice and guidance on writing, marketing and publishing. I like to attend writing conferences and try to do so at least once a year. Conferences are a great way to meet other authors and industry professionals.

What has been your experience in giving your books away free? Have you been involved in any other type of giveaways and how did that work out? What was your main goal in doing this? Did you run into any obstacles?

I haven’t listed A Life, Redefined as free on amazon and I don’t plan to. I understand it can give a boost to a writer’s ranking, but I haven’t traveled down that road. I have done several Goodreads give-aways, though, which I find beneficial for getting the book out there to a wider audience. When a reader puts their name in for a give-away, they often ‘agree’ to put your book on their ‘to be read’ list, which is then seen by their friends. I also donate a lot of signed copies.

Have you ever done a book tour? If so, did it contribute to the success of your book sales?

I have not and wish I had. When A Life, Redefined was published, it was only then that I started sending the book out to bloggers and sought reviews. In hind-sight, I should’ve done this earlier. I will schedule a blog tour before the release of A Life, Forward.

You have a great blog. You do a great job keeping readers informed, marketing your books and providing useful information to other writers. What is your primary goal? And where in the world do you find the time to create great novels, take care of the social media and maintain your blog?

And where in the world do you find the time to create great novels, take care of the social media and maintain your blog?

First of all, thank you! I enjoy writing on my blog, though I don’t do it on a schedule.

I write a blog when something comes into my mind that I want to write about. I also contribute to others’ blogs and that’s a really fun way to reach new readers. My daily priority is writing, then social media, then my blog. But if something pops up in my head that I want to blog about, nothing can stop me!

What is your method of getting reviews for your novels? Do you seek professional reviews or no you rely on your reading audience to supply them?

I rely on both. Professional reviews help launch the book into a wider audience. My reading audience is always reliable when it comes to reviews. So far, A Life, Redefinedhas received many positive reviews and I’m thrilled that readers are moved by Rowan’s journey.



Author's Book List
A Life, Redefined - A Rowan Slone Novel
Seven years ago, an innocent act by Rowan Slone turned her life into a nightmare. Since the age of ten she's lived with the burden of her baby brother's death. Now she is seventeen and all she wants to do is graduate high school, go to college, and escape the loveless family she has endured all these years—the same family that holds her responsible for his death. But no one holds her responsible more than herself.

When long-time crush Mike Anderson invites her to the Prom, suddenly her future looks brighter. Rowan's younger sister, Trina, however, is determined to ruin her new-found happiness, no matter the cost. And when Rowan discovers her mother’s long-held secret, she finds herself teetering on the edge of an abyss. Can Rowan find the strength to move toward the future or is she doomed to dwell in the past?


Order the Book From: Amazon
Wren's Fantasy
Wren O’Hara is a social worker waiting for the day when she slips into mental illness, just like her mother. When she is attacked by one of her clients, then rescued by a mysterious blond man who looks more like an angel, she knows her mental break has finally come. It doesn’t help that he disappears from the scene after killing her client, leaving her the sole suspect for the murder.

Riagan Tenman is an immortal druid and protector of the Murias Cauldron. After being banned to the spirit realm as punishment for leaving his post, he wants nothing more than to return to his duty on the druid realm. But when the cries of a woman reach him, he morphs into human form to save her before considering the grave consequences of his actions.

With a looming threat to the safety of the Cauldron and Wren the suspect for murder, Riagan and Wren are forced to work together in a race against time. What neither could know is that far away in the druid realm is where Wren’s true destiny lies, which will in turn change Riagan’s future forever. But through it all, Wren is left wondering if these events are real and true or are they just a delusion?


Order the Book From: Amazon - Barnes and Noble - Soul Mate Publishing
Trust of the Heart
When New Yorker Ava McKenna flees to the remote Shenandoah Mountains, she wants peace and quiet. Housesitting a charming log cabin and absorbing the beauty of the land is the balm her soul needs as she tries to understand her boyfriend’s betrayal. But when she meets the captivating neighbor with intense blue eyes and chiseled chest, she is enticed by lust and love before her tender heart has healed.

Local boy and ex-Marine Winston Smith is divorced and a confirmed bachelor - finished with the heartache that comes with relationships. Spending time fishing and working are just what he needs, not a new love affair. But when he meets a woman who ignites his passion and tempts his heart, he must decide if he is willing to trust again.


Order the Book From: Amazon - Barnes and Noble - Soul Mate Publishing
Author Recommended by: Judy Shafer
Judy Shafer is a Book Reviewer and Voracious Reader. She is a must contact for authors seeking honest reviews. Her Five Star Ratings are a badge of honor.

She can be reached on social media on: Facebook and Twitter

No comments:

Post a Comment