Interview and Giveaway for "And the Beat Goes On" by Tracy Krauss

I'm excited to host Tracy L. Krauss on my blog this month. She has been gracious enough to take the time to answer some questions for me. Please take the time to get to know Tracy better. Her website is www.tracykraussexpressionexpress.blogspot.com.

ABOUT TRACY

Outside of writing, I am a high school teacher of English, Art and Drama. I am very enthusiastic about the creative process, and love to paint, draw, printmake, quilt, direct and produce plays, and of course write, write, write! I have four grown children and have lived in many places in northern Canada, including the polar bear capital of the world. (No kidding). I currently live with my husband in beautiful Tumber Ridge, BC. I am also a woman of faith, which is often a theme that runs through my work. My husband and I pastored a church in the Yukon under the PAOC for ten years.

BACK COVER

Canadian born archaeologist Mark Graham unearths a remarkable discovery while at a dig site in the mountains of Zimbabwe. Fossilized remains of a pterodactyl are found carefully buried alongside those of gigantic human bones. Speculation leads to the possible existence of a mythical race known as Nephilim, a pre-flood people alleged to have descended from both gods and men.

But skepticism and sabotage delay Mark and his fellow archaeologist as the dig site is compromised, putting their discovery -- as well as his very life -- in grave danger. Deceived and framed by trusted friends and colleagues, Mark struggles to safeguard his findings and protect his reputation in order to her on earth the mystery behind the Nephilim.

INTERVIEW

Tracy thank you so much for taking the time to meet with us.

1. Tracy would you tell us a little about your writing background? is this your first book or have you had other books before this published? Was your writing journey a long one?

I am a High School English teacher, so I guess that means I have 'head knowledge' when it comes to writing and pretty much know the conventions backwards and sideways. Following the rules doesn't always make for good writing, however, does it? (I tell my students that the difference between a B and an A is 'Sparkle' - style always trumps mechanics, but you have to know the rules before you can break them...) Enough with the English lesson already!

I have always been a lover of good books and I have been writing for pleasure for more than 25 years. Writing 'obsessively' is probably more accurate. Most of my author friends report the same compulsive need to write. AND THE BEAT GOES ON is my first published work, but I'm pleased to report I have several others in the works. My next release, MY MOTHER THE MAN EATER, is coming out before Christmas. The prequel to AND THE BEAT GOES ON, which is called PLAY IT AGAIN, is still in production

2.(a) "And the Beat Goes On" is different from any other Christian fiction I've read. Could you tell me what genre this book fits under. Also, what made you decide to write this particular book and on this particular subject? What were the challenges and rewards during your writing journey?

This book is classed as 'Romantic Suspense' although I'm not sure if that genre really fits perfectly. Sometimes I say "Archeological Thriller' and sometimes I prefer the emerging genre 'Edgy Christian'. As for my motivation, I was very early in my Christian walk struck by the seeming incongruity between the generally accepted theory of evolution and the 'Old Earth' timeline and what the Bible said about creation. Especially problematic for me was the subject of dinosaurs. Thus my interest led to research which then led to the idea for this novel. I also must admit that I love fantasy and sci-fi, so although I don't write in that genre myself, I wanted to include some tiny reference to the 'fantastic' - the Nephilim. The jury is definitely still out among Christians on that one, but I've been fascinated with the possibilites and thought I'd throw in my own twist. I don't pretend to be an expert on any of these topics, but hopefully I raise enough questions in my book that people will want to delve in themselves.

My biggest challenge when writing is always finding enough time to write. I also work full time, have raised four kids, been a Pastor's wife, volunteer at my church, and run an after school Theatre group for teens. My days (and nights) are pretty full.

(b) Would you tell us what edgy Christian fiction means and do you consider 'And the Beat Goes On" edgy Christian fiction?

There is no one definition for 'Edgy Christian Fiction', but it is a phrase that is getting tossed about a lot these days. To me it is fiction that includes a Christian element (either straight up 'gospel' references, or at least a redemptive message ...) but also pushes the envelope in terms of what most traditional Christian reading material has included up until this point. Examples might be 'risque' content, (realistic use of language, violence, sexuality etc.) protagonists that aren't perfect - even if they are Christians, or dealing with other hot topics within the church (infidelity, divorce, abuse etc.) When I say this, I don't mean to imply that 'Edgy' means grotesque or overly graphic. Good writing includes only what is necessary to get the story across, not gratuitous sex, swearing etc. just so one can get labeled 'Edgy'. Having said that, I have read some pretty heavy 'Edgy' Christian fiction. AND THE BEAT GOES ON is not overly graphic, in my opinion, but there is some mild 'cussing' and some reference to pre-marital sex.

3. What is your next project?

MY MOTHER THE MAN EATER is another Romantic Suspense about a forty something 'cougar' who is juggling five men simultaneously while also dealing with an ex con husband who is back for revenge. Things get complicated when her male prospects start falling for her grown daughters instead. It is fantastically fun (in my opinion) with lots of intrigue, humor, and edge of your seat suspense. Of course, it is also a redemptive story about facng one's past and letting God take control.

4. As an aspiring writer I always like to ask my visiting authors what advice they have to give those of us who are still plugging a way on our manuscript.

Tenacity. To me that is the one thing that you need as an author. You just have to keep plugging away at your craft and revise, revise, revise. Just when you think the manuscript is perfect, it probably still needs more work. Also, learning to get beyond the hurt feelings of criticism and rejection and actually learning from these experiences is essential. Sometimes we get so close to our own work that we can't really see the flaws objectively. Agents, editors and reviewers usually know what they're talking about. Finally, one needs tenacity in terms of sending out queries. Some rejection is based on a numbers game rather than the quality of your writing. So persevere.

GIVEAWAY

Here are a couple things you need to know to sign-up for the giveaway.

1. You need to be a follower or sign up as a new follower. Be sure and leave your e-mail address so I will have a way to contact you if you win.

2. Tell me if you've heard the term "edgy Christian fiction". If so what are your thoughts about this. Have you read anything that would be considered "edgy Christian fiction"?

Here is a website to learn more: http://edgychristianfictionlovers.ning.com/

3. Giveaway will end Sunday, October 17th.

Happy Reading!