Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Interview & Giveaway with Author Traci E. Hall




I would like to introduce Author Traci E. Hall.

Traci, please tell us about your book, “The Queen's Guard.”

The Queen’s Guard: Violet is the first in my medieval romance series about women spies for Queen Eleanor during the crusade. Each woman brings something a little different to the table, and each would willingly lie, cheat, steal or die for Eleanor.





What is the single most powerful challenge when it comes to writing about the past?

Language. I can stay within bounds of what happened, and how they travel and eat etc. but what is always hard for me is how they talk. The truth of the matter is that what is written probably wasn’t how they spoke in casual day to day conversation. I imagine they had slang and contractions too. A lot of words we use weren’t invented yet, either, so I just do the best I can while keeping the story flowing for the modern reader – and add an author’s note explaining what I’ve done, and why.

What is your favorite/least favorite character you have written about and why?

They are all my favorites at the time! Just like a mother can’t have a favorite child, I like all my characters, and want the best for them. During the writing process, they become family, best friends, confidants.

How long did it take you to write The Queen's Guard?

I am a prolific writer with a supportive family. They understand when the story keeps me in a different room. I plot, and do character sheets so that when I sit down, I really know what is going on. Prep time cuts down at least two months writing for me, and I can then finish my story in three or four months.

Who designed your book cover?

Medallion Press has a wonderful Art department!

Who is your publisher?

Medallion Press. They’ve been really great to work with, and published my Boadicea series. Love’s Magic, Beauty’s Curse and Boadicea’s Legacy

Who or what inspired you to become an author?

I’ve always told stories to myself, or my cousins and little brother. I read to escape. It seemed a good fit!

What advice would you give to an aspiring author?

Never give up. My publishing journey has been filled with ups and downs. If you have a burning desire to write a story, then do it. Find a way to make it happen. Publishing right now is intense and crazy, and a lot of interesting projects have come from the chaos. Don’t be afraid.

What is your favorite quote?

"to write is human, to edit is divine"
― Stephen King, On Writing

Only because I didn’t use to think this, I dreaded revisions ad edits, but really, edits are smoothing the work to a shiny finish, knowing you’ve done your best. Thank you so much Stephanie

Traci


Author Bio & Links:
 
 
Award winning author Traci Hall writes paranormal romances for teens as well as historical romances for adults. She’s co authored a non-fiction book about adoption, and written a coming of age story. Traci has been interviewed on the radio, web tv, and Fox and Friends. She lives in South Florida with her husband and children, reading, researching and writing. tracihallauthor@aol.com www.traciehall.com



Traci is graciously giving a e-book of the Queen's Guard for a lucky winner. Please leave a comment below and your email address and a winner will be chosen. The giveaway ends on September 4th.

My review for, The Queens' Guard is here:

http://layeredpages.blogspot.com/2012/08/wednesday-reviews.html

Stephanie


10 comments:

  1. Hi Stephanie - thank you so much for having me! I love your site :)

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  2. Traci is a terrific author and I can't wait for the rest of the stories in this series!
    I love the way Ms. Hall puts you there, I can see, smell, and taste the things she writes about. And for me, that is my favorite part of reading. Stepping into the story. Great book!!!!

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  3. I love your theme of women spies, and I'm a fan of historical romance. It's a great mix. And your photo is great, Traci!

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  4. I have to get your book! You've combined some of the things I love best in the world: strong women, hot men, spies, and Eleanor of Aquitaine. I can't wait to dive in...

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  5. I love the concept of the Queen's Guard, and really want to read the first book. Thanks for the chance to win!

    jenalang(at)live(dot)com

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  6. Very nice to meet you, Traci. The Queen's Guard sounds intriguing. Wishing you a great success with your book :-)

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  7. You go Traci!!! You're a terrific writer. I'm with you on loving the language of days gone by. "How art thou, my lady queen" is so much more lyrical better than, "Yo Queenie babe."

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  8. This sounds like a brilliant book! I love paranormal romances, but had never considered an historical romance. I think you converted me with this interview. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of your novel.

    maria7627@hotmail.com

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  9. This sounds like a great read. Thank you for the giveaway. jman1985@yahoo.com

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  10. Hi Traci! The book sounds really great. When I am reading, I feel like I am a part of the book and it becomes real to me and I feel like I am standing in their shoes at that moment and have escaped life for a little while and live as they did back then. I've always been a fan of historical fiction based on reality. And I love reading about Royality! I look forward to reading this book! Thanks so much for the opportunity to win it!!

    ginger.hamby@yahoo.com

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