Tracey Lee Campbell
Author of Starcrossed: Perigee
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Tracey was kind enough to provide me with a copy of her book: Starcrossed: Perigee. I must say I was plesantly surprised!! I did not expect to love Starcrossed: Perigee as much as I did. I found myself lost in her world and in love with the characters. If you would like to read my review, please follow the link above. It was so good, that I asked if she would be willing to do an interview. I extremely happy to say that she has agreed! Starcrossed: Perigee is her debut book and I'm sure there are many great things in store for this talented author.
What was it like writing your first novel!?
It was a roller coaster ride! I wrote it for many reasons - a challenge to myself, an outlet for my ideas on the paranormal, a story for my daughters, and a way of leaving my little mark on the world. All of this meant I had quite an emotional investment in the book, and when it wasn't going well - when the words weren't flowing, when the sentences felt clumsy and sticky no matter which way I wrote them, I sometimes wondered whether it was all worth it. Published authors are lucky - particularly the ones who know they can hand their work in to the editor at the end and know they'll be published and read - they've already proven their credibility. But new writers don't have that validation, so the doubts which I'm sure all writers suffer from occasionally can be all the more debilitating. There were plenty of times though, that my writing was going along smashingly and it was fun to write, and it was at those times when I thought 'I can really do this!' To cope with the ups and downs, I decided my main goal would just be to finish the story and make it the best it could be for myself. I am a terrible procrastinator, so the fact that it is finished and published is a huge achievement in my life.
Aliens play such a large role in your book, so I must ask: Do you believe that aliens exist? If not, what propelled you to write about them?
I saw a UFO when I was a child - a classic 'flying saucer' with dancing lights on its bottom, hovering silently over a factory. Who, (or what!), was piloting it? I don't know! That sighting sparked a lifelong interest in the topic, and I've always had a feeling that the world isn't quite what it seems on the surface. As to the existence of aliens, I don't believe in them, I 'suspect' they exist - the evidence, if you really put the time into looking into it, is overwhelming. In my book I explore the premise of dimensions - I examine ancient mythical creatures, ghosts, aliens, religious and spiritual beings and try to explain them as dwellers of other planes of reality which exist alongside ours. Occasionally they get through to our reality. I like that idea - in fact, as crazy as it sounds, I think it's entirely plausible, and it leaves me with plenty of scope for creepy paranormal creatures to enter my characters' lives!
What are some of the challenges you have faced as a debut author and what advice would you give to those in your shoes?
I knew publicity was crucial, but I didn't realize just how incredibly hard to come by it is. Now I know why advertising costs so much - it is absolutely vital and therefore extremely valuable. These days, all authors are expected to do their own marketing, so hooking up with other writers using social media sites such as Twitter is a great source of advice and support. The internet provides a wealth of good information about writing and marketing your book, so be prepared to do your homework and put into practice the things you have learned.
What are your current projects and what can we expect from you in the future?
I am currently working on the second in the Starcrossed trilogy, entitled 'Dark Matter'. I have some great ideas for it and am itching to get it finished as I think it is going to be a cracker of a story. The main characters - Lucy and Aric, will have more tension between them, and I'm introducing some new paranormal creatures into the mix which is going to make for some great, creepy scenes! Once that's finished, I will be writing the third in the series. I have an overall plot for that one, and some cool ideas, but I'm still thinking on a working title.
Still not convinced to read this awesome book? Check out the trailer!
I would like to thank Tracey for this interview and for allowing me the opportunity to review her book! Now for the really fun part: Tracey has agreed to give away TWO EBOOK COPIES (in a format of your choice) of Starcrossed: Perigee! Just read the rules below and follow the link to the form to enter!
Official Giveaway Information:
- DEADLINE: May 27th, 2011
- Entrants must be 13 years of age or older.
- This is an INTERNATIONAL giveaway
- Must be a follower of my blog
- Extra entries can be gained the following ways:
- Tweet about the giveaway
- Create a blog post linking back to the giveaway.
- ONE ENTRY PER PERSON PLEASE!
- Check out my Giveaway/Privacy Policy.
Starcrossed sounds super awesome and what a wonderful interview, Sarah.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway too!
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