Topic: Author Interview
Tracy Ahrens the person:
1. What three words do you think describe you as a human being?
Creative, compassionate, intelligent.
2. How do you think others would describe you?
Creative, compassionate, intelligent.
3. Please tell us what you are most passionate about outside of writing.
Music, art, gardening, outdoor activities, caring for animals through volunteer work
4. Do you have any pets? If so, introduce us to them.
I just lost my Brittany spaniel, Speckles at the age of 12. I now have my three cats: Jack Sparrow, 4; Joan of Arc, 7, and Forest, 1. They are all rescues.
5. What is your most precious memory?
I think speaking with Ray Bradbury at Eureka College after I graduated. I was there to talk to incoming students and so was he. And - earning some top awards in my career and college days - such as "outstanding senior" the year I graduated, and 2005 Eureka College Outstanding Young Alumni Award, which is given at Homecoming to an outstanding alum who has made a difference during their first 15 years after graduation
6. What is your most embarrassing memory?
I can't think of just "one" - I'm sure there are many, many of them.
7. If you weren't a writer, what would you be doing with your life?
Probably a nurse or doctor. I started out in college with a pre-med focus. I wanted to be a veterinarian.
8. In two paragraphs or less write your obituary.
Oh my Lord - I can't do that - I'll leave that up to someone else when I die.
Tracy Ahren the writer:
9. Can you describe the time you realized you were indeed a "real" writer?
When I received feedback from newspaper readers who enjoyed what I wrote, who were inspired by what I wrote. And when I started to earn writing awards from peers - I have earned close to 30 statewide, local and national writing awards for journalism since I started writing in 1992.
10. What is going on with your writing these days?
I am working on a book about Potter's Syndrome with a local lady who lost her son to this condition, and I have a book about raising my pets (a humorous book) that I would like to include my pet portraits/illustrations in. I'd like to donate a portion of or all the proceeds of this book to a local charity - a nonprofit organization I helped found in 1994 (Kankakee County Animal Foundation). I also have more children's books in the works.
11. What are your future goals for your writing?
To publish the two books aforementioned and write/illustrate/publish more children's books.
12. Can you describe a typical writing day for you?
I try to do one or two feature stories for the newspaper a month. I also try to do freelance writing. Much of my time is spent organizing and editing where I work. In my free time I work on the books.
13. Why do you write?
It comes natural for me - has since I was a child.
14. What writer most inspires you? Why?
Ray Bradbury. I spoke at a function at my college with him years ago. His writing is vivid and he speaks just like he writes. It's mesmerizing to listen to him talk, and I feel the same way when I read his works.
15. How do you define your writing?
Almost Ernest Hemingway-like - short and sweet. He's a good one to learn from if you want to be a journalist.
16. In one sentence-what do you want people to say about your writing in fifty years?
I want them to smile when they read it and say "that was nice." Maybe they'll talk about it later.
Tracy Ahrens the details:
17. Can you tell us where to find more information on you? Website? Blog?
I do not have a web site yet - the work web site for the newspaper I work for is http://www.russell-publications.com/. And you can order my books at http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/
18. Is there a place where readers can reach you?
mylittleforie@yahoo.com - please note in the subject line who you are and how you found me.
19. Can you list all your book titles so people can look for them?
"Cloud Jumpers" by Guardian Angel Publishing - and the February 2008 release is "What if the Moon?" by the same publisher.
20. For new readers-what can they expect when they read your book(s)?
It will be easy reading and will make you smile - spark a bit of imagination.
In conclusion:
21. Take as much space as necessary to speak to our readers-what would you like them to know about you and your writing?
Please enjoy it - take your time and imagine.
