Pamela Tracy and Free Books!

Not flesh of my flesh
Nor bone of my bone,
But still miraculously my own.
Never forget for a single minute,
You didn't grow under my heart,
But in it.

Before we meet today's featured poet/novelist, I'm pleased to announce that the winner of Cecelia Dowdy's novel, Milk Money, is:

shryackmom@. . .

In addition, the winner of the drawing for Amy Deardon's A Lever Long Enough (Donna Moore) already owned the book and has graciously relinquished her claim on a second copy. So I've drawn again from the interview's commenters (and subscribers). The new winner of Amy's book is:

b.werts@ . . .

Congratulations! I'll contact you both today for your snail mail addresses, and we'll get your books to you right away. I encourage readers to keep commenting and/or subscribe at right in order to participate in future book give-aways!

And now let's meet novelist Pamela Tracy, author of Daddy for Keeps (Steeple Hill Love Inspired Romance, January 2009).

Pamela Tracy is a writer and teacher in Scottsdale, Arizona, where she lives with her husband and son. She was raised in Omaha, Nebraska, and started writing fiction while earning a BA in Journalism at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas.

Her first novel, It Only Takes a Spark, was published in 1999. Since then she's published fifteen more writings in suspense, romantic comedy, and Christian inspiration romance. Three more novels, two suspense and one straight romance, are slated for 2009 and 2010. Her 2007 release, Pursuit of Justice, was a RITA finalist and took second in the ACFW's Book of the Year contest for published authors.

Besides writing, teaching, and taking care of her family, Pam is often asked to speak at various writers' organizations in the Phoenix area. She belongs to Romance Writers of America and the American Christian Fiction Writers. She is president of the local ACFW chapter, Christian Writers of the West. In February of 2005, her newlywed status changed to that of newlymom.

Pam, tell us a bit more about the plot of Daddy for Keeps.


The moment Lucas "Lucky" Welch sees the blackhaired, green-eyed boy at the rodeo, he knows. The child is his late brother's son. But why was little Robby kept a secret? Lucky demands answers from Robby's adoptive mom, Natalie Crosby. But the pretty, protective woman isn't forthcoming. And once Lucky learns the truth behind Robby's birth, he understands. Especially when some family matters get more than complicated. As a bull rider, Lucky knows he just has to hang on tight and keep showing Natalie that his wish is true-blue: to be a daddy--and husband--for keeps.

Which character in your novel most interested you while you wrote? Why?

I'm going to say Natalie Crosby, the heroine. She's someone who had goals and passion, but when it came time to cowboy up, she did it. Her goals and passions changed, all because of a little boy, and made her a better person. She was a better person even when her world was challenged and changed.

Why will readers enjoy your novel?

I'm thinking because it's a book of choices. We all make them. And it's so much more enjoyable if the bumper-car world of right choices/wrong choices ends in happily-ever-after.

If you were the casting director for the film version of your novel, who would play your lead roles?


A young Tim McGraw for Lucky.



And a young Laura Linney for Natalie.



What facet of the writing craft comes easiest to you? Explain.

Wow, you mean something is supposed to be easy? LOL. Truly, the part that comes easiest for me is the hook at the beginning and the black moment, then redemption, at the end. I always know the beginning and end of my books before I write them.

What do you struggle with in your writing?

Do I really have to limit this to one? Yikes. See above answer. If I only know the beginning and end . . . well, what about the middle. Yup, I'm a victim of the sagging middle. I never know what to do with the middle. Which is why I hate writing a synopsis.

Choose an inanimate object to represent you. Explain what you have in common with that object.

This sounds like an assignment I'd give my composition students.

Ah, so I'm helping you gain empathy.

Hmmm. I am a mask. Not a typical mask, but a mask that changes its look depending on what it's doing. Think of me as a chameleon mask. I'm a successful mother (mask). I'm a schoolteacher (mask). I'm a writer (mask). I'm involved in my church (mask). I'm a friend (mask). The nice thing about the mask is when it is on, people think I'm poised and confident. Underneath, there's often fear, exhaustion, smiles, and hope.

Wow, thanks for such a transparent answer, Pam! Other than your writing, what is something about your life, right now, that thrills you?

Oh, this one is easy. I have a three-year-old son. He's going to be a writer, too. He has quite an imagination. I picked him up from preschool today and he informed me that the police were coming over but it was okay because he had lots of candy in his pocket to share with them. Hmmm.

Yeah, I'd like to see someone's antagonist try that when he finally gets caught. What is the last book you read that impacted you? How did it affect you?

The latest one would have been Water for Elephants. It affected me because it took me to a world I know nothing about but am fascinated by. It affected me because I wonder will I ever have the skill to write such a unique and fascinating book. I was drawn into her world.

I completely agree, Pamela. This was an excellent story to read (and I'm not even into circus life).

Two other books that impressed me were Laurie Graham's The Happy Homemakers of America. It's an older book, but it's going on my keeper shelf. It's about WWII military wives. Then, there was The Other Woman by Jane Green. I've been reading Jane Green for a long time. Most of her books just missed but were good enough to keep me buying her. This one secured her as a top-ten favorite author. It's been fun watching her grow.

What are you working on now?

I'm working on a Love Inspired Suspense called Fugitive Hearts. It's about an old church, an old mystery, and new love.

Where else can readers find you or your writing online? Please include the link for purchasing your book!

www.PamelaKayeTracy.com
ladiesofsuspense.blogspot.com
craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com

And here's the link for my book: Amazon.com

Pamela, thanks for visiting us today and telling us about Daddy for Keeps! Readers, Pamela has offered to sign a copy of her book for the winner of our drawing on Monday, February 2. To enter, leave a comment for Pam, below. Leave your email address, in case you win, like so: trish[at]trishperry[dot]com. If you subscribe to my blog, at right (or if you're already subscribed) you'll be entered an additional time to this drawing and all future drawings.

Check back on Thursday, when we'll draw the winner of Maggie Brendan's novel, No Place for a Lady. You can still enter for that drawing, below.