Tuesday, October 2, 2007

Western Historical Author, Tracy Garrett

Interview by Suzanne Welsh

Kensington Debut western author, Tracy Garrett is in the Bandit lair to talk about her first book, Touch of Texas, which is on bookshelves now. While being a writer was not initially the burning desire in her life, creativity has always been core to Tracy. She is an accomplished musician with a bachelor and masters degree in flute performance, as well as post-graduate study in vocal performance, who continues to perform and teach. In recent years her need for creativity and her passion for reading began to merge, and with her love of romance, writing historical romance was a natural for her. She loves a “happily ever after!”

Suz: Congratulations on your debut book, Touch of Texas, Tracy. We Bandits love a good “call” story. Care to share yours?

Tracy: Thanks for inviting me to be a Bandit for a day. I’m so excited to see Touch of Texas on the bookstore shelves!

My call story is a bit unusual, I think. The phone didn’t ring – my email dinged! On July 19, 2006 at 8:09am, as I was wrapping up my writing session for the morning to head off to my day job, an email popped up from Hilary Sares of Kensington with five words that instantly changed me from writer to author: “…want to make a deal?...”

Suz: In Touch of Texas your hero, Jake McCain is a Texas Ranger, can you tell us a little bit about him?

Tracy: Jake – my favorite wounded hero (so far). He is of mixed heritage, which at that time in history ostracized you from anyone who considered themselves “civilized.” He saw his father murdered when he was four. He was buried alive with the body of his mother. Jake was discovered by a Texas Ranger, who took him home and raised him as his son. He feels he should have saved his father, though he was barely more than a baby, and he’s haunted by every man, woman and child he failed to save as a Ranger. He takes on this one last assignment before he disappears, and he doesn’t care if he lives or dies, as long as he brings the vicious outlaw W.M. Harrison to justice. Jake is fiercely loyal, bound by his word, dedicated to his job, worries about those weaker than he is, and truly believes he has no right to a happily ever after. MMMM, love those tortured heores!

Suz:
Rachel Hudson is a woman alone and in trouble, how does she feel about helping your hero?

Tracy: Rachel never thought twice about helping a man in need. It was how she was raised, but even more, it is who she is.

Born to an El Paso light-skirt, or prostitute, she was raised in the tiny shack where her mother plied her trade. Because of Rachel, and later her brother Nathan, Rachel’s mother could only work when one of the other prostitute’s was done for the evening and could care for the children; hence, she had the dregs of the customers, the drunks who’d been tossed out of every saloon in town, or those who were so violent no other woman would service them.

When one of those customers tried to grab Rachel, her mother interfered, and the man killed her. In terror, Rachel grabbed her infant brother and ran away. She ended up being raised by a missionary couple, Reverend & Mrs. Hudson, who wanted the baby and kept Rachel around to do the work. When Mrs. Hudson died, and Rachel refused the Reverend’s demand that she become his wife, she and Nathan were dumped in the tiny gold mining town of Lucinda, Texas.

Despite the traumas in her young life, Rachel held onto the lessons she was taught, and grew into a loving, generous, glass-half-full kind of woman. She would never turn away someone needing help. Her only reservation was how the local gossips would view her actions, which proves to be a valid concern as the story progresses.

Suz: Touch of Texas is a western historical, a genre that has had a decline over the past decade or so. Do you think they are starting to make a comeback? And what authors have influenced your writing?

Tracy: I do believe westerns are making a comeback. Not only are we seeing more on the shelves of our local bookstores, but the release of 3:10 to Yuma suggests Hollywood thinks so, as well.

Some of the authors who have influenced my writing: Kathleen Woodiwiss, Lorraine Heath, Elizabeth Lowell, Madeleine L’Engle and Ray Bradbury.

Suz: Have you always loved historicals and westerns? What other genres pique your interest?

Tracy: My favorite movies are old westerns. John Wayne is my hero! I read almost everything. Contemporary, humor, paranormal... As long as there are printed pages between two covers, I’m happy. I hope to write westerns for a long time, but I have a few contemporary story ideas and a time-travel or two lurking in the back of my mind, too.

Suz asks, knowing her friend's favorite sport: Any other hobbies or interest our readers might like to know about you?

Tracy, grinning: If you’ve read my bio, you know I’m a musician, but I have a couple of interests most people don’t know about: trap shooting and car racing. Trap shooting grew out of my research into old west weapons, but NASCAR is pure entertainment. Over the last ten years, my husband and a dear friend of ours have converted me into a fan. Not a fanatic--at least, not yet--but I’ve learned more about cars, tire pressure and track surfaces than I ever thought possible. They started off my education with NASCAR, then moved on into open wheel and Formula 1.

I must admit, I love open wheel racing. Going two hundred miles an hour with your hind-end five inches off the concrete--way cool! For my fiftieth birthday, I want to ride in an Indy car. And who know, maybe a few racecar drivers will appear in future writing projects, when I run out of cowboys--which won’t be soon, I promise.

Now it’s my turn to ask the questions. Do any of you harbor a secret desire to try something new? If there were no limitations, what would you do?

Tracy will be giving away an autographed copy of Touch of Texas to one lucky commentor.

90 comments:

Anna Campbell said...

Tracy, great to see you here as a guest! You've been popping in to talk to us for a while which is fantastic! Suz, great interview.

Tracy, what an interesting life you've led! Congratulations on the sale. Love the sound of the book. So much room for emotional turmoil in that and I loves me some emotional turmoil in my romances. Your hero sounds absolutely yummy - he's not too bad on the cover either, I must say!

I wish I could say I wanted to climb mountains but I'm such a klutz, I know I'd just fall off and die (um, perhaps an over-dramatic klutz which is even worse!). I've always wanted to learn to ride. I tried when I was a kid but fell off and never got back on again. I also think riding is something that would feed into my historicals so maybe the tax man would even help if I took lessons ;-) I've also always wanted to learn Russian! A task for my retirement, I think, comrades!

Donna MacMeans said...

Hi Tracy! So great to see Westerns making a comeback. You'd think the lure of cowboys would never fade away.

Something new?? I have an entire dream list that I keep up by my computer in the hopes that I can scratch items off the list as they are accomplished. Most of places to see, but I've got going up in a hot air balloon on the list. My husband is afraid of heights, so past opportunities to go up were kabashed.

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Hey Donna, come to Plano next September for the Hot Air balloon festival! I don't know if they let people go up in the balloons, but if you're here you could ask!

Helen said...

Tracy I love westerns and have read some very good ones over the years by Anna Leigh and Leigh Greenwood to name a few so I will defiently be looking for this one. As for something I would really like to do not sure on that one lots of things I would like to do but probably the one I would like to do most is travel Australia with a caravan hooked up to the back of the car with my hubby and lots of books to read. Thanks Guys
Have Fun
Helen

Christine Wells said...

Hi Tracy! Thanks for joining us in the lair today. Congratulations on your new release! It sounds fabulous. You must be so excited!

Actually, I'm like Anna C, I'd like to try a lot of things I write about. Fencing, riding, shopping for bonnets*g*.

Kammie said...

I'm not a very adventurous person. More like a big chicken. I can't really think of any secret desire to try something new. I'm happy with my simple life. lol

Your story sounds really good. I love tortured heroes. Oh, and that cover! His face is one I'd want standing face out on my bookshelf so I can just keep looking.

Tracy Garrett said...

Good morning! Of all mornings, my internet is on sabatical this morning, and I'm typing on my new smartphone. Think lots of functions and an itty-bitty keyboard. Bear with me, pls.

So nice to be herre W thanks for inviting me. I also have a list of things to try before I die. The open wheel ride along is the only one w a timeline attached. Donna, the hotair balloon ride is incredible. took my ride over Aspen, CO. Wow!

Jo Davis said...

Hi, CP!! (waving madly at Tracy)

Banditas, if you love a great western historical with a hot Texas Ranger, you are going to love Touch of Texas! Wonderful, heartwarming story.

Hmm, if I weren't an author? I always dreamed of being an archaeologist or paleontologist. The idea of unearthing a lost civilization or discovering dinosaur bones is still very cool to me. :)

Hugs,
Jo

Tracy Garrett said...

Anna, I was also interested in learning Russian while in college. That's when I discovered I have no talent for languages.

Tracy Garrett said...

[Okay, I'm piggybacked on a neighbor's network, so I'm rolling for the time being.]
Morning, Helen! Australia has been on my must see list for years. When I was in 5th grade, I got a pen pal from Australia. We still keep in touch, nearly forty years later. Not as often as before, but still..

Andrea said...

*waving* Hi Tracy! It's good to "see" you again. We seem to be meeting a lot this week (@ P&P and RNTV). I'm off to the bookstore in a little while to pick up your debut! Congratulations again!

What a thought provoking question! I harbor a desire to see England and Scotland someday, but it isn't a secret desire. Just ask my hubby! LOL

~Andrea (AndreaW)

Tracy Garrett said...

Christine - fencing sounds cool. All those swashbucklers come to mind. Yummy!

KimW - isn't that cover gorgeous?! I nearly fainted when I saw it. How lucky can a debut author get?

And content is very good! Ever tried something new in the kitchen? Someday I'll make a souffle - haven't gotten up the nerve yet. :D

Tracy Garrett said...

Hi Andrea! Glad you dropped in. I have a wee bit of Scots in me, so that's my excuse for wanting to visit Scotland. So far, though, my husband has convinced me warmer climes and shorter flights are a better way to vacation. lol

Tracy Garrett said...

Mornin' CP! I guessed this the first night I met you and you brought along your trilobyte fossil. Ha!

Caren Crane said...

Tracy, welcome to the Lair! Man, were the cover gods smiling on you--hoo-yah!

As far as new things to try, my Girl Scouts and family have made me try lots of high adventure stuff, but I haven't done whitewater kayaking. That would be very cool and I probably wouldn't die. That's my gauge for whether I want to try most things. So, I'm sure I'll do that someday.

I also want to drive a racecar, where I could actually die. Not so sure I'll do that one. *g*

Oh, and I pine for the UK, but my husbnd only wants to go places where he can scuba dive. Oh, well.

Anonymous said...

Tracy, welcome and thanks for visiting! Your book sounds fantastic. I'm a sucker for the tortured hero as well. :-)

Travel is high on my list of "someday"s. Meaning, someday after the kids are grown, and I hit the lottery, etc. LOL.

I guess the other thing I'd like to do is...er...publish a book. heehee.

Unknown said...

Hi, Tracy and Banditas!

Great interview, tho I skipped the spoilers. Had to order my copy of Touch of Texas, and should pick it up tomorrow! Too exciting!

Congratulations again on your release -- the first of many, many more!

Tracy Garrett said...

Hi Caren! Our hubbies should meet - then maybe we could go to the UK and they can go diving. lol

Racecar? That's why I want to do a ride-along. Someone else drives...less chance of a permanent mistake. hahaha

Terry Stone said...

I am so happy to see a western newcomer, it gives me hope to keep trying.

This book sounds like a really good one, I already had it slated to be bought, but after reading this interview it makes me want to read it even more.

Tracy, NASCAR rocks! My husband got me addicted about 5 years ago and I haven't looked back.

Tracy Garrett said...

Kirsten, thanks for the welcome. Recently I was asked a question that made me realize some of the best vacations I've taken weren't vacations, just mini-trips to a close by historical site. An old hotel, or a winery in an old mission (loved that one - two for one!)

Tracy Garrett said...

Nancy, thanks for pre-ordering Touch of Texas. And thanks for the good wishes!

Hi, Terry! I have to ask---who's your driver?

Joan said...

Welcome to the lair, Tracy.

I too say "Hooray" to the Western and other time periods starting to turn back up on the shelves. Variety, as they say, is the spice of life.

I would love to have the time and resources to live for an extended time in Ireland. A cozy cottage on the West coast with a warm, peat fire and a Irishman to bring me scones :-)

Oh, and Caren. They actually surfboard off the coast of Galway....so, MAYBE your husband could scuba. (The fish all carry little tiny pints of Guiness :-)

Tracy Garrett said...

Good morning, Joan. Ireland and a peat fire? Sounds wonderful.

If the fish in Ireland carry Guiness, I am so there! :D

Tracy Garrett said...

Terry, if you're a western lover, have you checked out Petticoats & Pistols? There's some great folks on the sight (just like this one!) and they have oodles of research info for us writer types. You might want to check them out. [www.petticoatsandpistols.com]

Buffie said...

**waving madly** Hey Tracy!!! So great to "see" you again. It's Buffie from Romance Novel TV. I can't wait to read all about Jake and his hotness!!

Secret desires?? Girl, you could get me in some really big trouble if I answer THAT question ;)

Tracy Garrett said...

Buffie!!!!! (((hug))) I'm glad you stopped by to say hello.

I don't know how the Bandits feel about moving to an 'R' blog, so you just keep those thoughts to yourself! :D

Suzanne Ferrell said...

Morning Tracy...or should I say goodnight? (alas I worked last night and am heading to bed in a bit.)

One thing I'd like to do is go to Scotland, sit in a pub and say..."Talk to me!" I adore accents!

And if I could, I'd love to sail on a boat like the pirate boats, of course my pirates would all look like James Mallory from the Johanna Lindsey books and Clive Owen, (well just coz!)

Sandy Blair said...

Loved the interview and love the story, Tracy! Awesome opening and yummy cover.
Sandy

ellie said...

Thanks for this wonderful interview Tracy. So interesting. I love Westerns since I live in the Southwest and think that they are so appealing. Your book looks great! I would love the opportunity to travel far and wide since I have never had that chance.

Tracy Garrett said...

Hi Suz,
Clive Owen? How about Johnnie Depp? Let's see, who else?...

Good morning, Sandy. Thanks for dropping in!

Tracy Garrett said...

Ellie,
I love traveling and can always find something to look at everywhere we visit.

CrystalGB said...

Hi Tracy! Great interview. I am a big fan of westerns and yours sounds wonderful.
I would love to travel. I would love to see Australia, Europe and a lot of the United States that I haven't visited

Tracy Garrett said...

Hi Crystal. Welcome! I've been to Europe, the Caribbean and Russia. This is an amazing world we live in. And westerns let me go back in time to visit some of those cool places.

jo robertson said...

Great interview, Suz, as always! And Tracy, thanks for joining us in the Bandit Lair. I LOVED the premise of your story. I just finished reading Elmore Leonard's The Hot Kid so I'm ready to slide right into another western. And I do so love tortured heroes.

All I wanted to do for my 50th was bungee jumping, but I never got to do it, so I'm thinking para-sailing in the Caribbean if Bandita Cindy and my overly cautious husband will let me! Then, again, maybe bungee jumping would be safer!

doglady said...

Hi Tracy! Great interview and I happen to think Westerns are making a comeback as well. I certainly hope so because my Passion's Slaves buddy, Terry Jo, has written a real hot one with a great story. The opening scene is one of a kind! Tracy, I love the emotional aspects of your book. Cannot wait to read it! And John Wayne is a hero of mine as well. My father was a huge fan and I love to watch JW movies because it makes me feel close to my Dad. AnnaC, I have been mountain climbing in the Alps. If I can do it, so can you!! And when you get ready to learn Russian let me know. I speak it! Once you learn the alphabet it is a snap. It is interesting that Tracy is a musician, as I am too. Wonder what it is about us musical types that makes us want to write as well? Fencing sounds cool! Kirsten, honey, I am with you - getting a book published is at the top of my things to do before I die list! I did the bungee jumping thing on a dare from my students. The seniors in my Brit Lit class said I would not do it. The bet was that if I did, they had to read Hamlet AND MacBeth in my class. If I chickened out, they only had to read one. They were all there to witness the jump and after I did it one of them said "Man, she will do ANYTHING to get us to learn!" Now do you see why they called me Atilla??

Tracy Garrett said...

Jo, I wouldn't have the nerve to parasail. And in the Caribbean, if you fly free, its a looong way to the next dry land. :D

Doglady, good for you! Whatever it takes to get them reading - and they'll thank you for it eventually.

Caren Crane said...

Joan, if there is SCUBA off Galway, I'm sure I can get the hubby there! If he's not into the icy cold water, though, Tracy and I may have to head over while the boys go to Cozumel. Hey, I feel a Banditas-take-Ireland trip coming on!

Doglady, we knew you were extreme, but did not realize the breadth of your extremity. Bungee Jumping For Shakespeare sounds like a movie of the week! *g*

Keira, I'm not afraid of the R rating. What in the world is your secret wish? Hmmm?

Caren Crane said...

Jo-Mama, I went parasailing when we were in Cozumel on our cruise last November. It was wonderful! Not scary at all. You just float on the air and enjoy the most excellent view for miles and miles. It was worth doing and I would do it again. I can't wait to hear the trip report from the winter cruise!

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Welcome Tracy, and YEE HAW!!! Another autoracing fan! My DH is a life-long RABID racing fan so it was convert or die. LOL! As they say in the South, if it's got 4 tars and a motor, he will watch it race. Dirt, asphalt, road course, open wheel, NASCAR we've seen them all including the Indy 500 and the Daytona 500. The latter is a much more fun race to watch in person IMHO. And I think one of the NASCAR drivers has a "ride along" at a couple of the tracks for all you thrill seekers. My favorite driver? Well, I like the baaad boys so I'll bet you can guess (Tony Stewart)...

As for Pistols & Petticoats, one of our favorite Packer Pals, Stacey Kayne is a member, so CHECK IT OUT everyone!

And Tracy, I LIKE the name of your gold rush town! Sounds like I should live there...

AC

Maureen said...

Congratulations on your new book. It sounds like a good one. I have to look for it next time I go shopping.

Tracy Garrett said...

"Tracy and I may have to head over while the boys go to Cozumel."

Caren, I'm there! Pub crawl, here we come. :D

Tracy Garrett said...

Aunty Cindy,
Tony, huh? I've turned into a Carl Edwards fan, since we live in Missouri now. I'm really a Kenny Wallace fan, but when he doesn't race, Carl's my boy. lol

Tracy Garrett said...

Thanks, Maureen!

Joan said...

Caren,

I am SO there if we could arrange a Bandita-Ireland excursion. (sigh) I've not been for 2 LONG years and me soul needs a wee bit of nourishment.

Loucinda McGary aka Aunty Cindy said...

Tracy, Carl E. is HOT! ;-) I also like Jimmie Johnson since he is a California boy. And as an aside, the DH used to watch Jeffie Gordon race sprint cars when he was only 13 and had to sit on a phone book to see out the windshield!

And TRAVEL is the adventurous thing I like to do. There are still so many WONDERFUL places I want to go that I haven't seen, like New Zealand, Egypt, Kenya, Machu Pichu, not to mention places I want to RETURN again and again.

Jo-Mama, you are welcome to parasail on our cruise in 2 weeks, just don't expect ME to join you!

AC

Caren Crane said...

Eire it is! Oh, I guess there's still that pesky husband issue to resolve. Off to check Irish dive sites...

Tracy Garrett said...

Caren, you won't believe this, but... diveireland.com and http://www.scubadivewest.com/safaris.php

ChristyJan said...

Congratulations on your debut book, Touch of Texas.

A secret desire to try something new? I have a desire to travel to numerous places and destinations, but it's not really a secret ~ ask my husband ~ I've told him often enough. lol

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Hi Tracy! Welcome to the lair! There are two Kensington authors here in the lair. Me and Chris - I'm a Debut too and the cover gods were GOOD to you! So a double welcome to Banditaland!

Caren, Banditas-take-Eire is good by me. Let's go. Guiness, fish, snork! LOL so hard I can't use declarative phrasing.

Parasailing is great. I want to try fencing and snowboarding. :> I'm not sure my dh wants me near anymore edged weapons, he's already worried about the kitchen full of knives, but he's up for the snowboarding thing, when we can get to some snow.

I also want to train a dog for either Search and Rescue (yep, you heard me Cassondra)or cadaver work. I know, gross. Grins.

Jeanne (AKA The Duchesse) said...

Tracy, forgot to say that I'm thrilled for you that your book is a Western. LOVE westerns. I'm more likin' Fistful of Dollars, Hang 'em High, and Tombstone than John Wayne, but hey, I'm not picky. Can't wait to see 3:10 to Yuma and can't wait to read this yummy sounding book!

Tracy Garrett said...

Thanks, Christyjan! Where would you go, if you had unlimited funds and time?

Tracy Garrett said...

Jeanne - I mean, Your Grace - glad to know there are another couple of K authors. And yes, I sacrifice to the cover gods daily. :D

Keira Soleore said...

TracyG, hellllllo from RNTV! Great to see you here in The Lair. Can I say that I love, adore, sigh over your cover?

OK, now that that's out of the way...

How did you choose to do a story about a Ranger? What hands-on research :) did you have to do?

About your other career, what are you currently working on? As a flautist or vocalist? This is so amazing--such success in two different creative endeavors: music and writing.

Do you know who the model is for your cover? (Clearly, I'm still fixated on the cover.) :)

Caren and Tracy: Add me to your list of people putting a group together for a trip to the UK. My husband's a scuba diver, too.

Joan said, "The fish all carry little tiny pints of Guiness."
Joan, thankee. That's just the trick!

Caren said, "Keira, I'm not afraid of the R rating. What in the world is your secret wish? Hmmm?"
Hey! I mean, heh! Sorry to disappoint you, m'dear, but my wish is rather tame in comparison to your imaginings. Since infinity's the limit, I'd like to learn ballroom dancing, particularly latin, with the razzle-dazzle and panache that's required. Yep, I've outed myself as a huge fan of "Dancing with the Stars."

Joan said...

Kiera,

Stand tall and proud and Passa Doble that you are a fan of Dancing with the Stars.

I LOVE that show and know deep inside me is a ballroom dancer.

I evaluate, and critique each week and vote always saving that last vote of the night for the "hardest worker" dancer.

Right now I'm favoring Marie Osmond though...grudgingly I have to admit the Cheetah girl and Scary Spice straightened up their act and impressed me. For the men, Helio is the best dancer and Mark Cuban is really trying. Poor Wayne looks like a fossil :-)

jo robertson said...

Tracy, I went to Amazon to order Touch of Texas and don't see it listed. Where can we order it?

Tracy Garrett said...

Hi Keira!
"Can I say that I love, adore, sigh over your cover?"
You can sigh all you want. I do.

Living in Texas, we hear about the Rangers a lot. As they were the law in the wilds of the state almost until 1900, if you want a lawman, you want a Ranger. There is a great museum in Waco, TX, that is dedicated to the Rangers. Photos, weapons, badges, commissions...it's all there.

"About your other career, what are you currently working on?"
I'm not playing or singing right now; changing states tends to slow that down for a bit. I'm sure I'll get back into the swing this winter.

"Do you know who the model is for your cover?"
No, darn it. I think I could have sold him 100 times over. :D I understand it was a random pick from stock photos. How's that for dumb luck?!

I love DWTS, too, although I haven't seen any of this season yet. Time to set the TIVO.

tetewa said...

I've always wanted to try parasailing but would never try bungie jumping it just creeps me out!

Keira Soleore said...

Tracy, your Ranger is a stock photo???? I wonder how many heartstopping gems are lurking in that slush pile for photos.

Joan and Tracy: I suspect the cha-cha might be the easiest. Paso Doble? No way! That's like asking me if I tango. The answer's no, nope, I wish.

I was impressed with the hard work Spice Girl, Marie, and Mr. Model put in, and the trust they had in their professional partner, unlike Jennie. Joan, I like that you reserve some votes for most-hard-working contestants, too. I need to get more involved in the voting.

My favs are Cheetah Girl and Mr. Race Car Driver.

Tracy Garrett said...

Helio (Mr. Race Car Driver) would get my vote on his smile alone. Love those dimples. :D

Tracy Garrett said...

Jo, sorry you had trouble finding Touch of Texas. Go to my website, tracygarrett.com. There's a link to Amazon next to the cover photo.

Trish Milburn said...

Tracy, this book sounds awesome. I love westerns, and I'm glad they seem to be making a bit of a comeback.

Tracy Garrett said...

Hey, Trish. Glad you made it. I'm hoping the western sticks around a long time, and not just because I have a few more I want to write. ;-)

Cheryl Leo said...

If I weren't already impatient to receive my copy of your book, I would be after reading that awesome interview!

Hmm, if I could do anything . . . canoe the Amazon (with plenty of bug spray), and/or tour the Aegean on a luxury yacht. At least those sound good to me today! ;)

Cassondra said...

Hi Tracy!

Thanks for joining us as an honorary Bandita!

Your book sounds awesome. I'm definitely adding it to the purchase list. And Jeanne's so right. The cover fairies did well for you. That is a hot cowboy!

I have a long list of stuff to do.

I guess I have to add training Jeanne's SAR and Cadaver dogs to that now too! LOL.

I'd like to try the hot air balloon ride. I've done all sorts of rope work and I've trained as a rescue diver, but never got to the open water dive, so I'd like to dive where the water's warm and the fish are pink and yellow.;0)

I'd also like to learn to fight with a broadsword or a celtic sword. (Better get in shape, those broadswords are heavy).

And I want to travel to the European and American wine regions for wine tours. The time and the money for that are a tough combination, but I hope to do that some day.

Nice questions, BTW.

Wonderful interview, Suz!

Amy Andrews said...

Hi Tracy.
I grew up on the paperback westerns my Dad used to read. He called them "Yippies". You know Marshall Grover et al. Larry and Strech etc etc. Okay, they weren't written by women for women but as far as I'm concerned their romance novels for men and sure as hell opened my 12 year old eyes. I still love picking one up. So putting your book on my "must buy" list. Long live the Western romance.

Secret desire - I'd love to act.

Amy Andrews

Tracy Garrett said...

Hi, Cheryl! --waving-- Glad you stopped by.

I could go for the Aegean. The Amazon? There isn't enough bug spray. :D

Tracy Garrett said...

Good evening, Cassondra! It's my pleasure to be here today. I'm having such fun!

I've considered doing the initial training for helper puppies - assist dogs - but not cadaver dogs. Could be very interesting.

Tracy Garrett said...

Welcome, Amy/downundergirl. I've started reading - or rereading - some of the old westerns. Louis L'Amour right now, but I'll move on, I'm sure. I think your dad raised you right. :D

Caren Crane said...

Cassondra and Jeanne, we had better add you to the Ireland/SCUBA trip. Sorry, Cassondra, most of the divers will be hubbies. The Bandita types will be hanging out in the inn (or pub) having high tea (or Guinness).

Tracy, I was checking out Dive Ireland this afternoon! I found a great dive area around Kilkee in County Clare.

County Clare, Banditas? Joan, will that satisfy, or shall we find another part of Ireland to haunt?

Terry Stone said...

Sorry to take so long to answer. My driver is Dale Jr. I have BIG changes in store, all of my number 8 stuff is useless now. Our license plates are even outdated now ;(. Going to put them up and hope they become a collector's item. I am a glass half full kind of gal.

I also liked Mark Martin-he was such a class act all the way.

Who's your driver?

Beth Andrews said...

Thanks for being here, Tracy! What a great interview! Your book sounds fabulous and that is one gorgeous man...uh...I mean cover
;-)

Terry Stone said...

Hmm, maybe I should have read ALL of the comments before I answered you ;0).

I have discovered Petticoats and Pitstols-thanks to my great crit partner Gillian Layne-she found it and told me about it. I love it, and I love how they're willing to share their research sites with us newbies. Very gracious of them.

Carl Edwards is cool, any guy that can do backsprings that easily is alright in my book. I like that he is calm too, you don't see him running his mouth alot like other rookies.

Lily said...

I would like to try something new... well, relaxing for a change. I have a hectic schedule and sometimes readign a good book is impossible!!

Nathalie said...

I would love to travel more and going to Europe would be something really great and new :)

Helen said...

Tracey I hope you make it to Australia one day we really do have some wonderful places to visit. Instead of Cowboys we have Jackaroos and Jillaroos as well some of those Jackaroos are pretty good looking.
Have Fun
Helen

Tracy Garrett said...

Caren, my hubbie says "dry suit diving!" That means very very very cold water. Maybe we could entice them over with the promise of diving, and when they find it's too cold, they'll join us in the pub. :D

Tracy Garrett said...

Terry, you do have some changing to do. :( And Mark Martin is indeed a class act.

Tracy Garrett said...

Hi, Beth! Thanks!

Tracy Garrett said...

Lily, I recommend a vacation. Tell the office you're out of town, send the kids to the grandparents, turn off the telephone, pop a bottle of wine and enjoy the peace and quiet for two whole days. And a good book or two, of course. Maybe a western... :D

Tracy Garrett said...

Natalie, there are wonderful surprises to discover in Europe. The history is incredible -- walls that have stood for nearly a thousand years. The stories they can tell... I have a vivid memory of standing in the center of a roofless Russian church, built in 1100. You could still see the mosaics on the walls.

Tracy Garrett said...

Helen, I'll get there someday. And I'll look you up when I get there. :D

jo robertson said...

Thanks, Tracy, is that two r's and two t's? I was looking under Garret. Ooops, my bad.

Tracy Garrett said...

2 of each, Jo. Glad you found it.

Joan said...

CAren,

County Clare would be just peachy.

Though we could traverse the entire country fairly easily....From Dublin to the West Coast was only 600 miles...around the coastline.

Caren Crane said...

Joan, you're on! And Tracy, I agree we would have to put a good face on the coldness of the water. Hm. Not sure how I'll get that one past the dh--he's a smart cookie! *g*

Nathalie, so glad you stopped back by! Did you see you won Sandy Blair's book from a few days ago? Check the next post under this one on the blog. Congrats!

Tracy Garrett said...

So's my dh, Caren. But we can try. :D

Tracy Garrett said...

Before everyone checks out for the evening,

THANKS for having me here today. I loved being an honorary Bandita! Hope to 'see' all of you again, soon.

I'll stick around for a while longer - don't want to miss anyone. Thanks!

Anna Campbell said...

Tracy, it's been such fun having you in the lair. Come back and see us again, you hear? And congratulations on your book. I'm sure it's going to be a huge success!

Cherie J said...

This book sounds wonderful! I would love to travel the world if time and money were not a consideration.

Carol Burge said...

Hi Tracy. Congrats on the release of TOUCH OF TEXAS!

I absolutely love western historicals! I'm thrilled to see all the upcoming westerns on the big screen, and, as an aspiring historical western writer, I'm ecstatic to hear they may be making a comeback (this is not the first I've heard of this).

Touch of Texas sounds like a great read. I've added it to my "to buy" list.

Best of luck!