Cendrine Marrouat: How do you usually work? Do you have a daily routine or do you let inspiration guide you?
Tracy Krauss: I would like to say that I have a wonderful routine when it comes to writing, but that would be a lie! I try to write everyday, but sometimes my schedule doesn’t allow me to do so. I teach high school full time and also am very involved in amateur theatre, so sometimes I struggle to fit in as much writing as I would like. I do tend to go in spurts, and I find once I am in the ‘zone’, it is difficult to stop to do anything else. I gain inspiration from everywhere – sometimes very random things – and I have many different projects on the go at once, so if I find I am stalling out on one story, I just switch to another.
CM: What advice would you give someone who wants to follow your path?
TK: My best advice to anyone who writes is ‘Stick with it’. If you truly are compelled to write (as most writers seem to be) then you don’t really have a choice in the matter anyway. I write because I NEED to write, not because I’m looking for the fame or fortune. If and when you do decide to submit your work and seek publication, you must be very tenacious. This is a very competitive business and one must learn to deal with rejection and carry on. Also, learn to take the advice of others. Sometimes we don’t see the weaknesses in our own work because we are so close to it. Seek out constructive criticism and don’t get angry every time you get negative feedback. Instead, listen and use it to hone your craft.
CM: How is the literary scene in British Columbia? And since you have traveled across Canada, have you noticed differences?
TK: I am probably not the best person to discuss the literary scene in BC. I have only lived here for two years, having moved from the Yukon. Before that I’ve lived in the Northwest Territories, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. As someone fairly new to publication I’m just learning to keep my head above water!
CM: What is next for you?
TK: As I already mentioned, I have a new novel coming out soon. As well, I am a playwright and have a version of "A Christmas Carol" coming out with Pioneer Drama Services. I will be seeking publication for several other plays and novels that I have finished, I am working on an illustrated children’s book called "The Sleepy Town Express," (I am also an artist) and I currently have three WIPs on the go.
CM: How can people find more about you?
TK: I currently have two blogs:
www.tracykraussexpressionexpress.blogspot.com
www.krauss.aegauthorblogs.com
CM: Is there anything that you would like to add?
TK: Thank you for hosting me today, Cendrine. I wish you the best in your own writing career.
End of the interview.
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Cendrine Marrouat is a writer, published author and translator living in Canada. Official Website: http://www.cendrinemarrouat.com
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