As seen in the March issue of Uncaged Book Reviews.
Uncaged: Your Christian romance, My Beauty for Your Ashes is a book of hope, forgiveness and very inspirational. This book is in the Promises to Zion series and book two is available now. Can you tell us what inspired this series? Can you tell the readers more about the series and what do you hope they can take away from it?
I was working as an Office Manger at the time I began My Beauty for Your Ashes. It was a job where many people look to me for help, paperwork, and answers easily and not so easily found. It began to consume most of my waking hours and I needed something more.
I asked God to give me something for me and I began writing. I had no clue where the story was really going, just that I felt prompted. Once I got to know the characters I was touched by their strength and fragility as well as their stories that are still unfolding.
This series, ultimately, is about receiving God’s healing, but in order for these characters to do so, they will need to forgive, which doesn’t mean to condone the offenses, but to give over the hurt, anger and pain to God in exchange for His peace, joy and life.
I will admit that I did borrow from some of my life for this series, but I have never met anyone named Mason.
Uncaged: How many books are you planning for this series?
Ha. I had planned (in my limited imagination) three books for this series, but even as I am halfway through with one, the next one comes into view. What I do know right now is that there will be a four and five.
Uncaged: You also are part of the Chandler County series, which is a multi-author series, how did that series come about?
I was asked by fellow author Stephany Tullis if I wanted to write for a small fictional town she co-created with PJ Fiala. I’d considered trying my hand at romantic suspense and I wanted to challenge myself completing two works last year. The group is special because the authors normally write different genres, but we are able to utilize the businesses, characters and events created in the stories of each author that participates.
Uncaged: Are you planning on attending any conventions or in-person signings this year?
I have a speaking engagement and signing on the 2nd Sunday in March and in June when I release My Garment of Praise for Your Spirit of Heaviness, the third book in the Promises to Zion Series.
Uncaged: Do you read your reviews? What do you take away from them?
I read all of the reviews for my books. I take note of what’s said, good and not so good. Somethings I know I can’t help but if it can help me express my stories better I give it serious consideration. Now, if it’s a good review I read it a few times and let it fortify me on the days I wonder if struggling to find the right word to express a character’s thoughts is worth it.
Uncaged: Can you tell us what you have coming up next?
I have a book titled Love’s Bittersweet Beginning being released for the First Street Church Kindle World on March 13th. It is the story of Meagan Rowe a registered nurse with a passion to help people on palliative care and Tony Cahill a football player whose grandmother is holding on to a secret that he will need Meagan to help him deal with. In June I will release My Garment of Praise for Your Spirit of Heaviness and December I will release my third book in the Chandler County Series Missing The Gift.
Uncaged: What is one of the nicest things someone has said to you about your books?
That it touched their heart and the situations in the book made them think about their own from another angle.
Uncaged: What is your favorite parts about being an author? What have you found to be the least favorite?
I truly feel like I co-write my books with God. I know we are used by God to touch others but when I write I get ministered to first. I’m generally curious about the publishing and marketing process but not enough to consistently research to find out what works and what doesn’t help get exposure. I just want to write.
Uncaged: What do you like to do when you aren’t writing?
I love to read just about anything that has romance in it and I enjoy making jewelry and swag.
Uncaged: What is the hardest part of a book to write? What is the easiest? From start to finish, how long does it take to finish a complete book?
The beginning is always the easiest for me. It always starts with one thought. The middle is harder because I have to make sure the story continues to flow smoothly and I have to reign in my temptation to ramble. Depending on the length of the book it has taken anywhere between 3 months to 8 months from start to finish.
Uncaged: What would you like to say to fans, and where can they follow you?
Thank you for reading my books and I hope you love the new ones coming soon. I appreciate your words of encouragement and constructive criticism.
[symple_box color=”black” fade_in=”false” float=”center” text_align=”left” width=””]Traci Wooden-Carlisle began writing poetry and short stories as soon as she was able to form words on paper. She used that as a way to create worlds, as well as, to communicate with God. A native of Los Angeles, California, she grew up attending United Methodist Church under the leadership of a pastor whose heart was for youth. Once she finished college at she found herself at a loss. She felt caught in the transition between childhood and adulthood. She surrounded herself with saints and volunteered her services as a graphic artist. Through the early-morning prayer, all night Friday prayer and 3-day shut-ins she started on her journey toward her most desired gift, an intimate relationship with God. Today, Mrs. Wooden-Carlisle lives in San Diego with her husband, David Carlisle. When she isn’t writing she teaches fitness classes and runs a jewelry and craft business.[/symple_box]
