I’m happy to welcome Tracey L. Dragon to Nesie’s Place today. Her latest book, Cherished Wings, released in mid-July.

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Welcome Tracey! Let’s begin with the question every author gets asked. What’s your favorite genre to read?

As a young girl I started reading mysteries in elementary school, but when I moved into middle school I had access to such authors as Victoria Holt and Mary Stewart where you had both mystery and a touch of romance. In high school I fell in love with the Flame & the Flower by Kathleen Woodiss and my addiction to romance novels began in earnest. Although I love romance, I still love a good thriller.

Do you venture into other genres other than your preferred?

When it comes to reading, yes I will read different genres. With my writing, I currently write dual-time romances where you have both a contemporary and historical story entwined in one book. I also write Regency romance and a series of children’s books entitled The Military Brat Series. Maybe further down the road, I will venture into combining romance and mysteries together.

What are you reading now?

Although I love to read, at the moment all my time is spent on writing, editing, and marketing for my new Return to the Home Front Series.

Favorite beverage to read with?

I love a good cup of Starbucks coffee.

Coffee! Yes! I can relate. Are you a Pantser or Plotter?

I am 100% pantser—have always been so. My teachers in school used to give me a hard time for not writing outlines for my essays which I never seemed able to do very well. My stories usually begin as vague ideas in my head and only come to life when my fingers hit the keyboard, and then I let the characters tell the story.

Are you self-published, traditional, or hybrid?

I’m a hybrid. I’ve self-published my children’s books, and my novels are published through Soul Mate Publishing.

How long have you been a writer?

For as long as I can remember reading, I’ve been writing. I’ve written for many years but always put my manuscripts on the shelf. Only in the last ten years have I seriously worked at writing with publication in mind.

How long did it take you to write your first book?

That’s hard to say. My novel Cherished Wings is not my first completed manuscript, but my first for publication. I had worked on it for probably a year then set it aside for several years before I brought it out and dusted it off and decided to publish it. The second book in my series, I wrote in a couple of months, while the third took me six. I never know how long my characters are going to take to tell their story. Sometimes they stand up and shout write about me and other times I have to pull teeth to get them to speak.

Yes, when your story is character-driven they know they have you at their mercy. What’s your favorite genre to write or do you only write in one genre?

I currently write romance and a children’s series.  I have three Regency manuscripts on my bookshelf that I will most likely publish soon. At one time they were my favorite to both read and write, but once I ventured into my “Return to the Home Front Series” I’ve become a bit enamored with the World War II era.

Do you have any advice for new authors?

Write what you love. Join writing groups to learn your craft, and trust your instincts. I thought for a long time because I’m not a plotter, that I must not be a good writer or that I couldn’t be a successful writer. Write how best works for you, but don’t be afraid to learn from other authors and to read what you like to write.

Where do you get the most writing done?

I work mostly from my office at home. I’d send a picture but I live in Florida and am currently in Western New York promoting my novel Cherished Wings which takes place in the town of Albion.

Totally addicted to social media or could you live without it?

I could live without it, but unfortunately it is necessary to be a successful author today.

What’s your latest project, Tracey?

I am currently promoting my debut novel Cherished Wings, but my second novel in the “Return to the Home Front Series” – When the Geese Fly North is due for release in the fall so I’m working on edits for my editor as well as writing book four for the series.

Tell us about the making of Cherished Wings.

Cherished Wings was inspired by my own mother’s story. Although she never talked about it, my sisters and I all knew about the World War II wings she kept hidden in her dresser. The wings belonged to a beau who was killed on a mission. Upon my mother’s death I did not find the wings; but I did, however, find a small envelope containing his photos, one which was cut to fit the size of one of her lockets. She also kept the glass top of a bottle of French Perfume called Bamboo. It was from these items that the idea for Cherished Wings was sparked and Fran and Jack were created. I loved writing this story because I wrote it for and dedicated it to my mother who is no longer with us.

How beautiful and bittersweet. Please share an excerpt with us.

Genre – Dual Time Romance – Contemporary/Historical  – Romance: Where the past & present meet.

Excerpt

The knock on the door followed by a chorus of greetings stirred Fran to take one final glance in the mirror before heading downstairs. Amy and Red’s voices were distinctive, and she could clearly make out their boisterous teasing. It was the third voice that stopped her in her tracks—rich, deep, and smooth as fine whiskey. It sent shivers down her spine and struck a chord deep within her.

As she stepped onto the landing, Red turned in her direction and whistled. “Ah, there’s my girl now.”

She parted her lips to refute his statement, but found the words stuck in her throat when the tall sailor in dress uniform standing beside Red turned to acknowledge her presence.

The stranger’s mesmerizing eyes locked with hers and for a moment it was as if time stood still.

Fran froze mid-step when a pair of startling blue eyes met hers. A sense of déjà vu overwhelmed her as though their souls had met before. Her hand locked on the stair rail to prevent the unchecked motion of her body as her stride faltered.

“Are you all right?” The dark-haired man standing at the foot of the stairs stepped forward with an outstretched hand.

Disconcerted by her visceral reaction to Red’s friend and feeling self-conscious and more than a little clumsy, she blurted the first thing that came to mind.

“Of course, why wouldn’t I be? Now that my guy’s home.” She forced a smile. Ignoring Red’s grin and Amy’s choked expression.

Red shouldered aside his friend. “Now don’t you be trying to horn in on my gal.” He reached for her hand, tugged her forward, and slid his hands to her waist, lifting her up high.

She slapped Red’s shoulder. “Put me down you big oaf. You’re embarrassing me in front of your friend.”

Red swung her down but held her with her feet just above the floor. “How about a kiss from my favorite girl?”

“In your dreams, sailor, I’m sure you’ve used that line in every port.”

Red set her down and dramatically crossed his right arm over his heart. “Oh, how you wound me.”

She rolled her eyes at him and laughed. “I see you can take the boy out of the country, but not the country out of the boy. I would have thought you’d have gained some polish while stationed in the city.”

“Ouch. Cut to the bone. You’ve sure gotten sassy while I’ve been away.”

“Just you remember that buster.” She poked him in the chest. “Now how about you quit being rude to your pal and introduce us.”

“Oh, all right. But don’t you be making sheep’s eyes at him like all the gals in the city. You’d think he was Frank Sinatra or something. He just casts his baby blues at the girls and they practically fall at his feet.”

His friend cleared his throat. “Laying it on a little thick, aren’t you, Red?”

Red turned to his buddy and grinned. “Just want to make sure Fran doesn’t become another one of your victims.”

“Well, how ‘bout you do me the courtesy of an introduction first, you big galoot.”

“Fran meet Jack. Jack meet Fran. Now that that’s over, what do you say we get going?”

Jack just shook his head at Red, his eyes sparkling with humor. He then stepped forward and extended his hand. “Lieutenant McOmber at your service, ma’am.”

Fran put her hand in his and then with indrawn breath withdrew it quickly. “Frances Jones, but please call me Fran.

“I’d be honored to, Fran.” His lips curled warmly.

“All right, Casanova.” Red tucked his arm through Fran’s leading her toward the door and away from his friend. “What do you say we leave? I’m anxious to dance this pretty little redhead around the floor, and boy can her feet move. I’m telling, you. She can jitterbug like there’s no tomorrow. I usually have a hard time keeping up with her—always had a bit of a left foot.”

Fran flushed at Red’s praise. She hated having attention drawn to her. She’d always been shy that way, but she did love to dance.

Amy grabbed Jack’s arm. “Come on, Jack.” She led him toward the car. “We can sit in the back, and you can tell me all about yourself.”

Fran gave her friend a frown. So much for just catching a ride. She had no one to blame but herself for being paired with Red. After all, she opened her mouth and inserted her high-heeled shoe. She wanted to hit herself in the head with it. She replayed her words over again in her mind. Why wouldn’t I be fine, now that my guy’s home? What on earth had come over her?

Jack’s baby blues, that’s what.

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Great excerpt! Very intriguing!

Many thanks to Tracey L. Dragon for stopping by today. Keep scrolling and you’ll find out where to grab a copy of her latest release, Cherished Wings, and where you can find Tracey on social media.

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Title: Cherished Wings

Author: Tracey L. Dragon

Genre: Historical Romance

When Sara Kennedy returns to her small hometown in Western New York and visits her dying grandmother, Fran, in the hospital, she asks her about the pair of World War II Navy Wings she found in her dresser drawer.

Her grandmother reluctantly shares with Sara the powerfully love story she had not spoken of in over fifty years. As the tale unfolds, Sara finds herself caught up in a time where things were simpler, yet more complex—where love and war were not compatible.

A story so poignant, it rocks Sara’s world and changes her life forever.

Amazon US     |     Amazon UK     |     Amazon CA     |     Amazon AU

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Author Bio

Cherished Wings was inspired by my own mother’s story. Although she never spoke of it, my sisters and I all knew of the World War II wings she kept hidden in her dresser. The wings belonged to a beau who was killed during a mission. Upon my mother’s death, I did not find the wings, but I did, however, find a small envelope containing his photos, one which was cut to fit the size of one of her lockets. She also kept the glass top of an old bottle of French perfume called Bamboo. It was from these items that the idea for Cherished Wings was sparked and the characters Fran and Jack were created. I hope you fall in love with Lt. Jack McOmber as much as I did while creating him. Please visit my website: traceyldragon.com. I would love to hear from you. My books are available at Soul Mate Publishing.com, Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.

Links

Website   |   Facebook   |   Amazon

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