Interview with Tracy Beach

Author of Michael

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

I am originally from Salida, Colorado, but have lived in Canon City, Colorado for about 10 years

If you currently reside somewhere besides where you were born, what’s the story that lead from there to here?

We moved to Canon City due to my husbands job. He is a contractor and there was more opportunity’s in Canon City, than Salida

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

A friend of mine became the head of the Salida Public Library and while organizing, found a old box full of photos of Salida’s Madam, who ran a entire block of cribs and brothel’s. The more I learned about her, the more I wanted to share her story. “My life as a Whore- The Biography of Madam Laura Even’s”

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

My books are all non-fiction History books, but I only write about unusual , interesting history. My Biographies read like a Novel, with the dialog obtained from either historic interviews, old letters or newspaper stories.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

My books have something for everyone.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

I learned that Publishers normally have no idea how to coach their Authors about promoting their books. I had to learn it all on my own.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

Self-publish your books, so you own your rights. My first publisher went bankrupt and sold all 1,200 authors to the highest bidder. The new publisher held all our books hostage for a year, before re-releasing them with new covers, that nobody liked. I now self-publish.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

All of them

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

My biggest frustration was when my first publisher sold my rights at the bankruptcy auction and none of the authors knew if our books would ever be re-released.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

My father was a famous bronze sculptor and I attended Art Shows every weekend during the summers as a child, going on help sell his bronzes at art shows when I got older. He taught me how to promote myself, give a firm hand shake and look people in the eyes when talking to them.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

Working from home, I find myself easily distracted with house work and my 8 year old son.

When do you think you will write your next book?

I have 4 books out already, 2 more coming out next Spring, with yet another waiting it’s turn on the sidelines.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I used a traditional publisher at first, who went bankrupt and sold my rights to another traditional publisher. I was able to get out of the contract, of sending him my next book, by sending him a un-finished manuscript and now I self-publish.