Tracy March and Girl Three

[becke_davis]

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Tracy_March wrote:

As promised, I'm back with some fun facts about Girl Three!

• Girl Three is set in Washington, D.C., yet features off-the-tourist-map settings including Congressional Cemetery--the nation’s first national cemetery, The Capital Yacht Club and a quaint cupcakery.

• The allegedly-cursed Hope Diamond plays a role in the story--its legend a metaphor for the life of Girl Three.

• The heroine, Jessica Croft, is a bioethicist being vetted for the President’s Council on Bioethics--a real advisory council regarding issues such as stem cell research, genetics, gender selection, aging and end of life.

• The hero, Michael Gillette, is an ex-Secret Service agent who resigned after his best friend and co-agent took a bullet for a third-world dictator and died. 

Have any of you ever visited Congressional Cemetery or seen the Hope Diamond--it has a new setting!

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These are fascinating tidbits, Tracy! I'd be interested in how these things all came together in your book. What inspired the story?

[Tracy_March]

Good question, Becke.

I was inspired by numerous stories about ethical people trying to do the right thing in the unethical times in which we live—Ethical dilemmas, unethical times. I wondered how things would go if I pitted an ethical person against ‘the system,’ or, in the case of Girl Three, against Washington’s power elite. Would their black-and-white view of right and wrong change in the face of adversity? What would they be willing to compromise to reach their goals?

The characters and plot of Girl Three evolved from my asking these questions, and being creative with my answers. I wanted a heroine that was different from anyone I had read about, although there are plenty of heroines I love. Dr. Jessica Croft's occupation as a bioethicist gives me lots of opportunity to delve into interesting issues that I hope will fascinate readers.

[AdrienneGiorda…]

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Tracy_March wrote:

Becke,

My call story isn't as dramatic as Adrienne's, yet we do have something--someone--in common to our writing journeys. Our dads. I had just dedicated myself to learning the craft of fiction writing back in the fall of 2004. As I do most things I am enthusiastic about, I immersed myself in learning and attending workshops and conferences (using most of my vacation time from my job).

I think my dad was fascinated by the idea--the two of us being lovers of reading, learning and books. And he knew me well enough to know that I would relentlessly pursue my goal of becoming a published author.

Sadly, at the age of 70 and apparently healthy, my dad died of a sudden heart attack on December 14, 2004.

Of course, I give him credit for manipulating fate when things work out for me--often in a 'Twilight Zone' sort of way. I hope he would be proud of how far I've come in my writing journey, and in my emotional journey of learning to live without him in my life.

I felt like my dad had a hand in the chain of events that led to my getting 'the call' from Entangled Publishing. Every clear night, he winks at me knowingly through the twinkling of the stars. And yes, he's smiling.

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Makes me weepy!  We love our Dad's don't we?

[Danib5]

Congratulations on Girl Three! I can't wait to read it.

[Tracy_March]

Yes, Adrienne.

I'm sure you miss your dad as much as I miss mine. Those guys sure nestled into our hearts!

Guess a psychiatrist might have fun with the idea that I have a dysfunctional father/daughter relationship as the catalyst in Girl Three. Totally opposite of my father/daughter experience!

[Tracy_March]

Thanks, Danielle!

I appreciate you stopping by!

[brookemoss]

Just stopping in to give Tracy a shout out! If she is as talented at storytelling as she is at editing, Girl Three will be an incredible read! I am on the edge of my seat to get my hands on this book. Good luck, Tracy! You're the absolute best! 

Hugs, kisses, & cheese,

Brooke Moss

[Tracy_March]

Hi Brooke!

Thanks so much for stopping by--and for your kind words. The folks here are mystery lovers, and I'll bet they like a good romance, too. Everyone should check out The "What-If" Guy by Brooke Moss. It's coming out in August--a must read. It will make you laugh and cry and you will want to move to Fairfield, Washington after you finish the book!

[Tracey_Devlyn]

Tracy, Girl Three sounds great! Can't wait to get my hands on your debut.

What did you find the most challenging while writing this story?

[Tracey_Devlyn]

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Tracy_March wrote:

He looked older than he had on television and in pictures she’d seen in recent newspapers and online. Pictures she’d glimpsed as she’d rushed to flip the page or click off the screen.           But the rest of him was the same. The uneven features that managed to captivate, the cleft chin. The tilt of his head as if he was always judging, always looking for a reason to rule against you.

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Love this!!

[NancyNaigle]

Hey ya'll,

I'm one of the few folks that has had the great privilege of reading GIRL THREE.

You might want to get your favorite color Sharpie out and mark that November 2011 release date on your calendar RIGHT NOW.

 It's a great read.

When I sat down to read this book I planned to read for a couple hours then catch my fav reality show....uh....well....the best laid plans and all that good stuff....let's just say I missed that favorite show. I ended up reading GIRL THREE cover to cover. I really enjoyed the way Tracy brought DC to life. I'm a Virginia gal so I know DC but she opened up alleys and buildings that I'd never been in, and I loved every step of it.

The hero won't disappoint you either Hot-hot-hot-hothot and rugged...just the way I like them.

I can't wait to see what the cover will look like, and I can promise I'll be one of the first in line to get my signed copy.

Hugs and happy reading~

Q: Tracy...any idea when we might get to see your cover unveiled on your website so we can all write that on our calendar, too?

[Tracey_Devlyn]

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Tracy_March wrote:

And Washington, D.C. The city is practically a character in Girl Three, and has a special place in my heart!

So that’s a little about me. I’d like to hear about you and what you’re passionate about. Wait, I forgot dark chocolate. And caramel. And reduced fat Cheez-Its (I never leave home without them). Add those to the list!

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Great interview, Tracy! I visited D.C. during a writing conference two years (readers: that's where all four of us met!) and loved the city. I'm a sucker for churches, especially ones built in the gothic-style, so the Washington National Cathedral sits at the top of my faves list. http://www.nationalcathedral.org/visit/

I'll take the caramel with MILK chocolate! 

[Tracy_March]

Hi Tracey,

Thanks for stopping in! My biggest challenge when writing Girl Three had nothing to do with the story or the setting, and my characters played along nicely--exasperating one another and creating good conflict!

My challenge, was, um...ME! I suffered a lot from perfectionist's paralysis. Sometimes I wouldn't allow myself to move forward until I was satisfied with every detail of the unfolding story. Fortunately, I (think I) have moved beyond that, or at least I'm at that first step...realizing that I have a PROBLEM!

[Tracey_Devlyn]

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Tracy_March wrote:

As promised, I'm back with some fun facts about Girl Three!

• Girl Three is set in Washington, D.C., yet features off-the-tourist-map settings including Congressional Cemetery--the nation’s first national cemetery, The Capital Yacht Club and a quaint cupcakery.

• The allegedly-cursed Hope Diamond plays a role in the story--its legend a metaphor for the life of Girl Three.

• The heroine, Jessica Croft, is a bioethicist being vetted for the President’s Council on Bioethics--a real advisory council regarding issues such as stem cell research, genetics, gender selection, aging and end of life.

• The hero, Michael Gillette, is an ex-Secret Service agent who resigned after his best friend and co-agent took a bullet for a third-world dictator and died. 

Have any of you ever visited Congressional Cemetery or seen the Hope Diamond--it has a new setting!

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Great factoids, Tracy. I learned that we both have secret service agents in our stories, even though they're 200 years apart!

[Tracy_March]

Hi Nancy!

Thanks for the kind words about Girl Three. I can't tell you how nervous I was the entire time you had the manuscript--before you said you enjoyed it! That meant so much to me and gave me a lot of confidence to keep persevering. I appreciate you and the very instrumental and inspirational role you have played in my (burgeoning?!) writing career.

As for the cover of Girl Three--I'm hoping to have it within the next month or so. Entangled Publishing has produced some incredible-looking covers, so I can't wait to see what they come up with for Girl Three. I'm really excited because, during that time, I also expect to unveil a new website designed by the fabulous Maddee James at www.xuni.com. I'll send alerts for fun stuff like that to everyone who signs up for my mailing list. (And maybe they will win a Nook! if they sign up this week at www.romanceandsuspense.com!)

[NancyNaigle]

Oh Tracey---Caramel cupcakes with chocolate?  Ohhhh yeah. Let's see ... it's only about a four hour drive from downtown Drewryville to the big city. I could have cupcakes for breakfast!!

Yes...that was my tummy growling you just heard

[Tracy_March]

Looks like we're going to have to make a cupcake run!

[Tracey_Devlyn]

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Tracy_March wrote:

As for the cover of Girl Three--I'm hoping to have it within the next month or so. Entangled Publishing has produced some incredible-looking covers, so I can't wait to see what they come up with for Girl Three. I'm really excited because, during that time, I also expect to unveil a new website designed by the fabulous Maddee James at www.xuni.com. I'll send alerts for fun stuff like that to everyone who signs up for my mailing list. (And maybe they will win a Nook! if they sign up this week at www.romanceandsuspense.com!)

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I can't wait to see your cover and new website. Maddee's work is awesome.

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[Tracey_Devlyn]

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NancyNaigle wrote:

Oh Tracey---Caramel cupcakes with chocolate?  Ohhhh yeah. Let's see ... it's only about a four hour drive from downtown Drewryville to the big city. I could have cupcakes for breakfast!!

Yes...that was my tummy growling you just heard

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LOL - So jealous! 

[becke_davis]

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Tracy_March wrote:

Good question, Becke.

I was inspired by numerous stories about ethical people trying to do the right thing in the unethical times in which we live—Ethical dilemmas, unethical times. I wondered how things would go if I pitted an ethical person against ‘the system,’ or, in the case of Girl Three, against Washington’s power elite. Would their black-and-white view of right and wrong change in the face of adversity? What would they be willing to compromise to reach their goals?

The characters and plot of Girl Three evolved from my asking these questions, and being creative with my answers. I wanted a heroine that was different from anyone I had read about, although there are plenty of heroines I love. Dr. Jessica Croft's occupation as a bioethicist gives me lots of opportunity to delve into interesting issues that I hope will fascinate readers.

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Thanks, Tracy - it's always fascinating to find out the story behind the story!