Eleni-fest: chatting with Tracey O'hara

Today we have my fellow RWA Paranormal member and IM buddy, the terrific Tracey O’hara on Eleni-fest. Tracey’s debut urban fantasy novel, Night’s Cold Kiss was released in August in the US. This is book is part of my website competitions – so enter for your chance to win a copy.

Welcome Tracey to Eleni’s Taverna and  Eleni-fest!

Congratulations on the release of Night’s Cold Kiss. Does it still feel surreal that you are a published author?
Thank you Eleni. Yes it does still feel a little surreal. But I guess seeing your book on the shelf for the first time is one way to make it seem more real.




How hard was it to keep quiet during the 2008 RWAus conference as to the Call (waiting to be official)?
Extremely difficult. Can you imagine finally fulfilling your dream, but not being able to tell anyone? Well my agent said I could tell my close friends only. Besides my roommate, Jo who was with me when I got the news, I told Rachel Bailey and Mel Teshco. Rachel had recently sold to Silhouette Desire and the three of us had been together in writing for a few years, sharing our dreams as well as our skills. It was great to be able to share it with these girls.




Yay for writing friends to share the joy (Mel & Rachel). Do you have critique partners?
At the moment I am working with my husband and a good friend of mine, Cathy who isn’t writing much at the moment (though I wish she would—she is awesome). So no, I don’t have a critique partner as such. I also have a couple of beta readers who read it for the story content.




The cover art of Night’s Cold Kiss is fantastic (& perfect for the first scene) – did you have any input into how it would look?
I was asked by my editor if I had any ideas for the cover. I said it would be great to see the opening of the book when she is hunting. Mel Teshco helped me to flesh it out so it was the part where she was crouched on the windowsill with broken glass surrounding them. And when it went to cover conference – they loved it. Hence you get the truly fantastic cover you see.




You recently went to Conflux. How was that?
Conflux was fantastic. Although I only went to about have of it due to writing pressures and getting a headache. Getting to hang out with Keri Arthur is always lots of fun and there were several panels I enjoyed both participating in and being on. For more on my Conflux experience read the blog on the Harper Voyager online blog here. 




What has changed since getting your book deal? What has surprised you?
I work harder and longer. People often talk about the journey to getting published, but it is only the beginning. Don’t get me wrong. I love writing, I love telling a story and love being a writer. I don’t want to do anything else. But is not all rose scented candles and angels singing hymns. It’s hard work, the hardest I have ever done.




Do you still have the ‘imposter’ syndrome?
Hell yes. Every day I struggle against it.
(EK: For an explanation of the 'imposter' syndrome, check out this blog where Tracey explains)




How do you think your writing groups and associations have helped you in your writing?  
I think that writing groups were a large part of my success. Without the knowledge and support of those in both my local group and RWA I would never have achieved what I did, or it would have taken a lot longer. 




You recently got a tattoo  – what was the inspiration for it? Do you have any others (well that you can tell us about anyway *grin *)?
I am got my tattoo to try and represent the need I have to have more balance in my life. It was my fourth tattoo. To go with my new yin and yang style dragon tattoo, I have a large blue and red dragon on my thigh, a small black and red dragon on my right ankle and a Pegasus on my left shoulder.
(EK: So cool!)




Love the banner on your site and blog.
I have to thank the lovely gnomeangel of  http://www.greentangerinedesigns.com/ for the banner. Isn’t it awesome?

As always Tracey, it’s been a blast and I'm loving reading NCK. Thanks for joining in the Eleni-fest fun! Tracey has kindly offered a NCK promo pack (hat, tote bag and t-shirt) as a give away and I’m adding a wizard shaped pen since Tracey’s book helped get Eleni-fest kicking!! 

For your chance to win, please comment below. Comments will be open until the end 19th October.

Comments are now closed. Congratulations Nicky!

Please visit Tracey's website for a look at Night's Cold Kiss. (Hint: it would help answer the questions for my website competition *grin*)

Good luck!

~yia~