Tag: Tracy Reed

Home > ArchivesTag: Tracy Reed

UNEXPECTED NOVEL

February 5, 2024 by in category Pink Pad by Tracy Reed tagged as , , , ,

Tracy is out of town this month, so we are reposting one of her columns. Hope you enjoy it.

Tracy Reed | A Slice of OrangeI hope everyone had a wonderful holiday.

Let’s talk about unexpected stories.

I apologize if I’ve already told the story about my upcoming release, “UNEXPECTED LOVE.” My relationship with this story goes back several years. When I first became an Indie Writer, I had quite a few stories dancing around in my mind. I had this idea for a series about a woman and the many men in her life. More like all the men she’d married.

When I set out to write the series, the task seemed a little daunting. I don’t know about anyone else, but I easily get attached to my characters. But if I don’t feel a connection, it’s difficult for me to tell their story.

When I got the idea for this story, I imagined it as a five book series. I had all the husbands mapped out. However, when I started writing, it felt very forced. I was so overwhelmed trying to tell this woman’s story. I abandoned the series and thought I would tell it as a standalone. Summarizing each of the husbands and focusing on the one she really loved.

I picked up the pages I’d started, made a few changes, and set out to write. I liked where this story was going, but as I got more involved with the characters, the story changed. It was no longer a story about a bitter divorcee, but a liberated divorcee who finds love in an unexpected source, her ex-husband’s ex-best friend, who just happens to be her divorce attorney. That’s either a mouthful or a blurb.

The more involved I got with Fiona’s story, the more I liked her. But I also felt sorry for her. She’s a sweetheart, searching for her voice. In a nutshell, she married her college crush, who later deceived her. Once she decided to divorce him, she found her voice. I love her transition, although it’s not without its ups and downs. One of which is the change in her relationship with her attorney and her self-esteem.

Last year, when I set out to write twelve titles in a year, I had this title on the schedule as a short story. However, I didn’t think there was enough story for a book. So I resolved myself to make it a short story. I cleaned up the first chapter and started writing. But when I started writing, the story took a turn. It was no longer about Fiona and her husband, but Fiona and her attorney.

I continued writing, thinking I could tell the story in novella length. As I got closer to what would be maximum novella length, the characters kept talking. No matter how hard I fought to end the story, they kept talking, so I kept writing. I really enjoyed the direction the story was going. Then I wrote myself into a hole. Crap! I didn’t see a way out, so I introduced another character, thinking she would help me. Instead, she led me to a wall, and the only way around the wall was another character. Hold on, it gets better. When I introduced this character, he brought his own storyline in addition to tearing down the wall.

So here I was with a full-length novel. But here’s the kicker. When I introduced Fiona’s brother (aka “the wall”) into the mix, the story took another turn and led me to a place I never would have imagined being, “Cliffhanger Boulevard.”

Yep, my five book series originally titled, “My Five Husbands” was changed to a standalone novel. Then it got a title switch to “UNEXPECTED LOVE.” Then it became a short story, that grew into a novella that reverted to a full-length standalone, which is now book one in a new series. Talk about unexpected.

So what’s the lesson learned? Never throw out an idea. Instead, put it aside and, when the time is right, revisit it. You might be surprised what story you can tell.

See you next month.

Here’s a cover peek.

Tracy’s Books

THE GOOD GIRL PART FOUR

Buy now!
THE GOOD GIRL PART FOUR

THE GOOD GIRL PART FIVE

Buy now!
THE GOOD GIRL PART FIVE

THE GOOD GIRL Part Trois

Buy now!
THE GOOD GIRL Part Trois

THE FIX UP

Buy now!
THE FIX UP

A SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN

Buy now!
A SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN

MISS MATCH

Buy now!
MISS MATCH

THE GOOD GIRL PART DEUX

Buy now!
THE GOOD GIRL PART DEUX

WHAT MY FRIENDS NEED TO KNOW

Buy now!
WHAT MY FRIENDS NEED TO KNOW

WHAT MY FRIENDS DON’T KNOW

Buy now!
WHAT MY FRIENDS DON’T KNOW

GIRLFRIENDS & SECRETS

Buy now!
GIRLFRIENDS & SECRETS

DESPERATE DESIRE

Buy now!
DESPERATE DESIRE

INTENTIONAL CURSE

Buy now!
INTENTIONAL CURSE

GENERATIONAL CURSE

Buy now!
GENERATIONAL CURSE

UNEXPECTED LOVE

Buy now!
UNEXPECTED LOVE
GOD’S BOMBSHELL: LIVING A BEAUTIFUL SINGLE LIFE

LOVE NOTES

Buy now!
LOVE NOTES

FIRST ENCOUNTERS OF LOVE

Buy now!
FIRST ENCOUNTERS OF LOVE

THE GOOD GIRL PART ONE

Buy now!
THE GOOD GIRL PART ONE

THE NIGHT I FELL IN LOVE

Buy now!
THE NIGHT I FELL IN LOVE

THE FLING

Buy now!
THE FLING
0 0 Read more

How To Create A Great Work Area for Inspiration

July 8, 2023 by in category Pink Pad by Tracy Reed, Writing tagged as , , , ,

I was stumped for something to write this month. I skimmed my computer for inspiration. I stumbled upon the blog tour for my first published book. I forgot about this tour. Side note, next December will mark ten years of indie publishing for me.

I found an interesting blog post I wanted to share.

How To Create an Inspiring Work Area…this is something I’ve been dealing with for a quite a while. I have attempted to set up my work area and each time I start, I get distracted. It’s not like I have a huge space. I converted a nook in my house. But there are few things I consider necessities to creating an inspiring space.

Here’s my list of Inspiring Work Space Necessities:

A good scented candle – Surround yourself in a nice calm, relaxing scent. It will clear your mind and free up the path for ideas.

Non-traditional office or desk accessories – use old candle holders for pens, paper and binder clips and rubber bands. Cover cardboard boxes in luxe wallpaper. Use small gift boxes for post it notes and scratch paper.

Colorful notebooks and binders – I buy generic notebooks and binders and then cover them in luxe wrapping paper or fabric swatches. I want everything to be coordinated and pretty.

Encouraging Quotes and Verses – Simply print out quotes or verses that are motivational to you and post them to the wall next to your computer. This way, when you feel a little overwhelmed, you can repeat your motivating words.

Water bottle or glass – This is crucial. I’m guilty of not drinking enough water. In an attempt to drink more, I bought a cool “BKr” water bottle. It’s glass and comes with a colorful rubber sleeve. Mine is the pink 16oz size. I keep it next to my computer. Sometimes, I’ll set the timer for every hour, reminding me to drink. You can do the same thing with a pretty glass.

Fancy coffee or tea cup – Like most writers, I start my day with coffee or tea. Whatever your preference, treat yourself to a fancy cup and saucer and place it on your desk. Drinking out of a fancy cup and saucer, makes reading your email a lot less painful. Not to mention, a great cup of coffee or tea is good for clearing out the mind clutter.

Music, Music, Music – I make playlists for my books. When I’m stuck, I head over to iTunes and hit a one of my playlists or I search for new artists that inspire or relax me.

Flowers – I have yet to incorporate this, but it’s on my list for this year. I want to pretty up my desk to the next level with my favorite fresh flowers.

In my new work space, I have a small bookcase with copies of my books, a few business books, fun accessories and a vintage desk chair. To make the space more relaxing to the eye, I covered the wall in black and white stripe wallpaper. I still need an over head.

I think once I get my work space completely decorated, I’ll be even more productive.

Some of Tracy’s Books

THE GOOD GIRL PART FOUR

Buy now!
THE GOOD GIRL PART FOUR

THE GOOD GIRL PART FIVE

Buy now!
THE GOOD GIRL PART FIVE

THE GOOD GIRL Part Trois

Buy now!
THE GOOD GIRL Part Trois

THE FIX UP

Buy now!
THE FIX UP

A SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN

Buy now!
A SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN

MISS MATCH

Buy now!
MISS MATCH

THE GOOD GIRL PART DEUX

Buy now!
THE GOOD GIRL PART DEUX

WHAT MY FRIENDS NEED TO KNOW

Buy now!
WHAT MY FRIENDS NEED TO KNOW

WHAT MY FRIENDS DON’T KNOW

Buy now!
WHAT MY FRIENDS DON’T KNOW

GIRLFRIENDS & SECRETS

Buy now!
GIRLFRIENDS & SECRETS

DESPERATE DESIRE

Buy now!
DESPERATE DESIRE

INTENTIONAL CURSE

Buy now!
INTENTIONAL CURSE

GENERATIONAL CURSE

Buy now!
GENERATIONAL CURSE

UNEXPECTED LOVE

Buy now!
UNEXPECTED LOVE
GOD’S BOMBSHELL: LIVING A BEAUTIFUL SINGLE LIFE

LOVE NOTES

Buy now!
LOVE NOTES

FIRST ENCOUNTERS OF LOVE

Buy now!
FIRST ENCOUNTERS OF LOVE

THE GOOD GIRL PART ONE

Buy now!
THE GOOD GIRL PART ONE

THE NIGHT I FELL IN LOVE

Buy now!
THE NIGHT I FELL IN LOVE

THE FLING

Buy now!
THE FLING
0 2 Read more

Tracy Reed: Our June Featured Author

June 29, 2023 by in category Apples & Oranges by Marianne H. Donley, Featured Author of the Month tagged as , , , ,

A California native, novelist Tracy Reed pushes the boundaries of her Christian foundation with her sometimes racy and often fiery tales.

After years of living in the Big Apple, this self proclaimed New Yorker draws from the city’s imagination, intrigue, and inspiration to cultivate characters and plot lines who breathe life to the words on every page.

Tracy’s passion for beautiful fashion and beautiful men direct her vivid creative power towards not only novels, but short stories, poetry, and podcasts. With something for every attention span.

Tracy Reed’s ability to capture an audience is unmatched. Her body of work has been described as a host of stimulating adventures and invigorating expression.



Books by Tracy Reed

THE GOOD GIRL PART FOUR

Buy now!
THE GOOD GIRL PART FOUR

THE GOOD GIRL PART FIVE

Buy now!
THE GOOD GIRL PART FIVE

THE GOOD GIRL Part Trois

Buy now!
THE GOOD GIRL Part Trois

THE FIX UP

Buy now!
THE FIX UP

A SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN

Buy now!
A SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN

MISS MATCH

Buy now!
MISS MATCH

THE GOOD GIRL PART DEUX

Buy now!
THE GOOD GIRL PART DEUX

WHAT MY FRIENDS NEED TO KNOW

Buy now!
WHAT MY FRIENDS NEED TO KNOW

WHAT MY FRIENDS DON’T KNOW

Buy now!
WHAT MY FRIENDS DON’T KNOW

GIRLFRIENDS & SECRETS

Buy now!
GIRLFRIENDS & SECRETS

DESPERATE DESIRE

Buy now!
DESPERATE DESIRE

INTENTIONAL CURSE

Buy now!
INTENTIONAL CURSE

GENERATIONAL CURSE

Buy now!
GENERATIONAL CURSE

UNEXPECTED LOVE

Buy now!
UNEXPECTED LOVE
GOD’S BOMBSHELL: LIVING A BEAUTIFUL SINGLE LIFE

LOVE NOTES

Buy now!
LOVE NOTES

FIRST ENCOUNTERS OF LOVE

Buy now!
FIRST ENCOUNTERS OF LOVE

THE GOOD GIRL PART ONE

Buy now!
THE GOOD GIRL PART ONE

THE NIGHT I FELL IN LOVE

Buy now!
THE NIGHT I FELL IN LOVE

THE FLING

Buy now!
THE FLING

0 0 Read more

Tracy Reed: Our June Featured Author

June 21, 2023 by in category Apples & Oranges by Marianne H. Donley, Featured Author of the Month tagged as , , , ,

A California native, novelist Tracy Reed pushes the boundaries of her Christian foundation with her sometimes racy and often fiery tales.

After years of living in the Big Apple, this self proclaimed New Yorker draws from the city’s imagination, intrigue, and inspiration to cultivate characters and plot lines who breathe life to the words on every page.

Tracy’s passion for beautiful fashion and beautiful men direct her vivid creative power towards not only novels, but short stories, poetry, and podcasts. With something for every attention span.

Tracy Reed’s ability to capture an audience is unmatched. Her body of work has been described as a host of stimulating adventures and invigorating expression.



Books by Tracy Reed

THE GOOD GIRL PART FOUR

Buy now!
THE GOOD GIRL PART FOUR

THE GOOD GIRL PART FIVE

Buy now!
THE GOOD GIRL PART FIVE

THE GOOD GIRL Part Trois

Buy now!
THE GOOD GIRL Part Trois

THE FIX UP

Buy now!
THE FIX UP

A SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN

Buy now!
A SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN

MISS MATCH

Buy now!
MISS MATCH

THE GOOD GIRL PART DEUX

Buy now!
THE GOOD GIRL PART DEUX

WHAT MY FRIENDS NEED TO KNOW

Buy now!
WHAT MY FRIENDS NEED TO KNOW

WHAT MY FRIENDS DON’T KNOW

Buy now!
WHAT MY FRIENDS DON’T KNOW

GIRLFRIENDS & SECRETS

Buy now!
GIRLFRIENDS & SECRETS

DESPERATE DESIRE

Buy now!
DESPERATE DESIRE

INTENTIONAL CURSE

Buy now!
INTENTIONAL CURSE

GENERATIONAL CURSE

Buy now!
GENERATIONAL CURSE

UNEXPECTED LOVE

Buy now!
UNEXPECTED LOVE
GOD’S BOMBSHELL: LIVING A BEAUTIFUL SINGLE LIFE

LOVE NOTES

Buy now!
LOVE NOTES

FIRST ENCOUNTERS OF LOVE

Buy now!
FIRST ENCOUNTERS OF LOVE

THE GOOD GIRL PART ONE

Buy now!
THE GOOD GIRL PART ONE

THE NIGHT I FELL IN LOVE

Buy now!
THE NIGHT I FELL IN LOVE

THE FLING

Buy now!
THE FLING

0 0 Read more

Tracy Reed: Our June Featured Author

June 14, 2023 by in category Apples & Oranges by Marianne H. Donley, Featured Author of the Month tagged as , , , ,

A California native, novelist Tracy Reed pushes the boundaries of her Christian foundation with her sometimes racy and often fiery tales.

After years of living in the Big Apple, this self proclaimed New Yorker draws from the city’s imagination, intrigue, and inspiration to cultivate characters and plot lines who breathe life to the words on every page.

Tracy’s passion for beautiful fashion and beautiful men direct her vivid creative power towards not only novels, but short stories, poetry, and podcasts. With something for every attention span.

Tracy Reed’s ability to capture an audience is unmatched. Her body of work has been described as a host of stimulating adventures and invigorating expression.



Books by Tracy Reed

THE GOOD GIRL PART FOUR

Buy now!
THE GOOD GIRL PART FOUR

THE GOOD GIRL PART FIVE

Buy now!
THE GOOD GIRL PART FIVE

THE GOOD GIRL Part Trois

Buy now!
THE GOOD GIRL Part Trois

THE FIX UP

Buy now!
THE FIX UP

A SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN

Buy now!
A SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN

MISS MATCH

Buy now!
MISS MATCH

THE GOOD GIRL PART DEUX

Buy now!
THE GOOD GIRL PART DEUX

WHAT MY FRIENDS NEED TO KNOW

Buy now!
WHAT MY FRIENDS NEED TO KNOW

WHAT MY FRIENDS DON’T KNOW

Buy now!
WHAT MY FRIENDS DON’T KNOW

GIRLFRIENDS & SECRETS

Buy now!
GIRLFRIENDS & SECRETS

DESPERATE DESIRE

Buy now!
DESPERATE DESIRE

INTENTIONAL CURSE

Buy now!
INTENTIONAL CURSE

GENERATIONAL CURSE

Buy now!
GENERATIONAL CURSE

UNEXPECTED LOVE

Buy now!
UNEXPECTED LOVE
GOD’S BOMBSHELL: LIVING A BEAUTIFUL SINGLE LIFE

LOVE NOTES

Buy now!
LOVE NOTES

FIRST ENCOUNTERS OF LOVE

Buy now!
FIRST ENCOUNTERS OF LOVE

THE GOOD GIRL PART ONE

Buy now!
THE GOOD GIRL PART ONE

THE NIGHT I FELL IN LOVE

Buy now!
THE NIGHT I FELL IN LOVE

THE FLING

Buy now!
THE FLING

0 0 Read more

Copyright ©2017 A Slice of Orange. All Rights Reserved. ~PROUDLY POWERED BY WORDPRESS ~ CREATED BY ISHYOBOY.COM

>