tracycembor
Writer. Adventurer. Currently working on The Dreamless City, a series of steampunk novels and short stories.
About
Balancing my days between a full-time job, chasing a preschooler, and holding the baby, I still find time for writing. Some days it’s only half an hour with a turkey sandwich in one hand and a pen in the other. Other days there are sparks flying from the keyboard. It is always an adventure, and I have worlds and stories I hope to share.
I write because I have always wanted to make up stories. It just happens. Even the utter embarrassment I experienced reading one of my stories to my 1oth grade English class was not enough to make me to put down my pen. I also hope that my children will learn by my example to follow their passions, even if they still have the other job to pay the mortgage.
I firmly believe that control of an author’s creative content should reside with the author. There is a great deal of room for improvement in the book publishing industry. I would like to become part of the change.
Currently I am finishing the rough draft of book one in my Dreamless City series. I won NaNoWriMo on the last day with the first 50,000 words. I expect it to be 90,000+ when complete. (As of Jan 2014, however, I am wavering on my word goal and am considering cutting it back down to 50,000 words and getting an early start on Book Two. We’ll see how this turns out.)
THE DREAMLESS CITY
When sneak-thief Nissa Rhodes runs into a burning stable and saves High Justicar Stagunner’s prized stallion, the grateful gent offers her employment on his estate. Barely surviving on the cut-throat streets of Cobblecourt district, tall and lanky Nissa accepts the offer, at least through the coming winter.
In the Dreamless City of Rivenloss, Nissa is a dreamer and considered extremely dangerous. Dreamers are executed by Justicars to prevent the overflow of aether power when they dream, causing chaotic events such as animating corpses and manifesting phantasms. Nissa has remained hidden, but her discovery becomes more likely each time she falls asleep.
Artwork by H.L. Fatnassi
The Stagunner Estate in Hightown district is a world apart from cobblestone streets clogged with hackneys, steam carriages, and all manner of men looking to make a dishonest frankel. Nissa soon discovers that the grand estates are no safer than the crowded streets as she becomes an unwilling pawn in the power games between the Stagunners and the rival Rommanocs.
When Ellesande Merueste, heiress to the richest family in Rivenloss, announces a series of gentlemen’s events to decide who will escort her to the Primavera Gala, all of Hightown takes notice. It is rumored that whomever escorts Ellesande will be able to ask for her hand in marriage. Winning the games means winning a chance at a fabulous fortune, which could save the Stagunners from financial ruin.
Daschel Stagunner, the horse-crazy and impulsive third son of the High Justicar, is a likely candidate to win the three horse races Ellesande has planned for her amusement. When a suspicious accident with a tampered saddle leaves Daschel with a broken arm, he begs Nissa, who is his match in frame and stature, to take his place in the first race. Disguised with a hat and scarf, Nissa pulls off impersonating the Hightown lad and wins the race.
When Nissa is not training for her next race on Daschel’s behalf, she is mucking out stalls and getting on head groom Reynard Triannon’s nerves. Tall, pale, and serious, Reynard does not appreciate Nissa’s sarcasm, but in the quiet moments cleaning bridles, Nissa thinks he might be a decent lad after all. Together, Reynard and Nissa help Daschel to win Ellesande’s favor.
After his eldest brother’s murder, Daschel asks Nissa to impersonate him again so they can sneak into the rival Rommanoc estate during a masquerade ball and find proof of the murder. Nissa, growing fond of the impulsive lad, does not reveal that she has been dreaming while awake and will likely be more of a hindrance than a help to him.
When Nissa’s secret is discovered by the rival Rommanoc family, will she stay loyal to the Stagunners, or betray them to save her life?
THE DREAMLESS CITY is a steampunk urban fantasy work-in-progress, currently totaling 50,000 words. The goal is 90,000 words upon completion.
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Thanks for the follow, Tracy – and great to learn a little about you. I always appreciate an about page that is full of information. I try to keep tabs on my followers once a week, so I’ll be back to see what you’re up to. Happy writing in the meantime ;-)
I really enjoyed the post on creative confidence – and that clip you insert. David has such a great way of speaking! (There didn’t seem to be a place to put the comment on that page, which is why I came back here.)
Thanks for the follow, Tracy!
Your novel sounds so intriguing! Thanks for the follow :)
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Thanks for the nomination for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award!
Hi! Thanks so much for stopping by my blog, and for the “like” on my recent post. I’m happy you enjoyed it, and I appreciate your visit to my site.
I am so intrigued by your description of your novel! As well as inspired that you find time for writing with everything you have going on in your life. I wish I could say I was as dedicated and responsible and together … but, many days, I am not. I’m looking forward to following you, reading more of your wonderful posts, and, hopefully, letting your good work ethic rub off on me! :)
Thanks for stopping by, and I’m glad you found my novel concept interesting.
I read an article about everything that Gwen Stefani does in an average week, and I felt so inferior. If she can be super mom, a professional, and have three businesses, I decided that I can manage at least half of that workload. You’d be surprised what you can do if you invest a few minutes each day.
Thanks for the visit Tracy – you sound like you’re well on your way. We encounter finished products every day, but it’s always interesting to read about the toil that goes into the process behind the scenes!
I like what you had to say here. I hope all goes well with your novel. I am in the process of submitting to publishers, and am very nervous about it.
Ooo, submitting work is very exciting. Being nervous is understandable, but be sure to celebrate whet you have accomplished so far too. When to you expect to hear back from the publishers? Have you considered self publishing in the meantime?
The publishers usually don’t want you to push forward until 3 months have passed. I have considered self-publishing; but I am going to try a few more publishers first.
Hi Tracy, thanks for visiting. I’m impressed with how much you’re managing/balancing – you should be proud! I’m keeping an eye on how things develop with Nissa…
Not sure how I stumbled on your blog but when I get halfway through a post and realise that I like what I am reading my mouse tends to hit the follow button automatically. Thanks for the follow.
Hi Tracy! I’ve tagged you in The Next Big Thing Blog Hop. :) It’s totally up to you if you want to participate. The details are on my blog!
Thanks again for the nomination. I’m not sure if I officially said that yet. :D I think I am finally ready to answer your questions.
Amazed at your ability to multitask! You’ve got a lot on your plate! And a really great blog besides!
that was one fine bio…… a tip of the caubeen to ya..
I’m so happy to find your blog. I’m also inspired. I also have a great deal on my proverbial plate including two jobs; however, I don’t think I juggle quite as well as you! Right now, my bedroom looks like it was vandalized! I just hope nobody calls the cops.
Hi, have enjoyed browsing your blog , happy to join your adventure!
Are you signed up for Camp in April? I’m an active member of NaNoWriMo and this will also be my second camp there. Would love to have you on board or just as a writing buddy! Best of luck!
I might be signing up. Depends if I get my other writing project wrapped up. If I do, I’ll be sure to let you know. ;)
Alright, I think I am going to do this crazy thing. It is my last month of grad school, so this seems to be the logical thing to do on top of all the other work I have. ;)
I’m Emberens on NaNo and CampNaNo if you want to find me there.
Hey! Thanks for stopping by and following my little blog!! I love what you’re doing so I’ve returned the favour! Cheers mate!! :-D
Hey there!
I just nominated you for the “Liebster Award”. Please check my post “Liebster Award” on 2muchdrama.wordpress.com
I know that I only am following your blog for a couple of days but I really like the things you write (especially the interactive story).
All the best,
Xx Scarlett
Thanks again for the nomination. I should be ready with all my answers tomorrow. Yay!
Many thanks for the follow Tracey and for likes. You have a great creative space here. Look forward to reading more.
I really enjoyed reading this, thank you soo much for taking the time to share it with us. It was beautiful and haha! I love NaNoWriMo! :D Awesome job!
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Great blog, Tracey. The collection of steam-punk-artifact photography you have accrued here alone makes it worth its weight in gold. :)
http://oracleoffilm.com/2013/03/22/dragons-loyalty-award/ You have been nominated for an award.
Ooo, who doesn’t love dragons. Thanks so much for the props!
Impressive! As I read your latest post on choose your own adventure and then clicked over to your about page I was encouraged to see that you are juggling A LOT and yet you still find time to not only write, but write creatively. I have a work I started three years ago I keep meaning to get back to but haven’t had the time for similar reasons. But like you said, even if it’s thirty minutes with a turkey sandwich and a pen, or in my case, when my little one is napping, then I should make the best of it!
http://oracleoffilm.com/2013/03/29/liebster-award/ I nominated you for an award.
And thanks x 2!! I’m certainly feeling the warm fuzzies today. Must find appropriate soundtrack… How about Imagine Dragon’s “On Top of the World”
Good choice. Anything by Imagine Dragons is a good shout in my books.
Thanks for liking and following me, Tracy. I’m looking forward to reading your work, and I hope you’ll find lots of writing help on my blog.
Hi, just to let you know I nominated you for an award – pop over to http://www.mandyevebarnett.com to pick it. Have fun!
Hi Tracy! I just wanted to let you know that you won the Clockwork Princess book giveaway over at my blog. If you drop me an email at cvgerstle (at) gmail (dot) com with your contact info, I can get that book right on over to you. :-)
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I nominated you for The Sweet Blogging Award http://thesoundoflaughter.wordpress.com/2013/04/11/sweet-blogging-award-nomination/
I just wanted to say thanks again for the award. I appreciate the sweet thoughts!!
Your welcome.
So basically your website helped me figure out the book cover for my book. If that’s not inspiration, I just don’t know what is. Love the steampunk you’re producing along with all the useful information on getting published. Nominated you for inspirational blogger. http://storytellerdavis.wordpress.com/2013/04/11/the-very-inspiring-blogger-award/
Awww, shucks. I’m so glad I could be inspiring and a bit informative. Thanks so much for the award!
Nice to meet you Tracy! I wish you lots of luck in your writing career, and what a beautiful child you have!
I know it’s probably too late, but I’m going to vote on your character names. Sorry I couldn’t add my two cents earlier! :)
Have a beautiful day!
Thanks for checking out my short story project. I hope to have the last section up later this week.
I have nominated you for the Super Sweet Blogger Award. To be clear the award is because I like your writing and you do not need to follow the rules. Go here for details http://wp.me/p2Qoij-r4
Aww, thanks for the nomination, and I’m soooo glad to hear you’ve been enjoying my writing! Many thanks!
My pleasure. :-)
There’s an award for you on my blog : http://www.mandyevebarnett.com – have fun!
Ooo, the WordPress family award! Thanks so much for the nomination. I’m really psyched to hear that I’ve been a influence on your WP experience. :D
You are so welcome…I love how we inspire each other
Hi! In thanks for your being one of the first followers of What I Learned While Writing a Novel, I’ve nominated you for a Liebster Award. More details here: http://whatilearnedwhilewritinganovel.wordpress.com/2013/05/09/two-months-in-and-the-liebster-award/
Thank you!
Grats on your award and thanks so much for sharing it with me. :D
I nominate thee for the liebster award
http://josskoostachin.wordpress.com/2013/05/26/sorry-about-that-i-know-i-am-a-little-late-liebster-blog-award/
Sounds interesting! Nice to meet you!
Hey Tracy!
Nice to meet you and thank you for visiting and following my blog!
I will snoop around a bit on yours if you don’t mind! ;)
Lots of love,
Patty
I have an award for you on my blog – http://www.mandyevebarnett.com
Enjoy
Hi Tracy! I’ve nominated you for a Lighthouse Award. Details can be found here http://geekwithapen.wordpress.com/2014/02/23/the-lighthouse-award/
Apologies if you’ve been nominated before.
Thanks for a great blog!
Sarah
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Always an inspiration, Tracy. And it’s always humbling to read your work. All the best to you.
Hi Tracy,
I’m taking part in a blog train, in which I answer a few questions and feature three favorite bloggers. If you’re okay with taking part, I’d like to feature you; in return, you keep the blog train going a week after my post goes live and tag three of your favorite bloggers.
Let me know if you’re game.
Thanks,
Gus
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Thanks for stopping by my site (economyedits; I also have just1more). I like the sound of your novel. If you want to trial me as a potential editor, please feel free to forward 1000 words and I’ll show you how I work, and we can hopefully take it from there. If not, my apologies for saying this here. But I still think it sounds interesting. :)
Good luck with your steam punk novel. Sounds very interesting, and unusual :)
Thanks for visiting my blog, Tracy. I really admire all the writing you do with such a busy schedule. I don’t have any small children left at home now but I do have a salon to run so I find it difficult to write every day, well done you.
Thanks so much for liking my post on “The Ramblings of an Honest Weirdo.” Are you planning to self publish?
Hi Tracy, thanks for the visit and the follow.
I’m definitely interested in reviewing your book, but just so we’re on the same page:
I’d be happy to read and post my review on my blog, amazon, and Goodreads.
I have done some book reviews on my blog (and more on Goodreads), including once a review for an ARC, but it’s not primarily a book review blog and I don’t have a huge audience.
Also, I reserve the right to chose not to post my review if I find I can’t say anything positive about the book (unlikely outcome, but possible, and I had a situation like this some time ago that I think hurt some feelings).
I’m not sure what time frame you had in mind but between my current reading backlog and RL commitments I think I could get to it within a month, probably within 2 weeks.
If you’re okay with that, let me know and we can exchange contact information.
I saw you liked one of my open call post; I know you’re probably busy with your new release, but I did have you in mind when I wrote “I’ll indulge a steampunk story if it’s set on a moon of Saturn or something.” Consider this an invitation to submit.
Don’t tell anyone ;) but I do have something in the works for you! It’s like The Three Musketeers meets HG Wells with some A Tale of Two Cities on Mars thrown in too. Thank you very much for the lovely invitation to submit. I know you’ll be sitting by the inbox waiting for me. xD
:D
Hey, I just wanted to follow up on this. I’m about full up and will be closing submissions soon, but if you’re still planning on submitting this, I’ll squeeze you in; that premise is too good to pass on.