Tracy Summer

What is your favorite thing about being a romance writer?

I love creating characters. And when I have them in my mind, I daydream. They’re very real to me.

What genres and authors would we find you reading when taking a break from your own writing?

My first love is historical romance – Julie Anne Long, Meredith Duran, Judith Ivory, Liz Carlyle. Though I love contemporary, as well. Rachel Gibson comes to mind.

Do you have travel when researching your books? If yes, where is the most interesting place you’ve visited?

I don’t travel for the books, per se, as mine are southern in setting so far. And I’m a native South Carolinian. Though I love to travel! I’m at close to 50 countries – and hope to make 100 before my time’s up! Though my new WIP is set in England – a Victorian wth light paranormal elements – and we may travel in the spring to the UK. My husband is a UK citizen, so he has family there, etc.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I think I’m somewhere in between. I have scenes that I write fairly detailed notes for. Perhaps 10 or so for the entire book. Those are usually ones near the front and perhaps a key scene or two from the middle. Then, I go from there!

What do you hope readers take with them after reading one of your stories?

 I love the romance genre – I’m a HUGE reader, too – so I hope they get the feeling I do when I read a good novel. Hope and joy!

Did you have any other careers before devoting yourself to being a full-time writer?
I still work FT. I believe in that, because I love my career, and it keeps me sane. I’m a graphic designer, though now I basically manage a creative team, as the years keep on rolling by!

Do you write under more than one name? Why?

Just under Tracy Sumner!

What’s something fans would find fascinating about you?

I’m not sure it’s fascinating, or horrible, but I worked in the World Trade Center. And, yes, I was there that day. I was actually working on a contracted book for Kensington Publishing and it knocked me off my writing schedule for a long time. TIDES OF PASSION is the book I had to finish around that time. It’s just being released and it’s actually my strongest book, I think. Which is odd because I finished it under pressure and wrote it faster than I ever have a book before. Go figure!

What song would best describe your life?

Wow, hard one. Something from the 80s – Psychedelic Furs, The Cure or The Police.

If you could be a paranormal creature, which one would you be?

Mind-reader! Although, after Edward in Twilight, it could be a major burden.  A character in my WIP can read minds – and it causes him a lot of pain.

What’s a guilty pleasure you have?

I love wine!

What’s for dinner tonight?

Hopefully, Sushi or Thai (take-out). I’m not into cooking!

What is sexier boxer or briefs?

Boxer briefs!

Who’s more fun, bad boys or perfect gentlemen and why?

I think I like a mix. The sexy, nerd with issues. Something that will provide a little angst along the way.