Tracey Garvis Graves on being a homebody, an early bird, and a self-publishing success story + GIVEAWAY!

We are so excited to welcome Tracey Garvis Graves to the Ball this week! New York Times Bestselling author of five books and counting, Tracey has two releases this fall — one being Every Time I Think of You, which features a dashing, chivalrous crime reporter as the hero. Here’s the blurb: Thirty-year-old Daisy DiStefano has two people she holds dear: the grandmother who raised her, and her three-year-old son, Elliott. But when Daisy’s grandmother is killed in a seemingly random act of violence, Daisy must take steps to protect herself and her child.

Despite a thriving career in San Francisco, thirty-six-year-old Brooks McClain has returned home to spend what little time his mother has left before she succumbs to the deadly disease that is ravaging her. The seasoned investigative reporter has taken a position with the local newspaper and been on the job less than twenty-four hours when he’s summoned to cover the death of Pauline Thorpe. Brooks is all business, but the more time he spends with Daisy DiStefano, the more invested he becomes; there’s something about a single mother, a defenseless child, and an unsolved crime that has stirred Brooks’s protective instincts like nothing ever has before.

Tracey’s first book, On the Island, was one of those page-turners I couldn’t stop thinking about long after I finished the last page, and I can’t wait to dive into Every Time I Think of You!

So here’s a little more about Tracey, in her own words, including why she loves early morning writing, and her amazing self-publishing story (just wait until you read how many copies of On the Island she sold before Penguin scooped her up…):

Where do you love to be?

Home. People who know me well know that I’m a hard-core homebody. There is nothing I like more than puttering around the house. I can spend hours alone, with an organizational project of some sort to keep me busy (I’m especially a fan of cleaning out closets and organizing things – it’s great for plotting books, too). Some of my best ideas come to me when I let my mind wander. And no matter how fabulous the trip or vacation I’m on, I can’t wait to get home.

Deb note: Tracey — would you please come and teach me some of this organizational wizardry?

The road to publication is twisty at best — tell us about some of your twists.

I was rejected by every single agent I queried for On the Island. I self-published as a last resort and a little over nine months later I’d sold half a million copies, spent 9 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, and MGM had optioned the book for a feature film. I was later picked up by Penguin and offered a two-book deal. I really believed in the book, and I’m glad I didn’t give up.

What time of day do you love best?

Early morning. I know, I know. I’m weird! But I wrote my debut novel during daily 5:30-7:00 a.m. writing sessions before getting ready to head off to my day job. I’m most productive (and creative) early in the morning.

What’s your next big thing?

After Cherish (my novella-length sequel to Covet) is released on October 28th I’ll be turning my attention to my latest work-in-progress. I spent last summer researching and outlining so I’m ready to dive back in to this project. It’s a second-chance romance loosely inspired by the song “Same Old Lang Syne” by Dan Fogelberg (the one about running into your old lover at the grocery store on Christmas Eve). Structure-wise, it’s going to be my most ambitious novel yet. But I’m looking forward to tackling it!

What is the best perk of your job?

Now that I’m a full-time writer, I love working from home. I adore being able to get my kids (and hubby!) fed, ready, and out the door in the morning, and then settling in to my writing chair with Chloe snuggled up next to me (she’s our cairn terrier). I also love that I’m here if one of the kids is sick or if someone forgot their gym clothes or band instrument. In the winter months, I especially love writing in front of the fireplace while wearing my slippers and comfiest clothes. It’s also great to be able to make my own hours.

Thank you, Tracey, for stopping by!

GIVEAWAY: Comment on this post by Noon (EST) on Friday, October 17th to enter to win a signed copy of Every Time I Think of You. Follow The Debutante Ball on Facebook and Twitter for extra entries—just mention that you did so in your comments. We’ll choose and contact the winner on Friday. Good luck!

About Tracey:

Tracey Garvis Graves is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author. Her debut novel, On the Island, spent 9 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list, has been translated into twenty-seven languages, and is in development with MGM and Temple Hill Productions for a feature film. She is also the author of Uncharted, Covet, Every Time I Think of You, and Cherish. She is hard at work on her sixth book. Follow Tracey on Twitter and Facebook.