AUTHOR INTERVIEW: Tracy Ruckman

WordVessel is delighted to welcome author Tracy Ruckman! Here's her bio:
Tracy Ruckman is a full-time freelance writer, editor, and photographer. She tells us: “Lately, I’ve been editing more than writing, for financial reasons, but I always seem to dabble with words in some form or another. I offer full editing services through my company Write Integrity Editorial Services, and earlier this summer we began WIES Workshops – online writing courses for anyone interested in writing for the Christian market. I also own the popular Pix-N-Pens blog where a team of us offers book reviews; freelance writing, editing, and marketing advice; photography tips and assignments; writing prompts; and even frequent contests!”

Tracy is happily married to her very own Prince Charming and they live in the boonies of Alabama, with their spoiled dog and a host of wild critters. She’s the proud mom of two grown sons who live in metro Atlanta.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I love to fish – so far freshwater only, but someday I plan to go deep-sea fishing, too. I love to travel, camp, garden, explore – and I usually lug a camera around, looking for anything interesting to photograph.

Tell us about your latest book.
I’m so excited about this beautiful book. Christmas Miracles is a powerful collection of heartwarming stories written by many authors – I’m honored that my story was included. The book is co-authored by Cecil Murphey, bestselling author of 112 books, including the book he coauthored with Don Piper, 90 Minutes in Heaven, and Marley Gibson, author of the Sorority 101 series.

About the book:
Many ordinary people experience Christmas miracles—those special moments during the season of giving and receiving when Christmas becomes more than just a holiday. Cecil Murphey and Marley Gibson share the stories of those who have recognized the special moments that transcend daily experience and transform their lives. In these stories, people overcome desperate situations through a miraculous twist of fate—all during the most wonderful time of the year. A young boy sits down to read a Christmas book and discovers that his learning disability has vanished. A woman stranded in a blizzard is rescued by a mysterious stranger who she suspects is an angel. And a woman living far from home gets an answer to her prayer in the form of an unexpected gift.

My story, “Miracle of the Nativity” reminds us all that God is still very much with us today, even in the smallest details of our lives during the hardest of times.

What would you like readers to take away from your story?
I’d like for readers to really grasp how involved God is in our lives – even to the tiniest of details. Sometimes He speaks to us, or makes us aware of His presence in special ways that we’ll miss if we aren’t paying attention.

What is the best lesson you have learned from another writer?
This writing journey is not about ME. It’s about others. God has gifted me with certain talents, given me opportunities to learn a specific set of skills, and directed me on the path I’m currently on – not for myself, but so that I can help others who are journeying on similar paths. The more I give of myself, the more I seem to have to give. I guess to put it simply, I’m just trying to “pay it forward.” I learned all of this by studying and observing my friend and mentor Cecil Murphey – bestselling author of over 112 books, including 90 Minutes in Heaven. His attitude and spirit is admirable and contagious; the writing community is abundantly blessed by this precious man.

What are three things you wish you’d known before you reached where you are now?
1) Being a speed reader doesn’t mean I can also be a speed writer. Writing is a slow, lengthy process.
2) Kids grow up too fast – take the time you can with them when they’re young. It pays off in the long run.
3) Self-discipline is not a bad thing, even for a spontaneous, laid-back person.

If you could have dinner with three authors to talk with about their writing (living or deceased) who would you invite and why?
I love this question! I thought about this one a great deal before I made my choices: Corrie ten Boom – I read The Hiding Place in my pre-teen years. Her incredible story, her faith, her life has been such an inspiration to me, and I’d welcome the opportunity to just sit in her presence to learn more. Laura Ingalls Wilder – the Little House books were a mainstay of my childhood. The books were simple, yet profound. I feel I could learn a great deal spending time with her, too. Jo March. Yes, I know she’s a figment of Louisa May Alcott’s imagination, but wouldn’t our dinner party be grand with her presence? Her perseverance and passion is inspiring, her liveliness refreshing, and her intelligence challenging.

How can readers get in contact with you?

Her website e-mail or regular e-mail
www.WriteIntegrity.com
www.PixNPens.com

Tracy, thanks for stopping by and sharing your life with us. Many blessings on your writing!

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