Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracey Freeman.
Tracey, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Stories never die. They transcend through time. As long as I can remember, I’ve loved to read. There is something special about a story and it has always been my dream to be an author. My older sister has been a trailblazer in this initiative. She published her first book in February of 2019. I often envision my book release and I imagine people reading my words and feeling connected to the story and my characters. I must admit when I first started this process, I was…intimidated. I had thoughts such as does the world need another book? How will my story be any different? or who would read my words? Ironically, I work as an educator in Dallas ISD and my students were the ones who inspired me to go after my ‘dreams’. In our conversations, I am reminded of Marianne Williamson’s profound words, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be?” My students are a gentle reminder of this every day. The anticipated release date for my debut novel, Tumbleweed- will be September of 2020. The story is a riveting tale of a young lady as she tumbles through life. The plot reveals how universal yet unique our desires and shortcomings truly are.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The best roads are never smooth, and this journey has been no different. There was a point in my life when I thought I would never get the chance to complete my book. One of the greatest days of my life was also the scariest. The day I met my daughter or rather she met me. The details are hazy, but I was laying on the hospital bed and the atmosphere in the room changed. There was slight panic, silence, and lots of movement. The oxygen mask slowly approaches my face and briskly I am whisked off into the unknown. I close my eyes tight and begin to pray. I’m not ready to die, even though I know I will someday-I don’t want today to be that day. In the background, I hear chatter and metal hitting a surface. One, two, three, …and its light out. The darkness consumes me and I wonder if this is how it feels to die? I couldn’t be dead and hours later, I gasp and open my eyes to see light and my husband holding our beautiful daughter. It hurts to move, I’m still and motionless.
This event propelled me to keep writing even when I’m tired or don’t feel like it. Every time I hear my daughters laugh or see her smile, I’m reminded that God spared me. Although my novel is a work of fiction, it is inspired by situations and/or events that shed light on challenges we all face.
Please tell us about The Blooming Writer.
The Blooming Writer is an opportunity for writers to grow and support each other on their way to publication.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
In my journey through life, I can honestly say I never sought out to be a teacher, but somehow, it found me. I have many memories, but when I look back-this moment is one that changed me for the better. When I entered high school, my English teacher, Mrs. Manley, encouraged me to move from her class to AP English informing me that I was “too smart” to settle for mediocrity. I was reluctant because what teenager wants more work, but I did it. Later, I graduated with a degree in English. Today, I too am an educator. I teach the same class she did, and I find solace in knowing that I can impact young people every day to realize their true potential. I can’t thank her enough for seeing something in me, I couldn’t yet see in myself. She pushed me to reach new limits and opened a door of literature, I had yet to know.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 972.913.6647
- Instagram: thebloomingwriter
Image Credit:
Amanda Raylee Photography
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