Today, I’m delighted to welcome Tracy Krimmer, author of the new adult contemporary romance, Pieces of it All, as well as The Jealousy Game, a thriller.
After the interview, leave a comment for the chance to win a copy of her most recent book!
…
Your latest release, Pieces of It All, is your first new adult contemporary romance following The Jealousy Game. What can you tell us about the story?
This book is quite different. The Jealousy Game was a thriller, and this is a romance, as you indicated. The book actually began as an Erotica Thriller, but after my initial draft, it changed paths. This book went through three full rewrites before it went out to my beta readers! Once I received feedback, I made extensive changes once more time, before going through another final revision.
Pieces of it All centers around Beth, a recent high school graduate, trying to find her place in the world, and Harvey, a twenty-two-year-old high school drop-out, home after a stint in rehab. The two meet by chance, and are immediately attracted to each other. Beth wants commitment from their relationship, but Harvey’s hiding something, and it starts to drive Beth away. Is Beth able to move past Harvey’s shortcomings and secure a future with him?
…
What inspired you to write it?
Like I said, it was an erotica thriller with a completely different plot when I first wrote it. I was reading a lot of books categorized as New Adult, mostly romance and erotica. As I sat back and really looked at the story, I thought about what I wanted to do that was different. Many may think this is your typical good-girl-meets-bad-boy, they fall in love, and she changes his destructive behavior, with a lot of hot sex scenes in between. It’s quite the opposite, actually (although there are a few sex scenes!). Though told from both Beth and Harvey’s POV (3rd person), the book really is about Beth recognizing her self-worth.
…
What do think people will love most about this book? What do you love about it?
From my reviews, people love the twist and turns in the book. There are things revealed in Harvey’s past you don’t expect, and situations with Beth’s parents that help her to certain realizations. Readers are really connecting to the characters, which I love. The part I love the most is the ending. I wrote this book for that ending. Some people have requested a sequel, or wondered if I left it on a cliffhanger, and some even have stated I didn’t finish the book. I sure did finish, and I brought the storyline I created to fruition. I think those that question it, really have different expectations from this type of book, and I set out to change those.
..
In the spirit of Desperately Ever After, I must ask: If you had to choose, which fairy tale character (doesn’t have to be a princess and doesn’t have to be Disney), would you be and why?
If you asked my mom, maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t believe I ever was much of a Disney princess girl. I liked dressing up, but usually it was as a business woman or a teacher! When I was a toddler, I was all about Wonder Woman. I even have a picture of myself in a Wonder Woman tank top, undies, and my mom even used aluminum foil to make me a tiara and bracelets. Come on, she’s Wonder Woman!
…
Spreading the word is one of the most daunting aspects of self-publishing. How do you get your titles out there?
Do you know? Please, tell me! I’m very active on Twitter and Facebook, and I am part of a few author groups online that help in that. I have to hope people love my book and talk about it. I make teaser images and try to entice people with those, too.
…
A writer’s life is certainly not an easy one—from rejections to dwindling sales, to tough reviews, and so on. How did you get through the bad days?
My critique partner and fellow author and friend, Stephanie. We text each other all the time. When one of us has a bad day, we help each other out. Usually I try to find a way to spin it positively, and she tells me to buck up! Tough reviews are hard. During those times, it’s best to read one and two star reviews for my favorite books, especially huge best-selling authors. It helps me to realize that you can’t please everyone!
…
What is the best piece of advice you’ve received that you can share with aspiring writers?
Write. And write some more. And, you guessed it, write even more. The only way to better your craft is to keep at it. My writing is significantly different and vastly improved my first piece of work. I try to write every single day, even if it’s only two-hundred words. The only time I break from that is vacation. Then I just read. That’s important, too. I read books from all different genres, and focus on how they write. This helps me a lot.
…
What can fans expect from you next?
Another New Adult Contemporary Romance – at some point. I really wanted to publish another book this year, but it’s too late in the year, I think, for that to happen. The book I am working on is written in first person, and only one point of view. I believe this will be a more typical Contemporary Romance with your happily ever after, and, of course, some wrenches thrown in. This one will have more heartache, but also a little fun. Interesting mix, huh?
…
It certainly is! In addition to her website, tracykrimmer.com, you can keep up with Tracy on Facebook, Twitter (@tkrimms), and Goodreads. Her book is available at Amazon.
…
ENTER TO WIN!
Tracy is offering a free Kindle e-book of Pieces of it All! Comment below to win. The giveaway will remain open until 11:59 p.m. (PST) Tuesday, August 5, at which point a winner will be chosen at random.
Best of luck to you all!
FEED YOUR BEACH BAG!
Desperately Ever After imagines what happened to our favorite fairy tale princesses in a Desperate Housewives/Sex and the City sort of way. It’s a 2014 NIEA Chick-Lit Finalist and an Amazon Top 10 seller for both Women’s Fiction and Humor. Snag one before the sequel comes out next month!
…
Click here for Amazon US or here for Amazon UK
…
COMING UP!
Next Wednesday, August 6, Jennie Marts will stop by to talk about the latest installment in her Page Turners series, and to give a copy of the first book to one lucky winner.
Mark your calendars 😉
..
*** FOR EXCLUSIVE UPDATES FROM SKIPPING MIDNIGHT ***
SIGN UP HERE
…
laurakenyon.com 
Thanks for hosting me!
Absolutely! Thanks so much Tracy 🙂
Pieces of It All sounds very interesting–many people think I’m crazy but I’d rather read than watch the movie or TV show. Congratulations on your second book.
Thank you! I read all the time. I have been trying to catch up on all the books being made into movies this year!
I am SO disappointed by the trailer for The Giver. I hope that the movie doesn’t destroy the integrity of the book.
Since I’ve never read The Giver, it was the trailer that made me want to read it! Got it from the library on Friday!
I read The Giver every year with my 7th grade students–it provokes such great discussion–the companion books, Gathering Blue and Messenger bring up new thoughts–and when Son came out recently–I was thrilled. It tied up the loose ends. They are really worth the read.
Great interview and Pieces of It All sounds really good. Thank you for the chance. bobbischleining@yahoo.com
Thank you, Bobbi!
I would love to win your book 🙂 I really enjoyed your interview!
Thanks, Andrea! Good luck to you! 🙂
That girl on your cover for “Pieces of It All” is fetching. She reminds me of “Rachel” on the TV show “Suits.”
Enjoyed your interview, especially the image of a foil tiara on a toddler Wonder Woman. It made me laugh!
I had to look her up. Never saw the show! I love the cover of my book, though its had mixed reviews. I love how they are not looking at each other, so much different than what I’ve been seeing 🙂
Interesting character
I enjoyed writing both of them.