Conspiracy of Bones (formerly And the Beat Goes On) - inspired by research while homeschooling my kids when we discovered holes in evolutionary theory compared to documented evidence backing up intelligent design and what the Bible says about creation.
My Mother the Man-Eater - inspired partly by characters I had created while playing the 'Sims' and studying the book of Hosea. I love the boundless grace of God displayed in this story - and the title came to me in the shower!
Play It Again - inspired by listening to the radio while driving one time (don't remember the song!) and my friend's account of visiting Hecla Island (in Manitoba) for a conference.
Wind Over Marshdale - inspired by my hometown of Mossbank, various real life 'characters' we met in our many moves, and an interest in Native spirituality as it relates to Christianity after many lively discussions with several Indigenous friends who have strong views on all sides of the debate.
Neighbours Series 1 - inspired by 'people watching' in airports and coffee shops along with conversations with family and friends about 'boom and bust' economic cycles, especially around non-renewable resources and agriculture. Also inspired by Maeve Binchy's style of using multiple POVs to tell one story. Parts of this book were written as a 'nanowrimo' project.
Keeping Up With the Neighbours Series 2 - readers seemed to really like Jed Malloy, a minor character from Series 1, (and I did too!) so I tapped into my many Newfie friends and wrote a whole book about Jed's family. So fun! I love these guys!
Lone Wolf - The question, "But what happened to Thomas?" (from Wind Over Marshdale) kept re-occurring. Plus, I also felt drawn to his character and wanted him to get a happy ending, so I wrote this short novella length sequel.
Three Strand Cord - Ecclesiastics 4:12 (a three strand cord is not easily broken) was the starting point coupled with my observations that close friends and even couples aren't necessarily 'compatible', yet it works somehow, because one person's strengths balance the other's weaknesses. This one also started as a 'nanowrimo' project, too.
And that's just the tip of the iceberg! I've got many more in various stages of 'completeness' - inspired by: my love of science fiction; a conversation with my son about early eastern block hockey players who literally took their lives in their hands by defecting; an idea that came after hearing about a mercy killing on the news; a drive along a windy road full of switchbacks... the list goes on! And I didn't even mention my children's book inspired by a song my mother used to sing to us as kids, or some non-fiction based on speaking engagements, or my need to organize my prayer journals, or my plays. Now there is another whole blog post!
Some people think I'm full of energy because, from appearances, it looks like I'm quite productive. Perhaps I am, but it's mostly because my head is so full I have to keep producing in order to let off some of the pressure!
Your stack of many that are 'complete' is very impressive as are the inspirations behind the stories. It always interesting to learn how a book made to print and another reason why I like to start by reading "About the Author" and the "Acknowledgments." There's so much to glean about a writer in those brief sections. Keep on letting off steam, Tracy.
ReplyDeleteThanks Vickie. I intent to!
DeleteTracy,
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your stories, and the stories behind them. I look forward to seeing where God provides inspiration next :)
Thanks Ruth. Who knows where? Behind a rock perhaps?
DeleteI enjoyed reading about all of your stories and what inspired them. You are a very prolific writer, Tracy! I read your novel, My Mother the Man-Eater, a while back and found it a delightful read. I plan on reading more of your work in the future. Like you, I found it hard to restrict my blog to "the story behind the story" of only one of my short stories, but I finally settled on just one to share.
ReplyDeleteAnd I enjoyed reading about it, too. (Commenting the day after...)
DeleteI love the energetic tone of your blog here, Tracy, and some how it suits you. Thanks for the inspiration that says, "There are stories everywhere. Just pick one and write." I enjoy reading fiction, but when it comes to writing, non-fiction feels like more solid ground for me.
ReplyDeleteWow, you have been busy in life Tracy. Such a line of published works. To know you are also a "people watcher" caused me to snicker. I do the same thing when I go to coffee shops. Your enthusiasm is heart lifting. Thank you for being such an inspiration to me my friend. Bless you!
DeleteThanks to both Alan and Sharon for commenting. As you probably concur, it always means alot to get comments. I'm glad God decided to make both fiction and non fiction writers. :) God bless!
DeleteOh Tracy, I smiled as I read your line that you have to keep producing because your head is so full!! As Vicki said-keep releasing the steam!
ReplyDeleteTracy, keep your heart strong and your health vibrant so we get to read all the stories you've still got to share.
ReplyDelete