Eric Woods, Author

Follow T.L. Brown!

Website: https://writertracybrown.com  
Newsletter: http://eepurl.com/huAsfz  
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/T.L.-Brown/e/B08LR3T5KM     
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TLBrown  
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writertracybrown/

Questions:
1. Tell our readers a little about yourself and your writing (including publications).
My name is Tracy, and I write under the name T.L. Brown. I’m an indie author, and I released my first book in 2020. Although my first published series was a lighthearted paranormal mystery trilogy, I’m also the author of the adult dark fantasy Bellerose Witchline books, A Thin Witchline Between Love & Hate (book 1) and Crossing the Witchline (book 2). I’m in the process of writing the third installment in the series now.

I was surprised—then excited—when Amazon stuck my two Bellerose Witchline books into the Dark Fantasy Horror category. Although I hadn’t intended to write horror, and arguably, my books skirt the edge of the category, I realized there are some scenes and situations that certainly fit the bill. I like to think I write adult dark fantasy with elements of horror.

My last published work was a novella collaboration with dark fantasy author Rose J. Fairchild. We took a character from my Bellerose Witchline series (Sebastian) and one from her Taste of Faerie series (Rose) and created Faerie Fire & Demon Desire: A Darkly Delicious Correspondence. Again, I wanted to try something different—the novella is adults-only with steam and heat. Fairchild is a delight to write alongside.  

2. What writing projects are you currently working on?
I just finished a short story called The Possession of Keturah Mourn, a dark and menacing tale about loneliness and obsession. It’s planned for the next Tales From Deranged Minds anthology compiled by author Ray Bush. I believe it will be released in February 2025. As mentioned above, I’m also working on the third book in my Bellerose Witchline series, Walking a Fine Witchline. Writing this dark fantasy is taking longer than I anticipated, but the complexity of the plot line and the deepening of character relationships have forced me to spend more time crafting the “right” story.

It’s a balance. A writer wants to get great books into readers’ hands as quickly as possible—especially in a series. Writing Walking a Fine Witchline has taught me that sometimes, the story that’s unfolding will dictate the time it takes to write it.

3. Are you a daytime writer, a mid-day writer, a nighttime writer, or just someone who writes when the mood hits you?
When I was younger, I was a nighttime writer, but I’ve changed. When I have a day off, my most productive time is from 3pm to about 7-7:30pm. I work full-time, so I carve out short bursts of time here and there. It’s not unusual to find me typing a scene into my phone during lunch to drop into my manuscript later.

4. Do you have a writing “Bucket List” (goals you want to accomplish as a writer)?
Wow! What a great question. Finding the courage to publish my first book was a significant step for me. And like most authors (all authors?), I’d love to draw an income from my writing that would allow me to quit my day job and write fiction full-time.

This might seem odd, but it would be awesome to have created stories and characters that are so compelling and/or beloved that readers develop fan art and write their own fan fiction celebrating them. Of course, I’ll also happily accept a movie deal or an offer to produce a series based on my books. Any directors or producers out there reading this? 🙂

5. What are your favorite book genres?
As a reader, I choose books from different genres—it depends on my mood. I love magical realism. As a writer, I enjoy creating dark contemporary fantasy that is geared to mature audiences (18+ years). 

6. HORROR FANS: What was the first horror movie you ever saw? What is your favorite horror movie? What is the worst horror movie you have ever seen?
I’m not sure if I remember the first horror movie I watched. It was probably one of the Friday the 13th movies when I was young—maybe Friday the 13th: A New Beginning. I can guarantee my mother had no idea I was watching it.

A favorite horror movie is harder to choose. Movies like Coppola’s Bram Stoker’s Dracula are so visually appealing, but movies where you can hear but not see what’s there—like M. Night Shyamalan’s The Village (loved that movie!) or The Blair Witch Project—are the ones that really get under my skin.

Worst horror flick? Easy. The one Texas Chainsaw Massacre (not the original) I was forced to watch as a teen. I was grossed out for months.

7. Do you have any “rules” when you write? (EX for me: the dog never dies!)
Yes! I have rules involving torture scenes. If I include one, it *has* to make sense for the plot and would likely involve an element of magic. There is a “demonstration” in A Thin Witchline Between Love & Hate that’s been called a torture scene. While there is physical pain, there is more emotional anguish involved.

I avoid scenes involving animal, elder, and child abuse. I’m not interested in writing about those things.

8. What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a writer?
In the beginning, you’ll probably seek out guidance to make sure you’re “doing it right.” That’s natural, but keep in mind that not everyone is offering the best advice or direction. Even the experts—self-appointed and actual—can be wrong. If you’re inclined to incorporate someone’s opinion or direction into your writing practice, take some time to think about it. Learn to listen to your inner voice.

At the end of the day, write the story you want to tell! Write what’s in your heart and gut—no matter your worries over what people may think. Write honestly. Be fearless. YOU are an artist.