Traci Borum's Blog, page 8
February 7, 2015
Book Trailer!
I'm so excited about the upcoming release of Book 2, Finding the Rainbow. It should be released in early March, available for pre-order soon.
Until then, here's the book's trailer. Thanks to Mary Fan and John Hobart of Scorpio Productions for their hand in this. I love how it turned out!
Until then, here's the book's trailer. Thanks to Mary Fan and John Hobart of Scorpio Productions for their hand in this. I love how it turned out!
February 2, 2015
BOOK 2 - Coming Soon!
I spoke with my publisher last week, and it's possible that Book 2 in the Chilton Crosse series--Finding the Rainbow--will be released in early March. A month away! The book is in the final stages of proofreading and then will go through formatting. I'll be sure to post the release date as we get closer.
Squee!
Here's a little teaser, created by my friend, Jen Printy. The book centers around Holly Newbury, raising her three younger sisters (with some romance too, as Holly meets a handsome American who comes to the village). There's a strong Jane Austen undertone in this novel...
Squee!
Here's a little teaser, created by my friend, Jen Printy. The book centers around Holly Newbury, raising her three younger sisters (with some romance too, as Holly meets a handsome American who comes to the village). There's a strong Jane Austen undertone in this novel...
December 20, 2014
End-of-year Reflections
It's natural to approach the holidays with a certain wistfulness--a looking behind, a looking ahead. An assessment, a taking stock. Where have I been and where am I going?
As I glance backward at this past year, it's been busy, challenging, surreal, and overall amazing. Publication-wise, my first novel, Painting the Moon, was published via Red Adept, an incredible group of professionals and experts. My friends and family have been more supportive than I'd even dreamed. I even had a book party launch in July, complete with book posters, a signing, and a cake with my cover on display!
As well, I've edited two books, and Book 2 in the series will soon be released (end of January or early February). I can't believe I just typed that sentence. Especially after 20 years of rejections (for various novels) with frustrating close calls and heartbreaking "almosts." But then, finally, came a "YES!" and away we went.
Also, this holiday season, I'm still feeling the tangible grief from my father's passing in September of 2013, and this will be my second Christmas without him. And though he never got to see my novels in print, he read all three in this series and was aware that my dream of getting published had finally been fulfilled. That's special to me.
Looking ahead, I see busy days as a full-time writing teacher and full-time author. I'm thrilled by the hopeful possibility of publishing Book 3 in future days, as well as writing Book 4 during my summer break. Busy days. Good days. Blessed days.
So, this holiday season, wherever you are and whatever your life looks like, even through the ups and downs, I wish you peace and comfort and joy. And good days ahead.
As I glance backward at this past year, it's been busy, challenging, surreal, and overall amazing. Publication-wise, my first novel, Painting the Moon, was published via Red Adept, an incredible group of professionals and experts. My friends and family have been more supportive than I'd even dreamed. I even had a book party launch in July, complete with book posters, a signing, and a cake with my cover on display!
As well, I've edited two books, and Book 2 in the series will soon be released (end of January or early February). I can't believe I just typed that sentence. Especially after 20 years of rejections (for various novels) with frustrating close calls and heartbreaking "almosts." But then, finally, came a "YES!" and away we went.
Also, this holiday season, I'm still feeling the tangible grief from my father's passing in September of 2013, and this will be my second Christmas without him. And though he never got to see my novels in print, he read all three in this series and was aware that my dream of getting published had finally been fulfilled. That's special to me.
Looking ahead, I see busy days as a full-time writing teacher and full-time author. I'm thrilled by the hopeful possibility of publishing Book 3 in future days, as well as writing Book 4 during my summer break. Busy days. Good days. Blessed days.
So, this holiday season, wherever you are and whatever your life looks like, even through the ups and downs, I wish you peace and comfort and joy. And good days ahead.
November 25, 2014
Book 2 Update
Whew! I submitted my final line edits to the publisher last week. Feeling really good about them, thankful for my editors and their suggestions.
Although I don't have a release date yet, it's looking like the book will be released in January or maybe February. I can't wait! This whole experience is so surreal. And, especially during this Thanksgiving week, I feel nothing but gratitude. After years of waiting, of writing, of submitting, of sustaining rejections, I can't believe it's finally happening. Two books released in a year's time.
Someone pinch me!
And really, talking about Book 2 is just a hidden excuse to post my beautiful cover again. The folks at Streetlight did such an amazing job. I just want to crawl in and live there for awhile...
Although I don't have a release date yet, it's looking like the book will be released in January or maybe February. I can't wait! This whole experience is so surreal. And, especially during this Thanksgiving week, I feel nothing but gratitude. After years of waiting, of writing, of submitting, of sustaining rejections, I can't believe it's finally happening. Two books released in a year's time.
Someone pinch me!
And really, talking about Book 2 is just a hidden excuse to post my beautiful cover again. The folks at Streetlight did such an amazing job. I just want to crawl in and live there for awhile...
October 13, 2014
My Article Got Published!
I just got word that an article I submitted to the "Guide to Literary Agents" blog (part of Writer's Digest) was posted yesterday.
The inspiration for my topic came as I was editing Painting the Moon. I'd written the novel a few years back, when texting wasn't so rampant or important to people. But now, it is. So I needed to update and modernize some of the scenes---add some technology!
Anyway, here's the link to the article.
The inspiration for my topic came as I was editing Painting the Moon. I'd written the novel a few years back, when texting wasn't so rampant or important to people. But now, it is. So I needed to update and modernize some of the scenes---add some technology!
Anyway, here's the link to the article.
October 6, 2014
Cover Reveal!
My publisher just unveiled the cover for my new novel, Finding the Rainbow.
Tah-dah!
I had no doubt that the team at Streetlight Graphics would do an amazing job. Also thanks to Michelle, Kris, and Lynn, for making this cover a reality. I particularly love the colors and that big beautiful English estate. And the rainbow. Okay, I love all of it. :-)
And just look how perfectly it goes along with Book 1's cover:
Publication date for Finding the Rainbow, TBA...very likely in December. I'll keep you posted!
Tah-dah!
I had no doubt that the team at Streetlight Graphics would do an amazing job. Also thanks to Michelle, Kris, and Lynn, for making this cover a reality. I particularly love the colors and that big beautiful English estate. And the rainbow. Okay, I love all of it. :-)
And just look how perfectly it goes along with Book 1's cover:
Publication date for Finding the Rainbow, TBA...very likely in December. I'll keep you posted!
September 25, 2014
Update on Book 2
I spoke with my publisher today, and things are on track for Book 2 in my Chilton Crosse series! Here's what I know:
Title: Finding the Rainbow
The cover art has been discussed (I cannot wait to see what the geniuses at Street Light Graphics will come up with!), a blurb is being formulated, and I'm heading into line edits this week (I've already finished content edits).
Tentative release: December 2014
So exciting!!
Title: Finding the Rainbow
The cover art has been discussed (I cannot wait to see what the geniuses at Street Light Graphics will come up with!), a blurb is being formulated, and I'm heading into line edits this week (I've already finished content edits).
Tentative release: December 2014
So exciting!!
August 4, 2014
Hometown Paper!
I grew up in a West Texas town called San Angelo, from age six to twenty-one. I haven't been back for years, but a piece of my heart is still there. Those were my formative years -- church and school, choir and band, summer camps and holidays. In that town, I discovered my love for writing. In that town, I listened to sermons and lessons from Sunday School teachers that have stayed with me. In that town, I made friendships that are still valuable to me today. At twenty-one, I moved away, but San Angelo will always remain important to me.
Those childhood and teenage memories are deeply imbedded. Which is perhaps why I leaned on some of them to write Painting the Moon. Though the character of Adam isn't based on anyone specific, there were some important friendships I formed in San Angelo that I remembered as I wrote Adam and Noelle's flashbacks. Deep late-night talks about God and life, study sessions that lasted for hours, campfires or New Year's parties or school dances, laughing with friends until my sides ached. All these things impacted me in a powerful way, so that when it came time for me to write Adam and Noelle's teenage friendship, it was easy.
And, maybe in a subconscious way, little pieces of my own hometown filtered through to Chilton Crosse (the Cotswold village in my novel). That close-knit feeling of home and family--the sense that your neighbors care about you, have your back, will be there in a pinch. Those strong, deep roots of family and friends.
The lasting effects of hometown relationships became most evident to me last year. Two decades after I left San Angelo, my father passed away (last September) and the outpouring from San Angelo friends was overwhelming---countless cards and emails and phone calls. Some even traveled more than six hours, to East Texas, to attend the funeral. Just to support our family. I will never forget that.
So this particular article, a hometown article, is very special to me. Thanks to Chelsea, from San Angelo LIVE!, for the interview.
Link here
Those childhood and teenage memories are deeply imbedded. Which is perhaps why I leaned on some of them to write Painting the Moon. Though the character of Adam isn't based on anyone specific, there were some important friendships I formed in San Angelo that I remembered as I wrote Adam and Noelle's flashbacks. Deep late-night talks about God and life, study sessions that lasted for hours, campfires or New Year's parties or school dances, laughing with friends until my sides ached. All these things impacted me in a powerful way, so that when it came time for me to write Adam and Noelle's teenage friendship, it was easy.
And, maybe in a subconscious way, little pieces of my own hometown filtered through to Chilton Crosse (the Cotswold village in my novel). That close-knit feeling of home and family--the sense that your neighbors care about you, have your back, will be there in a pinch. Those strong, deep roots of family and friends.
The lasting effects of hometown relationships became most evident to me last year. Two decades after I left San Angelo, my father passed away (last September) and the outpouring from San Angelo friends was overwhelming---countless cards and emails and phone calls. Some even traveled more than six hours, to East Texas, to attend the funeral. Just to support our family. I will never forget that.
So this particular article, a hometown article, is very special to me. Thanks to Chelsea, from San Angelo LIVE!, for the interview.
Link here
July 30, 2014
BLOG TOUR
My wonderful publisher, Red Adept, has set up an extensive three-week blog tour for PAINTING THE MOON. It was loads of fun, writing guest posts and answering interview questions!
From time-to-time, I'll post some of the links here as the tour moves forward.
Here's an interview from Indie-View. I had a blast answering writer-centered questions.
Click the link!
From time-to-time, I'll post some of the links here as the tour moves forward.
Here's an interview from Indie-View. I had a blast answering writer-centered questions.
Click the link!
July 22, 2014
Book 2 - Under Contract!
A couple of weeks ago, I received a call from my publisher. They've accepted Book 2 in my Chilton Crosse series! I'm ecstatic.
I'll start edits in the next couple of weeks, and if all goes well, the book could be available as soon as the holidays.
Book 2 focuses on Holly, Frank's assistant at the gallery. In some ways, this book is lighter than Painting the Moon, more joyful. Perhaps it's the Jane Austen overtones weaved throughout the plot.
Here's a little teaser-blurb:
Life seems nothing more than a quick succession of busy nothings. ~Jane Austen
This is precisely how Holly Newbury would sum up her life.
At twenty-eight, she lives in a charming-but-touristy Cotswold village, serving as caretaker to three younger sisters—a rewarding job, but a tedious one. Soon, though, news of a Jane Austen movie filming nearby creates a snap of change in the air. The villagers become involved as movie extras, and Holly starts up an Emma book club in honor of the film. At the same time, Holly's own family drama plays out—her sisters experience heartaches and growing pains, while her widowed father finds new love in an unexpected place.
The film also brings with it an American screenwriter named Fletcher Hays, who ends up becoming Holly's very own "Mr. Knightley." But will she realize it too late?
I'll start edits in the next couple of weeks, and if all goes well, the book could be available as soon as the holidays.
Book 2 focuses on Holly, Frank's assistant at the gallery. In some ways, this book is lighter than Painting the Moon, more joyful. Perhaps it's the Jane Austen overtones weaved throughout the plot.
Here's a little teaser-blurb:
Life seems nothing more than a quick succession of busy nothings. ~Jane Austen
This is precisely how Holly Newbury would sum up her life.
At twenty-eight, she lives in a charming-but-touristy Cotswold village, serving as caretaker to three younger sisters—a rewarding job, but a tedious one. Soon, though, news of a Jane Austen movie filming nearby creates a snap of change in the air. The villagers become involved as movie extras, and Holly starts up an Emma book club in honor of the film. At the same time, Holly's own family drama plays out—her sisters experience heartaches and growing pains, while her widowed father finds new love in an unexpected place.
The film also brings with it an American screenwriter named Fletcher Hays, who ends up becoming Holly's very own "Mr. Knightley." But will she realize it too late?
