Author Interview with Tracy Tripp ~ New Release: White Noise Whispers

Please help me welcome today’s guest, Tracy Tripp…

What book have you read that you wish you had written?

A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving. I love this story because of the boy’s firm belief in a connection with a higher power and that his life has purpose no matter what the people of the world believe about him. I don’t know how to go about my day without believing there is a higher purpose in everything that happens, even if circumstances don’t make sense at the moment. I have written about stalkers, murderers, adulterers—all sorts of sinful stuff that could destroy a person, but even in my books, there must be a transition in character, a growth that comes out of the horrible deeds. The bad had to eventually serve a purpose. I can’t say that in my life, I don’t have doubts and don’t get frustrated when things don’t go my way, but each morning, I try to reset my mind and strengthen my belief in a higher power and my purpose.

What’s the main thing you could eliminate in your life that would give you more writing time?

Tough question. My writing distractions come in so many forms.

Family—I sit down to write and one of them will call with a need or to chat. Since they are the most important part of my life, I plan on keeping them and the distractions they bring.

Tennis/Exercise—Yes, at times, I play too much, but I firmly believe that exercise and socialization are essential to happiness, so I can’t give it up completely.

Cleaning my house is a necessary evil. I would gladly give this up if my husband allowed me to use a cleaning service.

Meaningless scrolling of my phone—Definitely my meaningless scrolling when bored or having a writer’s block moment should not happen.

How did you come up with the title of your latest book?

My latest book is a crime fiction/murder mystery about a serial killer titled White Noise Whispers. I had a tough time coming up with a title. When this one came to mind, I did not intend to keep it until I met a man on a plane. I was writing on my computer, and toward the end of the flight, the man next to me said, “I hope you don’t mind, but I couldn’t help but notice your title. We used to call the noise in our heads during battle white noise. We discussed the book briefly, and he said he served in Vietnam. The conversation contributed in two ways to the finished product. I kept the name because it resonated with the veteran flying beside me, and the conversation made me empathize with the characters in my story even more. This man’s pain was still evident many years after the battle had ended. When I asked if he would like to be a beta reader, he said that maybe it would help him. There was still so much sadness in his voice. As I wrote about the war scenes, I thought of this stranger on the plane and the wounds he still experienced. I hope my story shows respect for all our veterans and for all they went through fighting for our freedoms.

What do you want readers to come away with after they read White Noise Whispers?

First, with all my books, I want readers to be entertained and then want to tell someone about the story. Second, I hope they felt inspired, healed, or understood somehow because of the characters and storyline within the pages of my book.

How did your interest in writing originate?

Good question. Sometimes, the fact that I write surprises even me. I don’t feel like I have a writer’s personality because writers spend much time alone in their thoughts. I have a very social side, but through time, I have discovered that I also enjoy the reflective side of my mind. Looking back, though, I remember writing even as a child. When I was about ten, I wrote a corny love story called Ice Balls or something similar. It was my only romance story, and it ended with balls of ice falling, which was supposed to be magical. Apparently, I had never heard of hail.

How much of your book is realistic?

I can’t think of any part of White Noise Whispers that is realistic to my own life. The storyline came about differently than my other books. While writing Something Like a Dream and the sequel, Awaken, I searched for a beta reader to help me with the CIA parts. I met Edward Mickolus, a retired CIA officer and prolific writer who graciously agreed to read my story. He immediately changed the letters CIA to FBI and has been a writer friend ever since. After completing those novels, Ed asked me if I would be interested in writing a story with the premise of an investigator solving crimes by hearing voices in a walkie-talkie. I could take the story anywhere I wanted. I took it to the Second Battle of Fallujah, a task requiring much research. On the other hand, my newest novel in the editing phase, Broken Pieces, is about a murder on a farm. Being that I grew up on a dairy farm in New York, I was able to draw a great deal from real-life experiences. This made the writing of the story flow a bit easier, but I do enjoy researching and learning about new subject areas that relate to my stories.

Do you have another occupation other than writer? If so, what is it, and do you like it?

I am a former science and language arts teacher currently substituting mainly in middle schools. If you have raised children, you know that not every day with middle schoolers is lovely. That’s how I feel about subbing in a classroom full of them. When I have a great class and can teach the material, I love it and miss my days of having a classroom. On other days, I leave ready to retire and spend the rest of my life creating stories in the quiet of my home.

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Thank you for the interesting interview, Tracy. Now, about your book…

Blurb:

In the deserts of Iraq, a Marine falls in love with an embedded journalist who questions the war. As he battles with the horrific actions he must commit in the line of duty, the love for the journalist twists into something much darker and sends him spiraling on a path of destruction. Years after the war ends, Detective Jim Castile frantically searches for a serial killer. Each clue brings him dangerously closer to home. When the patient’s and the detective’s worlds collide, Jim Castille’s life is forever changed.

Buy Link:

About the Author:

Tracy Tripp grew up in Upstate New York, where she earned her bachelor’s at the State University at Oswego and master’s degree in education at Buffalo State College, both with a concentration in English. After years of teaching, she decided to stay home with her three children and follow her passion for writing. Tracy has written five novels: Parting Gifts, Still Life, Something Like a Dream, Awaken, and White Noise Whispers. She has also written two children’s books; The Wealthy Frog and Sammy the Snowman. Tracy is a substitute teacher for grades K-12 and enjoys playing tennis in her free time. She lives in Jacksonville, Florida, with her husband and three children. Read more about her works at tracytripp.com.

www.tracytripp.com