Welcome back to my Author Spotlight series where I shine the light on fabulous authors from around the globe to gain insight into the person behind the writer and peek into their writing world.
Today I chat with award-winning horror writer, Tracy McBride.
Tracie McBride (she/her) is a New Zealander of Ngāpuhi descent who is now also a citizen of Australia. A member of the HWA and the AHWA, her work has appeared in over 100 print and electronic publications, including the Stoker Award-nominated anthologies Horror for Good and Horror Library Volume 5. She has two short story collections in print, Ghosts Can Bleed and Drive, She Said, and her work has won or been shortlisted for various awards including the Sir Julius Vogel Award, the Aurealis Award, and the Shadows Award.
Welcome Tracy
Tell us about yourself. Who is the person behind the writer, and what do you bring from your real life into your stories?
I think the most interesting thing about me is my writing. Otherwise, I am a very ordinary woman, married for 27 years with three adult children. I work part-time as a teacher aide in a primary school, which is the Best. Job. Ever. for me, but doesn’t lend itself well to being used in horror stories. I do, however, like to take snippets from observations or experiences in my life, throw a mask on them and plonk them down completely out of context into a story.
Outside of writing stories, are you involved in any other areas in the writing industry? Eg editor/publisher/blogger etc.
Many years ago, I was involved in running a small indie press. Ultimately, it folded, and I learnt a lot from that. These days, except for sporadic blogging, I stick to my lane.
What does a typical writing day look like?
The genesis of a piece would usually look like a chaotic mind map scrawled on paper as I try to flesh out an idea into something resembling a coherent story. A typical day working on a first draft would be a quiet weekend at home during which I intersperse short bursts of writing (I don’t like to spend more than half an hour at a stretch sitting at a desk, otherwise my body starts to complain) with other tasks.
When you first started writing, did you have a goal, have you met it, and how long did it take?
Not really, no! I’m more of a “shoot first, and then whatever you hit, call it the target” kind of person.
What is your proudest writing achievement?
That’s a hard question to answer, as I am easily excited by even the smallest achievement. Being able to say, “I have two short story collections in print” is probably my favourite, because it is a testament to years of writing and honing my craft.
What did your path to publication look like?
“Write, submit, repeat, persist.”
My first step was to complete a Diploma of Creative Writing, which I think of as a kind of driver’s license for writers. Once I got my P plates, I joined a speculative fiction writers’ group, which was invaluable for me. There is a whole side to writing beyond the craft – finding markets, attending conventions, having good writer etiquette, and so on – that you don’t necessarily learn in a classroom. Then it was simply a matter of write, submit, repeat, persist.
Was there ever a time when you thought you wouldn’t make it as a writer and what kept you going?
I keep going because being creative is good for the soul. Even if I never sell another story, I’ll keep going.
You have several publications. Do you have a favorite, or which was the most fun to write?
I’ve had a few stories included in charity anthologies that sold well and were critically well received – I’m thinking particularly about Horror for Good and Bleed – and that’s always a positive feeling to know you’re contributing to a bigger, better picture.
What effect has writing had on your life and/or those around you?
Writing has widened my horizons immensely. I’ve learned so many new things, and met so many fascinating people. I’m a little scared to ask my family how it’s affected them!
Where can we read more about you and your books?
The links to all the links can be found here: https://linktr.ee/traciemcbride
Final question:
Do you have a furry friend support crew? Who are they and how much do they distract you from writing?
If I had to choose, gun to my head, I’d say I’m a dog person, but we do currently have a cat. Lucille is officially my daughter’s cat, which means she sleeps on my daughter’s bed and I do everything else. Lucille is a great support crew member – she reminds me when it’s dinner time, visits me at my desk now and then for quick welfare checks, and otherwise leaves me to my own devices.
Thank you, Tracie for sharing an insight into your writing life and good luck with your future writing endeavours.
That brings us to the end of today’s Author Spotlight. Learn more about Tracie and her publications via the links above. Perhaps you’ll find your next great read.
Until next time, happy reading.
Pauline Yates 
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