• Writing Chronicle

    Why did I Unpublished My Debut Novel and Released a Second Edition?

    After four years of crafting my fantastical fae story, I finally did it. I published my debut novel. It should have felt like the finish line. But it didn’t. Almost immediately, something felt off. I had a quiet, persistent feeling that I couldn’t ignore. Looking back, I can see where things went wrong. Somewhere along the way, I started listening to outside advice. What a story should have, what readers might expect, what I might be missing. And in doing that, I stopped listening to my own characters. When I began the first edition, I was so excited about how my story was coming together that I ignored the major…

  • Writing Chronicle

    Where did my Characters Come From?

    I’ve often been asked how I create my characters and choose their names. One of my favorite parts of writing is dreaming up names for my beloved fae characters. My process begins with visual inspiration by searching the internet for pictures that spark my imagination. I don’t limit myself to a specific type of fae or particular wing colors; instead, I let the image guide me. When I find a photo or illustration that resonates, the character is born. With their appearance in mind, I turn to character name generators and fantasy name lists, blending and reshaping names until I create something truly unique. Now the surface work is done.…

  • Writing Chronicle

    How I Survived the Messy Middle of Writing The Fae Sisters

    My writing process is… well, probably not what anyone expects. I’m not organized. I don’t write in order. I don’t follow one single “approved” method. I guess you could say I’m mostly a pantser. I don’t outline much, and even though I watched countless hours of YouTube advice, I rarely followed it exactly as told. So how did I actually finish my debut fantasy novel, The Fae Sisters, and publish it? It took four years, determination, and a life that never slowed down. I work full-time. I’ve been married for thirty-five years. I’m a mom of two and a grandma. My time is limited—just like so many writers who dream…

  • Writing Chronicle

    Using Social Media

    I have truly enjoyed creating short videos to promote my debut novel, The Fae Sisters. Using excerpts from a few chapters, I’ve been able to turn moments from the story into fun, engaging videos for social media. Along the way, I’ve also learned about copyright music and how to use it commercially without risking a copyright strike. This creative journey has taught me so much, not just about storytelling, but about the business side of being an author as well. If you’ve been curious about the world of the fae, I’d love for you to follow along and join me on this journey. Enjoy the video. https://youtube.com/shorts/Kh-Uk2E3ksg?si=BoNH-2RZ7xgcIoWl

  • Writing Chronicle

    Behind the scene – Gift for the Beta Readers–Making a bookmark

    When my book was published on November 29, 2025, I knew I wanted to thank my beta readers with something meaningful, something more than just a signed copy. After playing with a few ideas, a handmade bookmark felt like the perfect keepsake to go along with my debut novel. I am so grateful that I found the small group of ladies who offered their genuine feedback throughout my writing journey. Their insight helped shape this story more than you know. This small token is just a little thank you for your incredible support. This is the finished product. What do you think? Enjoy the video.

  • Writing Chronicle

    Why the fae?

    Hello, my name is Tracy Marie, and I love reading about faraway lands and colorful characters. My story began when I was daydreaming about what would happen if the fae were trapped on Earth and a teenage girl found her. I was so excited by the idea that I headed to my office, sat down at my computer and began clicking away on the keyboard. But soon the doubts crept in. The plot had holes (craters, actually) and the characters suddenly went quiet on me. They didn’t want to be stuck in a tree waiting for a human to come along and free them. That wasn’t their story, and they…