Introducing Tracy Parker

Author of The Horriday, Dogs Are Very Important and The New Bed

This is a little different this week; many of the authors I interview I never speak to in person, only on social media. This week, I am introducing someone I worked with at a school. It always amazes me the people who secretly hide their writing ambitions. We are a secret club that should have a special handshake to let others know we write. This, for Tracy, was the fulfilment of a dream, and here is hoping she goes on to write many other books.

Tell us a little about yourself?

I was a teaching professional for quite a few years, I started off in primary education then I moved on to spend the last 10 years working with SEMH children and young adults. It has been a great experience and I have gained so much from it. I have 3 boys myself so have been kept on my toes all round really!

What made you become a writer?

I have always had lots of ideas but finally had the time to get them down on paper and I am really starting to enjoy it. I like getting people to use their imaginations to explore things so it’s enjoyable for me too.

Where did the idea for the books come from?

My own family, children and our real life lived in experiences, their characters and sense of humour all blends in to make me write for them. When my oldest two boys were little they got bored of the same stories so I used to make them up and they would make me repeat the ones they enjoyed

What are the books about? 

The first two books I have written are for young children one is about the importance of dogs in our lives and how they can save us from ourselves! I love dogs and see what my own two dogs have done for me so I wanted to share it with others.

The second book was a story I used to tell my oldest son, it enabled him to dream about the future and realise that he can have a future that he wanted.

I am now writing a book for older children around age 13 and it's a spooky and much longer story so we will see!

Tell us about your main characters are they based on anyone you know? 

Yes The characters are a blend of the things that I see in people, some resemble my own children too.

What tips would you give a new writer? 

Just do it, if you have an idea get some notes down and write it as if you were telling it to the audience you want to listen or read it. Think about adventure always, the rest will follow!

What are your favourite books? 

I love true crime books, thrillers, scary books and gothic romance.

Where can we find you on social media?

I am on all major platforms, Facebook, Instagram, X, Tik tok!