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Now Available Zebra Ballad  Book One American Heiress Series Now Available Zebra Ballad  Book Two American Heiress Series |
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About Tracy CozzensClick below for articles I've written for aspiring authors:Contest Tips | Design Tips | Self-Editing Tips |
 A Little About Me |
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| I've always loved books. I first started writing books in second grade. My teacher discovered my first story, which was about a band of cute animals (hey, I was seven!) who follow a new road only to hit a dead-end. She suggested I read it to the class. Being the smallest, youngest, and shyest kid in class, that was like suggesting I go before a firing squad. So I let her read it.I've since learned it's not so scary sharing my work with others. In fact, it's downright fun! |
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I'm a fan of the show Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Recently, I had the opportunity to meet James Marsters, who plays Spike, my favorite character. Needless to say, I was thrilled! |
When I was a teenager, my sister and I published the first Star Wars fanzine while we waited for the second movie to come out. Meanwhile, I earned a journalism degree from the University of Oregon. Once I graduated, I worked as a newspaper reporter, which gave me a solid foundation in grammar and writing on deadline. But putting people on the spot with tough, probing questions didn't mesh with my personality. Instead, I applied my writing skills in the crazy world of corporate/government public relations. After more than a decade of writing for everyone but myself, I picked up Jude Deveraux's Knight in Shining Armor and fell in love with the romance genre. I devoured historical romances by the truckful (along with squeezing in a medical thriller or suspense here and there). Eventually I had to write one myself. My first novel, The Prince's Bride, was published by Kensington in 1998. Please visit my backlist page to learn about my other novels. I live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest where I often hold booksignings. Please contact me if you are interested in finding out where and when my next signing will be. |
| The Writing Life | |
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I
made a new friend at the Romantic Times Convention in Reno this
summer. Isn't he cute? He was one of the cover model contestants. 
I
often attend booksignings in Oregon and Washington. Here, I'm
signing at the Art in the Vineyard celebration in Eugene, Oregon.| Writing
Awards |
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Romance Writers of America, the national organization for romance writers, recognized me with its top award for unpublished authors in 1998, right before I sold two novels. I was the only three-time finalist in the 1998 Golden Heart competition. My categories and manuscripts were: Long Historical (Star-Crossed), Short Historical (Tempting Heaven), and Paranormal (Arabian Nights). I took home the Long Historical award. I have been honored with several awards, including:
I enjoy serving as a judge in writing contests. In July 1998, I taught a workshop at the RWA National Conference on using contests to advance a writer's career. (Click here for tips on entering writing contests.) In December, I taught an online workshop for the RWA Mystery and Suspense Chapter. |
| My Family |
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Yes, I have one! My wonderful husband Steve of 18 years now (wow, has it been that long?) is a newspaper editor. My son Kellen is a high school student and budding writer. |
