All About Tracy

I have always been an avid reader, lugging around an armful of books at any given time, spending many nights buried in a story when I should be sleeping, or hiding in my bathtub for a few stolen precious moments. Stories have cushioned my life and opened my mind, creating and molding the person I am today.

In an alternate universe, also known as the day job, I work as a licensed mental health therapist for adults struggling with issues ranging from depression and anxiety to substance abuse. I have a Bachelor’s of Arts in English from WVU, and a Master of Social Work from The Catholic University of America.

When I decided to give writing a try, I discovered another way to escape, only this time it was in my own imagination. Now a’days I can be found with fingers flying over my keyboard, my head still buried in a book, or sitting in public, a far away look in my eye as I play out potential scene after scene in my cluttered yet soaring mind.

I was born and raised in wild and wonderful, mystical and magical West Virginia, and now live in equally captivating Virginia with my family and three rescue pets—Lila-da-Bean, rescue pup extraordinaire and representative of all things perfect in the world, and Lucy and Fred, rescue cats, partners in shadowy crime, and representatives of all things sly and sneaky. In a clear and definitive response to my struggle with the ongoing pandemic, I adopted fab Frenchie, Edward Cullen, because snuggling four pets is more therapeutic than snuggling three.

Time to Chat

Here are a few random, mildly interesting facts about me:
I love to read. I don’t feel, or act, my age. I don’t suffer fools and I really do believe life is a journey. It has to be interesting and active. Don’t be a passive participant, whether times are good or bad. Just live.

What college did I attend and what did I major in?
I obtained a B.A. in English from West Virginia University-Go ‘EERS!-and an M.S.W. from The Catholic University of America. Don’t remember that mascot but it was a great experience.

What do I do when I’m not writing?
Read. Plot about what to write. Read. Cook. Fantasize about how much better shape I’d be in if I’d just exercise. Hang out with my husband. Take care of my kids. Dance to really loud music when no one else is around. Research tiny apartments for rent in Paris.

Favorite places on earth?
Southern West Virginia, The Shenandoah Valley in Virginia, Pawleys Island, SC, Bermuda, Paris.

Final question. Five things fans may not know about me:

• I marched in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade as a cheerleader.
• I used to compete in gymnastics.
• My beloved childhood pet was a rotten pug named Odus.
• Close friends call me ‘Tracy Lea’.
• I loathe the smell of wet cereal.