Interview Q&A with Tracy Shawn
We present our first exclusive Q&A Interview with Tracy Shawn whose literary works have graced our Spillwords pages and earned her the title of July’s 2025 Author of the Month.
- What does it mean to be selected as Author of The Month?
As so many other authors can attest to, it’s a challenge to get our work into the hands of readers, a welcome occurrence that all the time spent writing, editing, and revising a finished project is fully acknowledged. Receiving this honor, then, serves as both a motivator and an affirmation!
- How have your friends and/or family influenced your writing?
A dear friend encouraged me to write my first novel after reading some of my articles and short stories. She and other close friends and family members have been instrumental in helping me balance the reality of the publishing world, while still championing my goals and dreams.
- What inspires and motivates you to write?
Writing is my passion. Although I suffer from ongoing self-doubt, I can’t imagine giving it up. For me, the motivation comes from the act of doing. I write almost every day, because that’s where the everyday magic comes in. Seeing a story progress, working on plot and character development, plus reading my favorite authors and watching great films continues to spark my creativity and continually inspires my craft.
- Can you tell us about the catalyst that sparked your writing journey?
The first catalyst that sparked my writing journey was an English teacher in junior high who taught creative writing. She appreciated my stories and poems (even in their most rough and raw stages), gave positive feedback, and encouraged me to keep going. I’m eternally grateful for her thoughtfulness and encouragement.
- Please share a glimpse into your writing process.
I do not wait for the muse. Rather, I make myself sit down and write. Though, like my dog who has to circle her bed a couple of times before lying down, I am in the habit of cleaning house before I feel settled enough to write. Oh, and I also make a cup of tea and have a bar of dark chocolate and bowl of salted popcorn on hand to munch on!
- What do you find most fulfilling about the act of writing?
The most fulfilling act of writing for me is trying to create stories people can relate to—stories inspired by struggles and triumphs, stories that I hope resonate for readers.
- How does the use of imagery contribute to conveying your story?
I use imagery to create mood and enhance scenes. I also love researching the symbolism of both manmade objects and the natural world, so I sometimes include specific imagery to highlight a theme.
- What is your favorite reading genre?
Most of what I read includes women’s fiction, book club fiction, contemporary fiction—and most every short story published in The New Yorker.
- What human being has inspired you the most?
My mother, who was a poet. She wrote for friends and family. She wrote through joy and sadness. I am forever inspired by her love of reading and writing.
- What message would you have for the Spillwords Press community that voted for you?
Thank you for your generosity of time and thoughtful support! And for anyone reading this, please know that whatever you’re going through, you’re not alone. Also, no matter your goals, no matter your dreams, measure success by how much time, energy, and joy you pour into whatever you do.
- What would you like your legacy as a writer to be?
That I helped readers feel less alone in this world. That for those quiet moments when people have read my work, they were able to forget about their problems and immerse themselves in the healing act of reading.
- Is there anything else you would like to add?
I am grateful to all who have taken the time to read any of my work, including my short stories, poems, and novels. Thank you. I hope, as a writer, that I have served you well—and will continue to do so!
- Interview Q&A With Tracy Shawn - August 19, 2025
- Devil Wind - July 3, 2025
- We Were All Here - October 10, 2023
