Tracie O’Neil Horton grew up in a small town in upstate New York and now resides in a country home in Virginia. After joining the Army at age eighteen, she became a Korean voice interceptor for Military Intelligence. K 3 is her debut novel.

1) First, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me! When did you know that writing is what you were called to do? What is it about being a writer that you love the most? What about being a writer frustrates you the most?

Hello Jimmetta. Thank you so much for taking the time with me. I have always loved reading, so I love to write. I have been winning competitions since high school. I love writing about what will make people talk. I love being descriptive, letting people see the story in their minds as they read. The frustrating part about writing is when you must step back and wonder what happens next. It can take days to finish a chapter.

2) Can you tell us a little about your book(s) and where our readers can find out more about them and you?

In K 3 the KKK infiltrates the military and the government up to the presidency. It is a political thriller that will keep the reader on the edge of his/her seat. K 3 can be found on amazon and anywhere books are sold. https://www.amazon.com/K-3-Divided-States-America/dp/1977202705/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=&asin=1977202705&revisionId=&format=4&depth=1.

You can also find it on my FB page https://www.facebook.com/tracieoneilhorton

3) What projects are you currently working on?

Working very hard to find a scriptwriter and producer. Too many people have told me they want to see the movie!

4) What has been your most significant achievement as a writer thus far? Where do you see yourself within your career in the next five years?

Last year I received the Communicator Award for Distinction in Writing. I am beyond honored at having won.

5) How have you dealt with rejection within your writing career?

Rejection is not easy, but I have to keep plugging along. K 3 is an important story with an important message. The characters come to life in K 3. It is very difficult being self-published. If literary agents would read the book before saying no to an unknown author, life would be easier.

6) Do you have a schedule for when you write? Do you outline your novels? How long does it generally take you to finish a novel?

I have no schedule. I work two jobs, so I have no time. I am praying every day that K 3 will reach more people and more outlets so I can stop working and focus more on writing. I did outline K 3. There are so many characters, I had to outline and keep track of their character traits to keep them steady throughout the book.

7) Do you believe that there is ever a point in life where it’s too late for an aspiring writer to become successful in this industry? Do you feel a late start would hinder their chances?

It is NEVER too late. Believe in you and what you can do. People are capable of anything at any age.

8) Are you an avid reader and have you always been? What’s the first book you ever read that really touched you emotionally and moved you? Who is your favorite author? What book are you currently reading?

I have read so many books I can’t count them all. I am currently reading The Wish by Nicholas Sparks. I read all genres. I found Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell a very moving story. She used historical fiction to tell the tale of a segment of history in our country.

9) The Pandemic was a challenging time for some writers and creative individuals but also for others it was time that they needed to focus on their creative passions. Which side of that spectrum do you fall on? Are there any lessons or nuggets of wisdom that you gained during the Pandemic that help you within your writing career? Did the quarantine stifle your creativity or did it make you even more driven to get things done?

The Pandemic was such an emotional time, wasn’t it? We live in a world where we think modern technology could never let anything like the plague or smallpox or polio hurt us. But it sure did, big time. I had to work remotely for a long time. I used that time to advertise K3 and get it out there as much as I could.

10) What are your thoughts about how the publishing industry as it is being represented today? Do you lean more towards traditional publishing or self-publishing as a preference? Does being a hybrid author interest you?

Being self published is so hard. Trying to find an agent to take on an unknown is no picnic either. As K 3 gains more exposure, I will continue to try the traditional route. It seems the best way to get the attention my book deserves.

11) I feel like writing is a remarkable tool to help people not only express themselves, but also to cope emotionally and mentally. I know for me I write to be and feel more authentic. What unique quality is there about you, about your art, that you feel represents your authenticity? How does writing help you to be more empowered in your purpose?

I like doing research on what I am writing about. For instance, part 1 of K 3 is based on historical fiction. In part 2 of K 3, wolves, and horses play an important role in the story. I did a lot of research before putting things in writing. I guess I did a good job, because people have told me K 3 is believable. And with the particular story, believable is scary.