Traci Hunter Abramson
Novel Threat
In a world of covert codes, two CIA operatives must infiltrate a New York publishing house, where every word on the page could be a weapon.
The Writer’s Dossier – The Traci Hunter Abramson interview
DOSSIER: What happened to make you hate shoes so much? The last time we were talking, (surrounded by a hundred people I should add), you were barefoot. Before you answer, know that I’m with ya on this one.
ABRAMSON: So I don’t exactly hate shoes. I just hate wearing them. (This might explain my closet full of shoes that all look brand new.) As for the reasons I’m barefoot more often than not, I grew up in Arizona, I’m a swimmer, and I was a lifeguard. So basically, I have lots of reasons to consider shoes an optional accessory. Kicking them off under the table is instinctive, and I often choose to take a blister-prevention approach when doing a lot of walking.
Luke Steele is here
DOSSIER: It only takes a second of research to see that you’re a flat-out writer based on the many multi-book series you’ve published. What’s different about this new Luke Steele series you’ve started with HOMETOWN VENDETTA, and where do you see yourself going with it?
ABRAMSON: Hometown Vendetta is my first hardback and my first book with Shadow Mountain. This one is a bit different for me because it will follow the two main characters, Luke Steele (a White House military aide to the president) and Amberlyn Reiner (an FBI special agent), over the course of the series. Many of my other series are a collection of companion novels. Right now, we are planning for a four-book series, but I’ve been known to extend series when the characters (and readers) decided the story wasn’t finished yet.
Writing and walking?
DOSSIER: When and where do you like to write and what environment works best? Is there music, silence, a swimming pool … your very own wing of the Whitney Center for book awards?
ABRAMSON: I know this may sound strange to a lot of people, but my favorite place to write is while I’m walking on the treadmill. I also have an exercise bike with a built-in desk, so I usually spend about an hour every day writing there as well. Beyond my workout writing time, I’ll write anywhere—at home, by the pool, in airports and on airplanes, at the park, at red lights that take too long. And in case you were wondering, my Whitney awards still fit on the shelf above my desk, so they haven’t quite scored their own room yet. 🙂
How awards can open doors
DOSSIER: Speaking of Whitney Awards, some say that the jury is out on how much they help a writer sell books. You’ve certainly written and sold a lot of books, so what’s your take on the subject? Are you tired of clearing out space for your trophy room? You’re killing it!
ABRAMSON: Thanks! I’m not sure awards help authors sell books, but I think they can open doors to other aspects of the writing world. I suspect that some of my keynote opportunities arose in part because the awards I won or was short-listed for brought me to someone’s attention. That, and it can be hard to miss the person who’s walking around a writer’s conference barefoot.
CIA reads books all day
DOSSIER: When you submit your works to the CIA, as you have to as a former employee, do you remind them that you’re a legendary award-winning author, or do they see your name on the return address and say, “Huh, Traci just finished number forty-five, and I get to read it. Man, I love my job!”
ABRAMSON: The CIA’s Publication Classification Review Board is very professional in all their dealings with me, but I’m sure when they get each manuscript, they’re all saying, “Man, I love my job!” I mean, why wouldn’t they? They get to read books all day.
Cranking it out
DOSSIER: Do you have any breaking news or special announcement you’d like to disclose in your Dossier?
ABRAMSON: I probably have more announcements than anyone in this profession should, but I’ll keep it simple and just give you my releases for the next six months.
Royal Duty – Just released
Hometown Vendetta – October 1, 2024
Fashion Turns Deadly (co-authored with Sian Ann Bessey) – November 19, 2024
Reconnect – March 4, 2025
Novel Threat – April 1, 2025
Now tell me the truth. Am I writing too much?
DOSSIER: Not at all! We can do this all day, Traci! Can’t wait for your next Dossier update.
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