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Tracy Ahrens has been a professional journalist and editor since 1992. She is a writer for several Chicago-area publications and has published two children’s books and one non-fiction book. Over the years she has won 40 journalism awards locally, statewide and nationally. She is a member of the Illinois Womans Press Association and the National Federation of Press Women. See her web site at tracyahrens.weebly.com

Thank you Tracy for taking the time to answer some questions for us!  To start, please tell us about the latest project you've worked on.

I have published three books, two children's books by Guardian Angel Publishing with the titles "Cloud Jumpers" and "What if the Moon...?"  I have also published, last year, a non-fiction book titled "Giant Hero" which is the first book available focused on a family that lost their son, Titus, to Potter's Syndrome.

Have you received any awards for your work?

We won a second-place award through the Illinois Woman’s Press Association Mate E. Palmer Communications Contest, May 16, 2009 in the category of Non-Fiction books.

Do you also do speaking engagements, or seminars?

I am open for book signings and the lady I wrote Giant Hero for, Angie Bellephant, is available for speaking engagements about the book.

How has your education, profession or background helped you in your writing career? Or conversely, how has you writing success helped you in your  profession?

Being a professional journalist has helped me continue my writing passion.

What kind of other works (books, scripts, poems etc.) have you had published?

I have published several poems in chapbooks across the country.

What will your next project be?

I am currently putting the finishing touches on a book consisting of columns I've had published in newspapers and one magazine. It is about raising my furry children. It will also contain images of many pet portraits I have created over the years. I have a traditional publisher for this book project. We hope to have it available to the public in 2010.

Who inspires you on a personal or business level?

Ray Bradbury, my former college instructor Dr. Loren Logsdon, and a wide variety of people who have touched my life personally and professionally.

What type of work is the most rewarding or satisfying for you?

Writing feature stories. Helping people through the written word. And, inspiring people with art.

What can you recommend for writers who are just getting started and are trying to make a name for themselves?

Keep trying. Don't give up when rejection letters come. For a ton of rejections, you will some day get a positive one.

How did you get started as a writer?

I was always writing short stories as a teenager, and poems. But I did so privately. In college I loved English and became an English major, with a desire to be a journalist. I initially wanted to be a veterinarian, but I switched majors in college and chose to help people and animals with the written word, along with volunteering.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

Being a journalist it involves writing, interviewing, researching, editing, etc. It's never dull.

Who is your favorite writer/author?

Ray Bradbury, Ernest Hemingway, and a wide variety of others.

Finally, a most important question: what was the last song you sang out loud when you were by yourself?  :)

A show tune I'm sure, i'm always singing to the pets at home. They seem to enjoy it. I'm a musician, too.

Thank you Tracy! We wish you great success with your upcoming book about your pets!