I began writing as a reporter for my local paper after graduating from the University of Texas at Austin. I covered health, education and crime. I won several awards, including the Texas Press Association for best feature writing. I later worked in media relations for local law enforcement agencies, which really fueled my interest in crime, especially victims' rights.
Once I was diagnosed with epilepsy, I could no longer drive and began working from home. My first book (soon to be released as an e-book) will be based on my experience with epilepsy and how it has changed my life. I'm calling it "I'm Not Crazy, I Have Epilepsy." Don't expect it to be your typical "living well with..." book. Those are valuable and I applaud the people who write them, but they are plentiful. Let's face the facts, though: living with a chronic condition, be it epilepsy, diabetes, depression or anything else, just plain sucks much of the time. It especially sucks when that condition is "invisible" to the outside world -- you look normal, so people don't know just how serious something like epilepsy can be. It can, in fact, be deadly. This book is for the people who know that and want to quit acting like martyrs. Yes, we get on with our lives and make the best of them, but there are days when it's easier to hide under the covers. Still, we fight on.
My second book is a collection of crime scenes that linger with me, and why I believe they do so. Again, this is drawn from my own life and work, but after talking with many therapists (and many friends over margaritas), I'm convinced the only way to get past this traumatic period is through talking (or rather, writing) about it. Since I tend to shut down when it comes to the hard questions, I'm not doing myself or anyone else any good. Perhaps sharing these difficult experiences with you readers, who may have been through your own traumas, might help us all. Or not. Let's try it out together. My low point came when my niece was murdered, so I know a bit of how how you feel may feel. I'm no therapist, but I've dealt with my share. Of course, names have been changed to protect privacy.
Finally, I get to my favorite writing subject: fiction. I have a series, the first of which is tentatively titled "Stalked: A Suspense Novel." It's a crime/suspense thriller set in Austin. I plan to publish it as an e-book and in paperback. Both will be available from Amazon and other online bookstores and you can preview downloads here free. Please check the NEWS section soon for more information, and my blog for book reviews and direct sales. While I set up the "BRAIN BUZZ" blog on here, please visit my established blog at http://www.TracyLKarol.blogspot.com
