An interview with the author Tracy L. Markley
By Guy Boulianne | On 28/06/2019 | Comments (0)
Here is an interview with Tracy L. Markley, author of several books. Tracy L. Markley has been working and studying in the fitness industry for over 20 years. She is the owner of Tracy's Personal Training, Pilates and Yoga Studio. Previously, in Huntington Beach California for 17 years and re-located to Oregon in 2013. She is a Certified Health Fitness Specialist, Personal Trainer, Dance & Group Exercise Leader, Fitness & Nutrition, Biomechanics Specialist, AFAA Group Exercise Examiner, BOSU® Master Trainer, FiTOUR Pro-Trainer, Reiki Master-Teacher, as well as a Pilates and Yoga Instructor.
Tracy was listed in the National Fitness Hall of Fame Book and Website as one of the 2019 top Personal Trainers. In November 2017, she published her first book, "The Stroke of an Artist" The Journey of a Fitness Trainer and a Stroke Survivor. An inspiring journey of a stroke survivor. In March of 2018 she published her second book, "Tipping Toward Balance" A Fitness Trainer's Guide to Stability and Walking. This book is an excellent balance and Fall Prevention book for seniors. Her third book, "Stroke Recovery" What now? When Physical Therapy Ends, But Your Recovery Continues. This book was published in december 2018. Her fourth & fifth books, "Your Brain" The Software of Your Body, A Fitness Trainer's Guide to Brain Health" & "The Power of Your Spine and Back Muscles" will both publish in 2019.
“Stroke Recovery; What Now?”
In “Stroke Recovery; What Now?” Tracy brings as much knowledge and experience as she can, hoping to help survivors continue with their personal stroke recovery. She teaches about the biomechanics of the body’s movements based on science. Tracy has helped several survivors achieve continued success in their stroke recovery. In “Stroke Recovery; What Now?” Tracy’s desire is to bring understanding to why specific muscles must be strengthened before other movements in the body can improve. Included in this book, are several important exercises for survivors and anyone who wants to become more stable when they stand and walk. There are also descriptions of why each exercise works. Tracy shares tips to improve a drop foot, spasticity, muscle strength, balance, communication, spatial awareness, cognitive skills, brain care and more. Tracy asked more than one hundred survivors about the struggles and challenges they faced when they were left on their own to continue their recovery. She was surprised by many of the tough challenges some faced, and she was determined to include all concerns in this book. There is no time frame on stroke recovery. Learning ways to help your brain build new pathways and helping your body move correctly more will assist you toward further recovery.
What inspired you to start writing, and when?
It has been a goal of mine for quite some time, but in 2014 I had a stroke recovery client who had a very special recovery journey. He wanted his story shared to help other survivors. It inspired my first book, The Stroke of An Artist, The Journey of A Stroke Survivor and a Fitness Trainer, published in 2017.
What is your preferred genre?
Non-fiction. I usually read or listen to audio books to learn and or to relax.
How many books have you written? If more than one, are any a series…or trilogy?
I have written 5 books. I have published 3 books so far and 2 more are almost ready to publish. They are not in a serious, but the all work together. I write about the body mechanics and muscles to help assist in fall prevention, building core/back strength and stroke recovery.
Tell us a little about your book. Do you have plans for a new book?
Yes, 2 more almost ready. One is on the Brain and the other is on the Spine muscles and how powerful and important they are for movement
Did you have an editor edit your books?
Yes I do. The best advice I got on being an author was “Friends don’t let Friends Edit” and to get a real editor.
Do you prefer ebooks, paperbacks or hardcover?
I actually prefer for myself to listen to audio. I like to give my eyes and body a break from sitting and using computers, laptops, phones etc.
Who designed the cover of your book?
I do, then I have Fiverr help me put it together professional in size and putting it with inside of the book formatted.
Do you find yourself intrigued by the cover of a book enough to buy it?
Yes, it does help draw me to the book.
How many hours per day do you try to devote to research and writing?
It can be from an hour to several hours. It depends on the day and my brain.
Laptop or desktop for writing?
Both, including hand written, before I go to the desktop and/or laptop.
Where and when do you prefer to do your writing?
Whenever it feels like it will flow out. When I try to plan it, I get stuck.
Your thoughts on receiving book reviews - the good and the bad –
I think getting them are nice if they are all good. I usually have all great reviews. I had one by someone who obviously did not read it by what they wrote and it should be removed, but trying to get amazon to remove a review that clearly does not belong can be a big fight. That is not fair to authors.
Is your book in Print, ebook or both?
They are in both and one is also in audio.
Do you give free ebooks away in exchange for honest reviews?
No, I tried that with one of the books and no one reviewed, they just downloaded “free”. Did not do anything for me.
Do you ever write in your PJ’s?
Yes, whatever I am wearing when I feel the flow to write happens works.
What are your pet peeves?
People who always interrupt any conversation to make it about them.
Tell us about someone or something that just made your day –
When I get a message from someone who has read my book and they tell me how much it has helped them. Especially those who say it helped them walk again after their stroke. Also when I got a message from a wonderful woman who lives on the New Jersey coast, 3000 miles away from me on the Oregon coast, asking me if she can travel here and live in my city for 30 days so I can train him in his stroke recovery for that time. Then they came. It was a fabulous feeling and made my days.
Where do you prefer to buy your books?
I love to go to bookstores, but often ordering on Amazon, because it is more convenient, plus I have been getting the audio versions.
What is a movie or TV show that you watched just recently and really enjoyed?
I had a friend tell me I should watch the show “Jane the Virgin” because she was a writer. I have just finished Netflix binge watching it. It was a fun show and the parts about her writing was interesting to watch.
Where can your readers stalk you?
www.instagram.com/motivate_healthyfit, www.tracymarkley.com, www.facebook.com/tracyfitt and my blog www.tracys-healthy-365.blogspot.com.
Do you have any advice for other writers starting out?
I find knowing my book reader audience when I am writing helps me.
Thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview and allowing us a glimpse into your writing world.
- Book links: www.amazon.com/author/tracymarkley.com.
- Websites: www.tracymarkley.com and www.tracyspersonaltraining.com.