The most frequently asked question directed toward any writer is, “What do you write?" The second most frequently asked question is, “Where do you get your ideas?" The previous Falbe blog (Part 1) addressed the first question, attention will now shift to answering the second question.
The desire to write can be ascribed to her early infatuation with the written word. Tracy has stated that from an early age she wanted to be a writer when she first learned how to read. She has held to that early determination, honed her craft, and made her dreams a reality. She studied journalism at California State University, Chico before fully focusing her attention on writing fantasy. Though she works hard at her craft, writing is not work for Tracy. “I enjoy the process of writing and consider it one of my primary forms of entertainment.” Her passion infuses the pages of The Rys Chronicles for the satisfaction of readers (who are adept in deciphering when a writer is merely interested in putting words on the page rather than striving to provide entertainment).
Like so many writers of fantasy, Tracy Falbe’s love for the genre was kindled between the pages of J. R. R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. Her appreciation for the trilogy is strongly represented in breathtaking landscapes, tragic figures in the tradition of Boromir, and in the
insurmountable inner strength fans of Tolkien have heralded since 1954. Eowyn vanquishing the witch king of the Angmar made an early impression on Falbe of what courage and strength can accomplish when faced with fear made physical.
Despite the influences of Tolkien’s writing, she is quick to point out, “My fantasy novels are not really like Lord of the Rings, but the river of inspiration that gushes from Tolkien’s writing waters the fields of my imagination.” Falbe’s work focuses more on the grittier aspects of humanity rather than Tolkien’s emphasis on the ambiguous sins of the heart and mind. Falbe does not pull her punches, instead preferring to display the merits and deficits of her characters without relying upon hints and innuendos, enabling her to give life to a believable cast of characters.
Falbe’s quest as a writer does not end with Tolkien. Frequently, she draws from history when emersed in writing. “I find inspiration in history and like to contemplate warfare before gunpowder and life without modern technology. Placing characters in an elder fantasy world fascinates me and allows me to explore age-old notions of bravery when combat was often done face-to-face.” Her need to be in the midst of the action pulls in the reader, forcing them to participate in the confrontations whether they wish to or not. Her passion for history is further supported in the construction of her novels with the accuracy she insists upon with respect to the details, such as wardrobe and setting.
Falbe understands the need of readers when referencing a classic movie, based on Fred Gipson’s novel, in regard to the fates of her characters. “For the sake of drama, I usually go out back
and shoot Old Yeller, but not too often.” Though no one wants to hear the crack of the rifle, there is no denying the story would have fallen flat if this tale of sacrifice and loyalty did not conclude in anguish and bittersweet hope. Such moments have found their way into Falbe’s writing, aiding in the creation of characters readers can sympathize with.
Music has provided inspiration as well as the driving force for many writers. Stephen King drowns out the world with Metallica while writing. Nick Hornby wrote an entire novel on a relationship based on music, High Fidelity. For Falbe, the music inspiring her fingers over keyboard tends toward classic music, such as Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov's Scheherazade, inspired
by the classic The Book of One Thousand and One Nights. Antonio Vivaldi's Four Seasons is another favorite Falbe turns to. Movie soundtracks, such as Conan the Barbarian, Howard Shore’s Lord of the Rings, and John Williams Star Wars movies have provided much of the background music for Falbe’s imagination.
Tracy Fable is an inspired writer in tune with the world around her, taking inspiration from a kaleidoscope of sources and repackaging it for readers around the world. Visit her website, and dare to be inspired by her writing.
Brave Luck Books Homepage
Tracy on Twitter
Tracy's Blog
Guest Blogs:
Fan Girl Favorite: Lieutenant Uhura of Star Trek Past and Present
To Read or Not to Read
Two Ends of the Pen
My Favorite Scenes from Lord of the Rings
Books:
Rys Rising: Book 1
Union of Renegades: Rys Chronicles Book I
The Goddess Queen: Rys Chronicles Book II
Judgement Rising: Rys Chronicles Book III
The Borderlands of Power: Rys Chronicles Book IV
Challenging Lessons
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