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Tracy Lane Author Photo and Bio
I was fascinated with the paranormal when I was very young. I always felt like someone was around me even when I was alone. It caused me to be inspired to write a paranormal book where a teenager can see and hear ghosts and actually makes friends with one.
I use to love to write short stories in school and always wanted to be a writer. But raising children and working jobs I just could not find the time to indulge my passion. Then my children grew up and I ended up having two teenagers at home who did not need as much attention from me. I started toying with the idea of writing once again. So setting aside 5 to 10 minutes per day to write at least one page I could end up with a book a year. Now Paranormal Properties is published and I have a list of 8 more books to write. I don't think I"ll be slowing down anytime soon.
I use to love to write short stories in school and always wanted to be a writer. But raising children and working jobs I just could not find the time to indulge my passion. Then my children grew up and I ended up having two teenagers at home who did not need as much attention from me. I started toying with the idea of writing once again. So setting aside 5 to 10 minutes per day to write at least one page I could end up with a book a year. Now Paranormal Properties is published and I have a list of 8 more books to write. I don't think I"ll be slowing down anytime soon.
DESCRIPTION/SYNOPSIS FOR PARANORMAL PROPERTIES
Jake Weir, while on the set of his parents ghost hunting TV show, agrees to help a ghost investigate a 61 year-old murder.
Jake Weir is not like the other kids in Dusk, North Carolina. Then again, Dusk, North Carolina is not like other cities. Known as one of the most haunted cities in America, behind Salem, Massachusetts and New Orleans, Louisiana, Dusk is ground zero for Jake's ghost hunting parents.
The Weir family has arrived in Dusk eager to scope out some of the town's 127 reported "paranormal properties," which just happens to be the name of their own ghost hunting show: Paranormal Properties. What Jake doesn't know, and what his parents could never imagine, is that Jake can see ghosts! And hear them. And talk back to them! This talent comes in handy when he runs into Dusk's oldest, most famous ghost: one Frank Barrone, a one-time lounge singer made famous by his booze-soaked ballad, "Barroom Eyes."
Frank was gunned down by a local mobster in 1951 and has been searching for his killer ever since. When he learns that Jake can see and hear him, Frank makes young Jake a deal: if Jake will help Frank find his killer, Frank will help his parents find a ghost to film for their upcoming Halloween Special on Public Access Channel #319. Jake enlists the only friend he's made in Dusk, an overweight tomboy nicknamed "Tank," to help him track down Frank's killer. As clues emerge and old leads heat up, Frank and Jake learn they make quite a team. But will Jake find Frank's killer? And will Frank find a real haunted house in time for Halloween?
Jake Weir is not like the other kids in Dusk, North Carolina. Then again, Dusk, North Carolina is not like other cities. Known as one of the most haunted cities in America, behind Salem, Massachusetts and New Orleans, Louisiana, Dusk is ground zero for Jake's ghost hunting parents.
The Weir family has arrived in Dusk eager to scope out some of the town's 127 reported "paranormal properties," which just happens to be the name of their own ghost hunting show: Paranormal Properties. What Jake doesn't know, and what his parents could never imagine, is that Jake can see ghosts! And hear them. And talk back to them! This talent comes in handy when he runs into Dusk's oldest, most famous ghost: one Frank Barrone, a one-time lounge singer made famous by his booze-soaked ballad, "Barroom Eyes."
Frank was gunned down by a local mobster in 1951 and has been searching for his killer ever since. When he learns that Jake can see and hear him, Frank makes young Jake a deal: if Jake will help Frank find his killer, Frank will help his parents find a ghost to film for their upcoming Halloween Special on Public Access Channel #319. Jake enlists the only friend he's made in Dusk, an overweight tomboy nicknamed "Tank," to help him track down Frank's killer. As clues emerge and old leads heat up, Frank and Jake learn they make quite a team. But will Jake find Frank's killer? And will Frank find a real haunted house in time for Halloween?
PUBLISHING INFORMATION FOR PARANORMAL PROPERTIES
Publisher: Pants On Fire Press
Copyright: Tracy Lane
Release Date: Not yet final, spring 2013
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
ISBN#: 9780982727171
Formats available: paperback and ebook
Number of pages: 192
Winner of the 2014 Next Generation Indie Book Awards
Accelerated Reader Book - AR Quiz No. 163449 EN - 5 Points
Copyright: Tracy Lane
Release Date: Not yet final, spring 2013
Genre: Young Adult Fiction
ISBN#: 9780982727171
Formats available: paperback and ebook
Number of pages: 192
Winner of the 2014 Next Generation Indie Book Awards
Accelerated Reader Book - AR Quiz No. 163449 EN - 5 Points
PARANORMAL PROPERTIES FAQs
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THE BOOK?
I have always been intrigued with the paranormal and I have the ability to tell when a spirit is near. I was sitting on the couch watching Ghost Hunters and started thinking about when I had died for a minute after being in a major car wreck. I had the chance to be on the other side, even if it was just for a few seconds. I remember suddenly thinking about writing a young adult book about a boy who could see and speak with ghosts and maybe make his parents ghost hunters. But I would keep the knowledge of their son’s ability from them.
TELL ME ABOUT YOUR OUT-OF-BODY EXPERIENCE.
It wasn’t much of a NDE since it only lasted about 10 seconds, but I do remember it like it was yesterday. I was up on the ceiling and suddenly realized I was not in my body any longer. All of a sudden I slammed back into my body and then sat straight up screaming I had died. A young nurse started screaming and ran out of the emergency room. I remember feeling bad that I had scared her. I still wonder to this day if she still works in nursing.
HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE MAIN CHARACTERS IN YOUR BOOK?
My late husband had a 2-year-old boy named Jacob who died in a fire and I went through this tragedy with him. I use to wonder what he would be like if he had had the chance to become a teenager, thus Jake was “born”. The Jake that the character Jake is based on is actually on the other side.
Now for the ghost Frank: I had the most trouble with him. It took me two years to actually figure out how he would look and act. I was still agonizing over him when I heard this voice on World’s Dumbest. It really caught my attention! I ran to the television and saw Frank Stallone ranting. I just stood there until they moved on to the next segment and said to myself, “There is my ghost!” I even named him Frank. I still can’t believe how easy it was after struggling for two years on it. After that, the rest of the book came easy.
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR YOU?
I am planning on writing two more Jake and Frank books to keep their friendship and adventures going. Also my boyfriend, Jon, and I are turning his van into the Paranormal Properties Van to take on book signings. We will decorate the inside to look like an authentic ghost-hunting vehicle. If anyone would like us to stop near them and do a book signing, please do not hesitate to contact me, we will do our best to accommodate all requests.
I have always been intrigued with the paranormal and I have the ability to tell when a spirit is near. I was sitting on the couch watching Ghost Hunters and started thinking about when I had died for a minute after being in a major car wreck. I had the chance to be on the other side, even if it was just for a few seconds. I remember suddenly thinking about writing a young adult book about a boy who could see and speak with ghosts and maybe make his parents ghost hunters. But I would keep the knowledge of their son’s ability from them.
TELL ME ABOUT YOUR OUT-OF-BODY EXPERIENCE.
It wasn’t much of a NDE since it only lasted about 10 seconds, but I do remember it like it was yesterday. I was up on the ceiling and suddenly realized I was not in my body any longer. All of a sudden I slammed back into my body and then sat straight up screaming I had died. A young nurse started screaming and ran out of the emergency room. I remember feeling bad that I had scared her. I still wonder to this day if she still works in nursing.
HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE MAIN CHARACTERS IN YOUR BOOK?
My late husband had a 2-year-old boy named Jacob who died in a fire and I went through this tragedy with him. I use to wonder what he would be like if he had had the chance to become a teenager, thus Jake was “born”. The Jake that the character Jake is based on is actually on the other side.
Now for the ghost Frank: I had the most trouble with him. It took me two years to actually figure out how he would look and act. I was still agonizing over him when I heard this voice on World’s Dumbest. It really caught my attention! I ran to the television and saw Frank Stallone ranting. I just stood there until they moved on to the next segment and said to myself, “There is my ghost!” I even named him Frank. I still can’t believe how easy it was after struggling for two years on it. After that, the rest of the book came easy.
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR YOU?
I am planning on writing two more Jake and Frank books to keep their friendship and adventures going. Also my boyfriend, Jon, and I are turning his van into the Paranormal Properties Van to take on book signings. We will decorate the inside to look like an authentic ghost-hunting vehicle. If anyone would like us to stop near them and do a book signing, please do not hesitate to contact me, we will do our best to accommodate all requests.
REVIEWS FOR PARANORMAL PROPERTIES
Paranormal Properties: A debut novel for young adults by Tracy Lane
First word of this review is WOW.
Beyond expectation, and I believe a "star has been born." Seriously, this author knows how to "turn a phrase" and her
content is so fresh and unexpected. She does what I wish all writers would do. She takes her time telling the stories
and touches every scene and event with little embellishments that make you realize she "is there" and thus "you are with
her."
One cannot escape the fact that this young adult novel captures the imagination of this seasoned author and I read it in
one sitting with a ridiculous grin on my face. I was surprised by the "far out concept" of the life this family lives
and how she could make you accept its reality. Young Jake, a home schooled teen, and his parents who are caught up in
proving that ghosts exist, comprise the family. Jake is the die hard skeptic but lovingly assists and supports his parents.
They have given up gainful employment to follow their dream of capturing ghosts on their small time, independent film
program, hoping to make the "big time" by eventually capturing a real glimpse of the ghosts and being swept into stardom.
Meanwhile, Jake is their son and also their "go to guy". He is kept busy setting up the shoots, and living the life of a
gypsy with their frequent moves to the locations all over the country that have "ghosts" advertised.
The character of Tank is so engaging and endearing and that's all I am going to say about that; you have to read this book
to learn the inevitable life lessons of a teenage duo that will touch your heart. These roles are so well written you
actually "know" these two people and realize you have "met them somewhere" in your lifetime.
As for the ghost, I would have to say he is certainly the "Ghost with the Most" and I personally could relate to his
character. I related even more so to the character's predicament, and felt relief that the book will undoubtedly be
followed with a sequel and a series. This is one that readers will want to follow, for as strange as it may sound, knowing
it is a "ghost book" and supernatural by definition, I must say the people are so real and the lives so "familiar" it is
like you are reading a book of real people and events. Very entertaining people and events.
I have every confidence that Tracy Lane is up to advancing this series, and that the characters will only become more
endearing, more engaging, and more entertaining. I wish her the best and congratulate her on a job well done.
Joyce Godwin Grubbs
Author from the Grassroots
Greyhound Lady Walking Series
Paranormal Properties Blurb from Rusty
“Paranormal Properties is a great, family-friendly Young Adult novel about a boy who can talk to ghosts. Equal parts Scooby-Doo, CSI and the Hardy Boys, you will enjoy getting to know Jake, Frank and Tank as much as I did. Now, if only ‘Paranormal Properties’ was a real show I could watch on TV every week…”
~ Rusty Fischer, author of Zombies Don’t Cry
Entertaining and Imaginative!
Paranormal Properties is a such a fun read! The characters seem so real (even the ghost), and the situations they find themselves in are very creative. While I was reading, I could picture the scenes in my mind just as if I were watching a movie. I read a few chapters each night to my three sons and every time I'd come to the end of the chapter, they'd beg me to continue. I highly recommend this book for kids and adults who enjoy a fun and imaginative read. We can't wait for the sequel!
Julie L. Casey, author of How I Became a Teenage Survivalist
A Fantastic Read!
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
I love paranormal/ghost stories, so when I was given the opportunity to read this Young Adult novel, I accepted gladly. I loved it!
Jake Weir is a fantastic character! He is fourteen years old, and is quite mature for his age. He has to be, as both his parents are very busy running their ghost hunting TV show, Paranormal Properties. He is also quite a lonely boy, as he has no friends. However, he meets "Tank" and life is not so bad any more. Just when he thought he had a chance at a normal life, he meets Frank Barrone, Dusk's famous ghost.
Frank Barrone was a famous lounge singer, who was cruelly gunned down and killed in 1951. I loved this character! He's a bit of a charmer, who flirted with all the ladies, but only had eyes for one lady. Unfortunately, she was the girlfriend of a local mobster.
When he realises that Jake can see and hear him, he enlists Jake's help to track down his killer.
This is a fantastic book, full of intrigue and mystery. I was quickly caught up in the adventure, and found myself picturing the scenes in my head; I could easily see the characters and events as they happened. The descriptive writing of the author drew me in, and I just had to keep reading! I struggled to put the book down! There is a really funny scene that includes Jake, Jake's parents, Frank and some Halloween decorations that had me giggling! However, I was a little bit disappointed with the storyline near the end of the book. I wanted a bit more in the way of closure for Frank, but I understand why the author wrote those scenes as she did. The end of the book doesn't end in a cliffhanger, but it leaves it open for a possibility of another book. The story has intrigued me enough that, if there is another book (whether in a series or stand-alone), I would certainly consider reading it.
Tracy Lane has written a thoroughly entertaining read that would appeal to both boys and girls in the 11+ age range. However, I feel that adults could enjoy this too. Therefore, I highly recommend this book if you love Paranormal YA. - Lynn Worton
One Your Children Will Ask For!
Better than Scooby-Doo! A sure to be popular book in middle school classrooms everywhere! Students will be asking to read this for AR! It is a super story that keeps you turning the pages!
Whitney Lawrence Grady, author of I Am Currency
See more reviews on Amazon.
First word of this review is WOW.
Beyond expectation, and I believe a "star has been born." Seriously, this author knows how to "turn a phrase" and her
content is so fresh and unexpected. She does what I wish all writers would do. She takes her time telling the stories
and touches every scene and event with little embellishments that make you realize she "is there" and thus "you are with
her."
One cannot escape the fact that this young adult novel captures the imagination of this seasoned author and I read it in
one sitting with a ridiculous grin on my face. I was surprised by the "far out concept" of the life this family lives
and how she could make you accept its reality. Young Jake, a home schooled teen, and his parents who are caught up in
proving that ghosts exist, comprise the family. Jake is the die hard skeptic but lovingly assists and supports his parents.
They have given up gainful employment to follow their dream of capturing ghosts on their small time, independent film
program, hoping to make the "big time" by eventually capturing a real glimpse of the ghosts and being swept into stardom.
Meanwhile, Jake is their son and also their "go to guy". He is kept busy setting up the shoots, and living the life of a
gypsy with their frequent moves to the locations all over the country that have "ghosts" advertised.
The character of Tank is so engaging and endearing and that's all I am going to say about that; you have to read this book
to learn the inevitable life lessons of a teenage duo that will touch your heart. These roles are so well written you
actually "know" these two people and realize you have "met them somewhere" in your lifetime.
As for the ghost, I would have to say he is certainly the "Ghost with the Most" and I personally could relate to his
character. I related even more so to the character's predicament, and felt relief that the book will undoubtedly be
followed with a sequel and a series. This is one that readers will want to follow, for as strange as it may sound, knowing
it is a "ghost book" and supernatural by definition, I must say the people are so real and the lives so "familiar" it is
like you are reading a book of real people and events. Very entertaining people and events.
I have every confidence that Tracy Lane is up to advancing this series, and that the characters will only become more
endearing, more engaging, and more entertaining. I wish her the best and congratulate her on a job well done.
Joyce Godwin Grubbs
Author from the Grassroots
Greyhound Lady Walking Series
Paranormal Properties Blurb from Rusty
“Paranormal Properties is a great, family-friendly Young Adult novel about a boy who can talk to ghosts. Equal parts Scooby-Doo, CSI and the Hardy Boys, you will enjoy getting to know Jake, Frank and Tank as much as I did. Now, if only ‘Paranormal Properties’ was a real show I could watch on TV every week…”
~ Rusty Fischer, author of Zombies Don’t Cry
Entertaining and Imaginative!
Paranormal Properties is a such a fun read! The characters seem so real (even the ghost), and the situations they find themselves in are very creative. While I was reading, I could picture the scenes in my mind just as if I were watching a movie. I read a few chapters each night to my three sons and every time I'd come to the end of the chapter, they'd beg me to continue. I highly recommend this book for kids and adults who enjoy a fun and imaginative read. We can't wait for the sequel!
Julie L. Casey, author of How I Became a Teenage Survivalist
A Fantastic Read!
I received a copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
I love paranormal/ghost stories, so when I was given the opportunity to read this Young Adult novel, I accepted gladly. I loved it!
Jake Weir is a fantastic character! He is fourteen years old, and is quite mature for his age. He has to be, as both his parents are very busy running their ghost hunting TV show, Paranormal Properties. He is also quite a lonely boy, as he has no friends. However, he meets "Tank" and life is not so bad any more. Just when he thought he had a chance at a normal life, he meets Frank Barrone, Dusk's famous ghost.
Frank Barrone was a famous lounge singer, who was cruelly gunned down and killed in 1951. I loved this character! He's a bit of a charmer, who flirted with all the ladies, but only had eyes for one lady. Unfortunately, she was the girlfriend of a local mobster.
When he realises that Jake can see and hear him, he enlists Jake's help to track down his killer.
This is a fantastic book, full of intrigue and mystery. I was quickly caught up in the adventure, and found myself picturing the scenes in my head; I could easily see the characters and events as they happened. The descriptive writing of the author drew me in, and I just had to keep reading! I struggled to put the book down! There is a really funny scene that includes Jake, Jake's parents, Frank and some Halloween decorations that had me giggling! However, I was a little bit disappointed with the storyline near the end of the book. I wanted a bit more in the way of closure for Frank, but I understand why the author wrote those scenes as she did. The end of the book doesn't end in a cliffhanger, but it leaves it open for a possibility of another book. The story has intrigued me enough that, if there is another book (whether in a series or stand-alone), I would certainly consider reading it.
Tracy Lane has written a thoroughly entertaining read that would appeal to both boys and girls in the 11+ age range. However, I feel that adults could enjoy this too. Therefore, I highly recommend this book if you love Paranormal YA. - Lynn Worton
One Your Children Will Ask For!
Better than Scooby-Doo! A sure to be popular book in middle school classrooms everywhere! Students will be asking to read this for AR! It is a super story that keeps you turning the pages!
Whitney Lawrence Grady, author of I Am Currency
See more reviews on Amazon.
