 
Award-Winning Author Tracy Shawn lives and writes on the Central Coast of California. Her debut novel, The Grace of Crows, won several indie book awards. Floating Underwater is her second novel. Tracy Shawn’s short stories have appeared in Literary Brushstrokes, Psychology Tomorrow Magazine, and Steel House Review Literary Journal. She’s written numerous articles for print and online publications and is currently working on her third novel.
You can visit her website at https://www.tracyshawn.com/ or connect with her on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.
Part psychological fiction and part mystical fiction with a dash of magical realism, Floating Underwater follows a woman’s astonishing journey through the extraordinary and, ultimately, to her self-actualization and power.
Fearful that her lifelong premonitions not only predict the future but can also change its very course, Paloma Leary is devastated when her latest vision foretelling a third miscarriage comes true.
Falling into a mystifying world of increasingly bizarre phenomena, including a psychic connection with her mysterious neighbor, out-of-body experiences, and visits from her long-dead mother, Paloma grows desperate for answers. She is also desperate to start a family. But when a life-changing vision reveals a tragic secret from the past, Paloma learns to accept her gifts and embraces a far different future than she ever could have imagined.
“One woman’s mystical journey to move forward while confronting a troubled, mysterious past. Beautifully written; an ethereal, eloquent pleasure.” ~~Marlene Adelstein, author of USA Today bestseller Sophie Last Seen
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“Mystical and magical realism permeates this women’s novel, and Amy Harmon fans would embrace Shawn’s adept storytelling. The author delivers spot-on dialogue, believable and enchanting characters, and surprising twists. It’s easy to imagine the novel as a talked-about book club selection (in fact, there’s a list of questions at the book’s conclusion). Poignant and beautiful, Floating Underwater leaves readers yearning for a sequel and another look at these captivating characters.” ~~Starred Review by Patricia Moosbrugger for BlueInk Review
“The writing is stunning…Paloma’s journey toward friendship, love in her marriage, and the realization that her fears have kept her eyes closed to everything happening around her is a journey worth following. This book will remind you to listen to the wind when it speaks and to look for what’s floating beneath the surface of the water.”~~Reviewed by Jenna Swartz for San Francisco Book Review
“A mystical journey that will take its readers on a whirlwind tour of beautiful imagery and meaningful life adventures, Floating Underwater is the story about a woman named Paloma Leary who learns that she has some very special gifts to share with the world…This book is wonderfully written in a lovely beach setting…Floating Underwater is the perfect book for someone looking for a bit of fantasy thrown into a realistic setting with realistic characters. Written with special attention to little details, this book is relatable, yet very special and is a one-of-a-kind read.” ~~Reviewed by Kristi Elizabeth for Manhattan Book Review
Book Information
Release Date:Â September 8, 2021
Publisher:Â Turbulent Muse Publishing
Soft Cover:Â ISBN: 978-1736664902; 312 pages; $10.99; E-Book, $3.99
Amazon:Â https://amzn.to/3GrO5TV
Amazon Kindle:Â https://amzn.to/3qA2EA3
We welcome you to My Bookish Pleasures! Can you tell us how you got started writing fiction?
My professional writing career began when I started to get articles published in print and online newspapers and magazines. Like so many other authors, I had always dreamed of writing a novel, though. It wasn’t until my forties that I actually set out to do so. I took a slew of writing courses, went to writing conferences, and studied books on how to hone my craft. During this time, I finished my first novel, The Grace of Crows. Then, being the crazy writer that I am, I immediately started Floating Underwater.
Describe your writing process. Do you plot or write by the seat of your pants? When and where do you write?
I’m definitely more a “seat-of-my pants” type of writer. For my first two novels, I only knew the beginning and end before I sat down in front of the keyboard. I write most every day, usually at my desk with a cup of tea nearby (and I get up every so often for some chocolate!).Â
Can you tell us about your most recent release?
Floating Underwater is about a woman named Paloma who is fearful that her premonitions may not only predict the future but can also change its very course. When her latest vision predicting her third miscarriage comes true, Paloma grows desperate for answers. As she falls into a mystifying world of increasingly bizarre phenomena, Paloma worries that she’s inherited her mother’s schizophrenia. But when a life-changing vision reveals a tragic secret from the past, Paloma learns to accept her gifts and embraces a far different future than she ever could have imagined.
How did you get the idea for the book?
Floating Underwater came to me from personal experience (I’ve had two miscarriages), past work history (when I was younger, I interned at a psychiatric center), and from my grandfather’s interest in the metaphysical.
Of all your characters, which one is your favorite? Why?
I love Serena because she’s like a living mermaid—wild, free, and otherworldly.
What was the most challenging aspect of writing your book?
In all honesty, it was how long it took to write (over nine years!).
What projects are you currently working on?
I’m working on my third novel and am currently mapping it out with a synopsis and outline so that I can hopefully finish it in a year or two!
What advice would you offer to new or aspiring fiction authors?
Write almost every day. Read as much as you can. Take courses and learn your craft. Writing is challenging and most people will not make an income from it—so buckle in, it’s a bumpy, crazy ride. But if you’re willing to sacrifice your time and energy working on your craft (even when you don’t feel like it), your life will be all the richer for it.Â
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