We recently connected with Tracy Shawn and have shared our conversation below.
Tracy, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
My whole life, I wanted to do something that I hoped would make a difference. So, after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in sociology, I went to grad school and received my masters in clinical psychology. Although my work as a vocational rehabilitation counselor and as an intern at a psychiatric center was rewarding, I decided I didn’t want to become a licensed therapist due to how overstressed I had become.
Unfortunately, though, I still experienced a deep and unrelenting anxiety starting in my early thirties. With all my might, I tried to fight through it. I dragged myself to a therapist, saw a psychiatrist, went on a variety of meds. Yet, the irrational thoughts still flooded my brain, the what-if fears still stole my joy.
I desperately wanted to find a purpose through my pain, wanted to find a deeper meaning through it all. So, I decided to write a story that I would enjoy reading myself, a story that other people with anxiety could relate to. How cathartic it was to work on my first novel about a woman overcoming anxiety. How liberating it was to write my second novel about a woman who learns to not only accept, but also celebrate her unique gifts.
Through reader and reviewer’s feedback, I’ve been honored to find out that my stories help others feel less alone with their own issues, fears, and setbacks. Also, all my years of grad school and internships helped deepen my character development. Writing, then, has become a natural extension of my history, passion, and mission to make a difference—no matter how small it may be.
In summation, my struggle with anxiety helped me find my purpose: to write stories that hopefully entertain as well as enlighten.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Although writing can be a lonely and frustrating endeavor, I absolutely love the process of developing, crafting, revising, and editing my novels and short stories. In fact, both my novels, Floating Underwater and The Grace of Crows, Second Edition took over nine years from conception to publication—and both, I’m happy to share, have won a number of literary awards.
I’m proud of the fact that I’ve continued to hone my skills through writing classes, conferences, and working with professional editors (including developmental editors and proofreaders) along the way. It’s important to me that I publish books readers can not only relate to, but enjoy reading as well.
My two novels (as well as the third that I’m currently working on) illustrate the intricate maze of family dynamics, the complicated relationship between mothers and daughters, the struggle of mental health issues, the restorative quality of friendship, and, ultimately—hope. And, in case you’re interested, I do write what I know!
As an “anxiety-warrior,” I know the daily struggle that anxiety and depression can present—just like my character, Saylor, does in my newly released The Grace of Crows, Second Edition. And like the character, Paloma, in my other novel, Floating Underwater, I also experienced the emotional isolation that can occur after a miscarriage. I know how alone I’ve felt at times—and also know how reading a book can make me feel so much more connected.
As the famous writer James Baldwin said: “You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, who had ever been alive.”
Baldwin’s sentiments explain the reason why I continue to write.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The three qualities that have been most impactful on both my personal and professional journey are: perseverance, perspective, and purpose.
Achieving your biggest goals can be overwhelming. It takes patience—and perseverance to continue on sometimes. We all get tired along the way. We all have those days were all feels lost. At those times, it’s important to take those steps—even if they’re tiny, baby steps—that will lead you closer to your goals. Remember that tomorrow will be that much easier if you do at least a smidgen of work today. Conversely, make sure to listen to your body. If you’re so exhausted that you cannot think, so depleted that you need to rest, then do so! Recharging your batteries along the way can keep your perseverance steady, can keep your tenacity intact.
As far as perspective goes, I need to remind myself to keep it on the front burner, since I’m a huge daydreamer. In fact, I often catch myself fantasizing about what I’d wear on the red carpet if one of my books became a movie! Or what would it be like if I sold twenty thousand books or more! Trust me, I’ve tried to get my books in the hands of a director or producer here and there. And have spent way too much time, energy, and money on book promotions and marketing.
Although daydreaming can be fun, too much of it can lead to frustration (and be bad on the budget, too!). Our biggest dreams, unfortunately, don’t always come true. So, along with the way, I’ve learned that it’s important to keep my perspective. I believe this is important for anyone. Perspective can remind us to focus on the process instead of the outcome. And isn’t it lovely to enjoy the journey—especially since the outcome may not live up to our expectations?
Lastly, remind yourself of your purpose. So many times, I’ve felt defeated. Yet, when I remind myself that writing is my path, that it is my way to help others feel connected, it gives me a shot of energy. If we don’t have purpose, then it’s that much easier to give up. Write your purpose down, and post it on your mirror, fridge, desk, etc. Say it out loud before you begin your work. It may just help you become more productive, whether you’re in your flow or experiencing a temporary setback.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
As someone who is dealing with ongoing anxiety, I tend to become more easily overwhelmed than the average person. I used to see this as a weakness in myself, but have learned that our genetics, experiences, and natural predispositions create different responses in how our bodies and minds react to the world around us. It is up to us, then, to consciously work on those areas that affect us in a negative way.
Since I do not like feeling overwhelmed (actually, I don’t think anyone does!), I’m continually working on ways to diffuse it. Below are three strategies I’ve learned along the way that may help you deal with it:
The first tactic is to admit to yourself that you’re feeling overwhelmed. When you are aware that you’re in this frazzled state, then you know it’s time to take a break. Whether that be a ten-minute walk around the block, a five-minute meditation at your desk, or a nap in the breakroom, you’re allowing your brain to reset and your body to de-stress.
It can also help to share your feelings with others. For instance, if you’ve had a challenging day, and all you want to do is sit back and eat a good meal when you get home, it’s ok to text back that friend who wants to go out that you want to make it another night since you’re feeling too stressed at the moment. You’re not only taking care of yourself when you share your emotional state with others, you’re also being a more authentic person—which can actually deepen friendships. Stronger ties, too, can help decrease overall stress and anxiety in the long run.
The third strategy is to be cognizant of what you do in your free time. Are you doing too much doom scrolling? Spending too much of your precious time on social media? Streaming too many violent shows? Maybe it’s time to give your over-strained mind a rest. Read a good book. Call a friend. Go for a long walk. Watch a comedy and munch on popcorn! No matter what, please remember one of the most basic—and important—rules: Be kind to yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tracyshawn.com/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/TracyShawn?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKgPYAKRvYA7cEKqesLr1bg
- Other: BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/tracyshawn.bsky.social
