Photo: Tracey Lange, the acclaimed author behind “We Are the Brennans” and “The Connellys of County Down.”
Exploring The Complexities Of Family Bonds Through Authentic Storytelling
Tracey Lange’s thoughtful writing draws from her background in behavioral healthcare to explore complex family dynamics, secrets, empathy, and redemption across the rich settings of New York and Ireland.
Tracey Lange, a versatile author with a background rooted in psychology and healthcare, brings a unique perspective to the world of literature. Born and raised in the vibrant metropolis of New York City, Lange’s journey took her through the corridors of academia at the University of New Mexico, where she delved into the intricacies of the human mind. Afterward, she embarked on a remarkable professional venture alongside her husband, navigating the complexities of behavioural healthcare for fifteen years. This wealth of experience has undoubtedly shaped her understanding of human nature, a quality that resonates deeply within her writing.
Lange’s debut novel, “We Are the Brennans,” marked her entry into the literary scene, garnering widespread acclaim and establishing her as a formidable voice in contemporary fiction. Inspired by her own life experiences and enriched by her participation in the Stanford University online novel writing program, Lange’s storytelling prowess shines through in her exploration of intricate family dynamics and profound character psychology.
Currently residing in the serene landscapes of Bend, Oregon, alongside her husband, two sons, and loyal German Shepherd, Lange continues to captivate readers with her latest offering, “The Connellys of County Down.” In this compelling narrative, she delves into themes of family loyalty, love, and the repercussions of one’s actions, weaving a tapestry of emotions that resonate long after the final page is turned.
Through her characters, particularly the resilient protagonist Tara Connelly, Lange embarks on a journey of redemption, portraying the challenges of reintegration into society after a period of incarceration with sensitivity and depth. Drawing from her background in mental health and extensive research, she navigates the complexities of familial relationships with finesse, offering readers a nuanced exploration of human nature.
Lange’s ability to seamlessly transport readers across diverse settings, from the bustling streets of New York City to the serene landscapes of County Down, Ireland, enhances the richness of her narratives. Her intimate knowledge of these locales, steeped in personal history and cultural resonance, imbues her storytelling with authenticity and depth.
As an author who has successfully transitioned from the realm of healthcare to the realm of literature, Lange’s journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring writers navigating their own career transitions. Her advice to safeguard writing time, embrace the creative process in all its forms, and seek solace in the camaraderie of fellow writers underscores the importance of perseverance and community in the pursuit of artistic expression.
Intriguing, insightful, and deeply resonant, Tracey Lange’s interview with Reader’s House Magazine offers a glimpse into the mind of a storyteller whose narratives transcend boundaries and resonate with universal truths.
Tracey Lange’s writing brilliantly uncovers the human condition, weaving empathy and authenticity into compelling family-driven narratives that deeply resonate.
Your background includes owning and operating a behavioural healthcare company. How has this experience influenced your writing, particularly in crafting complex family dynamics and character psychology?
In my previous career I worked with people from all walks of life and across the socioeconomic spectrum. They were struggling with their own unique circumstances, generally doing the best they could at the time, but often in unhealthy ways that negatively impacted the whole family. All the observation and analysis over those years helps fuel my characters and stories now.
The Connellys of County Down explores themes of family loyalty, love, and facing the consequences of one’s actions. What inspired you to delve into these themes, and what messages or insights do you hope readers will take away from the novel?
I’ve always been a student of human nature. I particularly enjoy diving into our motivations, which are rarely simple, especially when it comes to the people we’re closest to in the world. I hope the ultimate takeaway is the importance of empathy and the understanding that so few things in life are black and white—there are endless shades of grey.
Tara Connelly, the protagonist of The Connellys of County Down, faces significant challenges upon her release from prison. Can you discuss the process of developing her character and the journey you wanted to take readers on through her experiences?
I wanted to explore the various obstacles facing people in Tara’s situation, trying to re-enter society and return to the family fold after prison. There are the more practical challenges, such as finding a job with a criminal record and abiding by the stringent terms of parole. Then there are the interpersonal challenges, such as how to re-establish a place in the family and what to reveal to new friends. Much of this was based on my experience in the mental health field, as well as additional research.
In both We Are the Brennans and The Connellys of County Down, family plays a central role. What draws you to explore family dynamics in your writing, and how do you approach crafting authentic familial relationships and interactions?
I spend a long time developing my characters before I start writing the book, giving them personalities and occupations, family and friends, strengths and weaknesses. Of course I learn a great deal about them during that first draft, but the more I get to know them up front, the more they help me find the story. Exploring family dynamics is an important part of the process for me because many of our beliefs, values, and coping skills are born out of those relationships.
The setting of your novels spans from New York City to County Down, Ireland. How do you utilize these settings to enhance the storytelling and atmosphere of your narratives?
My father immigrated from Northern Ireland when he was twenty-three. I was raised in New York City and spent a lot of time with his large family back home while I was growing up. I know these settings well and they felt perfect for both stories since they contain a strong Irish influence. The landscape and history of Ireland were particularly relevant to the fairy-tales that were so important to the Connellys.
The Brennan family in We Are the Brennans and the Connelly family in The Connellys of County Down both grapple with secrets and their repercussions. Can you speak to the importance of secrets in your storytelling and how they contribute to the development of your characters and plot?
Whenever characters are keeping secrets from each other there is inherent conflict, even if their intentions behind doing it are good. It raises lots of questions that help take readers through the story—Why are they keeping the secrets? Will they be revealed? If so, how will it impact everyone? And when readers are in on the secrets, it can provide some juicy subtext.
Your debut novel, We Are the Brennans, received widespread acclaim. How did the experience of writing your first novel influence your approach to writing The Connellys of County Down, and what lessons did you carry forward from your debut?
The response to Brennans was so wonderful and overwhelming—in a good way! It had me a little nervous about the second novel, but I tried to just keep my head down and focus on the Connellys. Publishing a book is terribly exciting, but also a little crazy-making, and I find that staying engaged in the next project keeps me sane. After writing Brennans, I was much more aware of the questions I needed to ask myself before starting the next one, which ended up saving me a lot of time.
As a writer who has transitioned from owning a behavioural healthcare company to becoming a bestselling author, what advice would you offer to aspiring writers looking to embark on a similar career transition or pursue their passion for writing amidst other professional responsibilities?
The first piece of advice would be to safeguard your writing time, particularly if it’s limited. It’s so easy to let yourself get distracted or pulled away from it. When I started writing my first novel I had kids at home and was still transitioning out of our old business. So, when I had a chunk of time to write, I buckled down and made the most of it. However—and this leads to the next piece of advice I’d offer—it’s important to remember that just sitting and thinking about your story, or doing research, free writing about your characters, reading books about craft, etc. is all part of that precious writing time. It’s not just about the word count. Finally, and maybe my biggest tip, is to find your writer’s group. Writing is such a solitary endeavour. Even if you have supportive family members, it’s so important to have those fellow writers who can cheer you on, offer helpful feedback, and hold you accountable. There are dark and scary times in writing, and they will help you through it!
