Interview with Tracie Breaux, Author of Refined

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Refined?

When I was in my 40’s, I noticed on social media different stories about child abuse. I suppose I never thought about my past because there was no internet or social media before to compare my past to. I realized that my father had gotten away with crimes against me, so I began researching similar abuses, which led me to have a DNA test done.

Once I received the results and met family members I hadn’t known existed, I discovered that these abuses had been handed down through generations. It is called generational trauma. This floored me. I realized I had a unique story that needed to be shared, but trauma is not unique. My story began to unfold from there…

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Refined, what would they be?

The main character in my book is me. I listen to Fight Song by Rachel Platten on a regular basis. It keeps me going.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

My favorite genre is memoir and I loved writing my story. I’m working on a historical fiction piece now, which I love also, and it is much more difficult than I thought. Lots of research into an era I’m not familiar with.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

The Keeper of Happy Endings and We Were the Lucky Ones.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

Any scenes with my brother in them. I miss that we were close once.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I write best when my dog is at my side, but he gets distracted by anyone in the kitchen.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

Yes, and it’s in my book. It’s a Latin phrase: Dum vita est spes est. It means, “where there’s life, there’s hope.”

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I want my readers to walk away knowing that they can overcome anything and to stay strong.

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