Welcome to my Interview stop on The WriteReads tour for Catalyst by Tracy Richardson. Though the second book of a series, Catalyst focuses on a different character and can be read as a standalone novel. Marcie has a sixth sense about things. The dig at Angel Mounds, where this book is set, is the site of an ancient indigenous civilization, and things immediately shift into the paranormal when Marcie and her teammates meet Lorraine and Zeke. The two mysterious dig assistants reveal their abilities to access the Universal Energy Field with their minds – something Marcie knows, only vaguely, that her brother has also had experience with. Marcie learns how our planet will disintegrate if action is not taken.
Catalyst speaks to a very niche audience and it was not the book for me. However, since I was curious about some aspects of the book, I did a short Q&A with the author.
- Are there any books that you would say influenced and shaped you as a writer?
A WRINKLE IN TIME by Madeleine L’Engle really got me thinking as a child. When I was older, I read other books of hers – AN ACCEPTABLE TIME and A RING OF ENDLESS LIGHT. She was researching physicists and spiritual concepts and I use those themes in my books as well. Some non-fiction books that influenced me are THE FIELD by Lynne McTaggart and THE HOLOGRAPHIC UNIVERSE by Michael Talbot.
- What was your inspiration for including alternate dimensions in the book?
As part of my science geekiness, I am fascinated by the idea scientists propose that there are multiple universes out there. It’s hard enough to conceptualize the immensity of one universe let alone the idea that there could be an infinite number of additional universes!! I also believe that we are here on Earth to grow and learn and develop both as individuals and as a species. The idea that there are other dimensions within this universe where we can advance in the process of our personal development is intriguing as well. What’s the next stage of human development? Telepathy? Telekinesis? Instant manifestation? Who can say?
- The archeological dig site in Catalyst was set at a Mississippian site. What inspired you to place the setting there? Was it your own personal roots or research that caught your eye? What are some sources of information that readers might seek out if they’d like to learn more about Mississippian and Native Indian cultures?
Throughout the Midwest there are numerous Native American mounds built by the Adena, Hopewell and Mississippian cultures. I visited Angel Mounds in southern Indiana, Cahokia Mound in Illinois, Serpent Mound in Ohio, and an active archeological dig site outside of St. Louis. Many of the sites are situated to track celestial occurrences like the solstices and equinoxes and movements of the sun, moon, stars, and planets. I think native and indigenous cultures have a lot of wisdom and knowledge that many of us are not aware of. I wanted to incorporate that in my novels. There are many books available on mound building cultures for interested readers.
- If someone could take away one thing from your book – a lesson, an inspiration, anything – what would you hope it to be?
I would like people to realize that we are caretakers of planet Earth. This is our home – there is no second planet. Also, that there is more to the Universe than we can possibly imagine and to be open to those possibilities.
About Tracy Richardson
Tracy Richardson wasn’t always a writer, but she was always a reader. Her favorite book growing up was A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle. In a weird way that book has even shaped her life through odd synchronicities. She has a degree in biology like Mrs. Murry, and, without realizing it, she named her children Alex and Katie after Meg’s parents.
Tracy uses her science background in her writing through her emphasis on environmental issues, metaphysics, and science fiction. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her doing any number of creative activities — painting furniture, knitting sweaters, or cooking something. She lives in Indianapolis, and, in case you’re wondering, yes, she’s been to the Indianapolis 500.
You can learn more about her on her website.
I hope you found this interview informative. Thank you for reading! Do check out my Book Review index for other books.
** Catalyst is now available at retail stores. This is a Paranormal Occult and Supernatural novel. **
Many thanks to The WriteReads for the complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Cover image: Photo by Fabrizio Conti on Unsplash
Be First to Comment