Author Spotlight: Tracey Cooper

Tracey T. Cooper is an award-winning author, business leader, publisher, and philanthropist who continually seeks to change others’ lives through her various endeavors. The seven-time national best-selling author stuck with her dream of bringing words to life that she has had since she was five years old. She is the author of Scandal in the Pews, Scandal in the Pews II: When the Table’s Turn (Shelia’s Story), Scandal in the Pews III: The Aftermath, The Pastor’s Wife Chronicles (two book series), Million Dollar Baby: The Cost of Fortune (The Pastor’s Wives Chronicles Book 1), Girl Secure Yourself: Queens Play Chess (The Pastor’s Wives Chronicles Volume 2). Her first book, Scandal in the Pews, reached the Amazon Best Sellers list just days after going live. 

Tracey is also the proud founder of the nonprofit, The Bold Agency, where BOLD stands for Believe and Obtain Life’s Destiny. The nonprofit was created to evoke meaningful change around her. Growing up, Tracey was always told that her dreams were limitless. She has lived her life in a manner that proves that it is true. She continues to find ways to grow her ventures and plant seeds in people’s lives so they can also find their way in the world. She has always had a vivid way with words that has been her pathway to continued success. Tracey strongly believes that real accomplishments include the lives you have changed that get to accompany you at the top. 

 

 

 Christina: What is your SwagHer? What makes Tracey, Tracey? 

Tracey: My SwagHer is super bubbly. I find purpose in everything: the good, the bad, and even the ugly. What makes Tracey, Tracey, for me would be my nature. Throughout the years, I’ve learned that good energy and grace will take you places that hustling can’t. Above all else, I’m a lover at heart. I love God, people, traveling, and a little luxury, of course. 

Christina: Why did you decide to write? What happened in your life for you to say you want to share stories with the world? 

Tracey: I have been a writer since I could spell. I was a bit of a bookworm; I’ve always loved reading. I remember in 9th grade, I found a copy of Sista Souljah’s Coldest Winter Ever. I locked myself in my room, devouring every word of that book. It was just so well written; it painted a full colorful picture through words, which was amazing to me. When I finished reading it, I declared that someday I would have that same effect on a reader. 

Christina: Please tell our readers a little bit about your book series, Scandal in the Pews and The Pastor’s Wives Chronicles. What was the inspiration behind those series? Where can our readers go to purchase them? 

Tracey: Scandal in the Pews most definitely lives up to the name. It’s a gritty, raw, emotional roller coaster of scandal. It has all the makings of a modern-day drama. It takes place in the pews of course, the last place we expect for there to be a story like this. However, we all know every closed eye is not always shut, and every bent knee isn’t kneeling just for prayer. I actually started writing the book, Scandal in the Pews in my freshman year of college. After seeing one of my friends date an older man, who just may have been a preacher. That combined with my wild imagination, created this best seller.  The Pastor’s Wives Chronicles is my twist on a book series. I absolutely hate series; I feel like they are so restrictive. So, I created this chronicle of standalone books that are entirely unrelated, yet they weave together a fun, gripping tale, from the perspectives of very different First Ladies. All of them are available for purchase on Amazon.com as well as Barnes and Noble. 

Christina: Define faith in your own words. 

Tracey: Faith, to me, is simply, confidence or belief that all things are possible. 

Christina: You have a nonprofit, tell us a little more about it. Why did you start it? 

Tracey: My nonprofit is called Girl Secure Yourself, and it is as powerful as its name. It is an organization that was founded on the principle a woman must first secure herself, or she will always fumble the bag. When I speak of securing herself, I mean mentally, physically, financially, emotionally, and spiritually. I started the organization simply because I noticed the necessity for it in my immediate circle. I knew that if we all were in need of securing in one area or another, then thousands of other women were also. 

Christina: How has becoming the owner of a nonprofit changed your life? 

Tracey: Girl Secure Yourself has fully pressed me into my purpose. It made me go harder for my own dreams and visions. I realized that I, too, had to be a willing participant in my own evolution, the very same way I was encouraging others to be.

Christina: Do you plan on writing more books? 

Tracey: Absolutely, I actually am almost finished with my newest novel. 

Christina: Did you always want to be an author and business owner? If not, what did you want to do with your life? 

Tracey: I always wanted to be a writer; however, I envisioned myself writing jingles. I know that sounds super different, but I really love marketing and commercials, so my initial major in college was actually marketing. As far as being a business owner, I’ve always envisioned myself owning several businesses. 

Christina: Who or what inspires you to continue working with your nonprofit and being an author?

Tracey: I have so many inspirations. My mom is one of my biggest inspirations to keep going. I want to retire her. I want to see her work her passion and do what she loves in life, which keeps me motivated to keep going. My younger sister and godchildren are also an inspiration for me to be all that I can be. Lastly, my Girl Secure Yourself Tribe, they are incredible sources of inspiration. 

Christina: Do you have any upcoming events or projects you would like our readers to know about?

Tracey: Yes, That Girl Is Poison, a new novel is on the way in November. I will also be hosting the Reserved Table of 12, a Girl Boss Consortium. The Reserved Table of 12 will be a fun, interactive discussion between influencers, myself, and an audience made of both established and aspiring girl bosses regarding purpose as I debut my self-love inspired candle line and new book.  

Christina: Is there anything else you would like to share? 

Tracey: I’d like to say thank you so much for this opportunity. It’s been a pleasure. 

 

Connect with Tracey:

Instagram: @CrownedHeirInc

Facebook: Tracey T. Cooper / The BOLD Agency/ Girl Secure Yourself