“To know thyself is the beginning of wisdom.” – Socrates

Part 1 of 2

What a better way to get to know yourself, than by an interview. We all have been through them, for jobs and school. When creating characters for our stories, we have an interview process. It helps us to dig deep into our characters, to get to know them. You know the method of standing in front of the mirror and reciting affirmations? Why not twist it around and interview yourself?

I posted a message on my Facebook page and Twitter page, a question to my readers. I also posted the same question to my fellow Coffee House Writers. I asked them, “If you were to interview me, what questions would you ask?” I took their questions and searched for the other questions, below is the result. Hope you enjoy the self-interview.

The Interview: Background (Suggested by Lisa Post)

What is your name?

My name is Tracie Hicks.

In your writing, do you go by any other names?

Yes, I go by Tracie L. Hicks, Tracie Lynn Hicks, or T.L. Hicks. I sometimes use the pen name, Mystic Rose.

Who do you write for?

I write for Coffee House Writers and Digital Fox Media. I do have websites I showcase my articles on, T.L. Hicks and Mystical Night Media.

Where are you from?

I was born on August 18, 1973. My parents raised me in Taylorville, Illinois. We had a few years vacation in the 80s in Mesa and Glendale, Arizona, though. I got sick with Valley Fever, and we moved back to Taylorville, Illinois.

Where do you live now?

I live in a small town, Princeton, Illinois. My husband and I, moved here for a job, managing apartment buildings. But, due to my medical problems, they let me go. That is what I get for defying my doctors.

(Left) My niece and her brother, from my sister Leanna. (Right) My two nephews from my sister Beverly. Photo submitted by T.L. Hicks. Made by Canva

Are you an only child?

It feels that way, sometimes. But, no, I am not an only child. On my mother’s (Betty Hicks (Tirey)) side, I have two brothers, Phil and Steve, and two sisters, Bev and Leanna. On my father’s (Ray Hicks), I have one brother, Doug, and two sisters, Teri and Rhonda. I haven’t seen my siblings from my father’s side since the couple of years I lived in Mesa and Glendale, Arizona.

The reason it feels like I am an only child is due to the age difference between myself and my siblings. My siblings were out, or almost out of the house by the time I came into this world, except Steve. Steve was a pre-teen/teenager when I was born. He left when he turned 18 years old for the Marines. I have a niece, Racheal, who is a few months younger than I am. I am closer in age with my nieces and nephews than my siblings.

Did you attend college after high school?

No, I wanted to. But, I got caught up in working and paying bills.

What jobs have you held?

I started out working at Hardee’s. Then I moved on to County Market for seven years. After County Market, I worked at Wendy’s for five years. My favorite job was at Game Stop/ EB Games. It was fun playing video games, and of course, helping the customers.  I was there for a few years.

I worked odd jobs at call centers and video rental places. I landed back at County Market/Kroger (Kroger bought them out) and stayed there for a few years.

Are you still working?

No, due to the abuse of my first marriage, I suffer chronic pain in my lower back and hip area. It is hard to stand, sit, and walk for any length of time. I am diagnosed with PTSD, chronic depression, and social anxiety. I have been fighting for disability, since 2012, but I keep failing. I got so tired of going to the doctors all the time…I gave up.

“School” Photo by Clker-Free-Vector-Images / Pixabay

When did you go to college?

In 2002, I enrolled at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield, Illinois. I wanted to be an archaeologist. Due to my pending divorce and illness, I had to drop out. I returned to college in 2008-2009 for business. I wanted my own new age shop, Mystical Night Gift Shop. I had to drop out once more, due to my husband’s injury on the job. It wasn’t until 2012 when the doctors told me I should not be working, I returned to school. This time online.

Do you have any degrees?

Yes, an Associates of Arts degree from the University of Phoenix in Communications. I have Bachelor of Arts degree from Southern New Hampshire University in English and Creative Writing. I focused my studies on fiction and screenwriting.

Are you still attending college?

Yes, I am on my last leg for my Master of Arts degree from Southern New Hampshire University in English and Creative Writing. I am focusing my studies on fiction writing.

How did you meet your significant other? -Submitted by Melanie Blackman.

I met Bruce in the fall of 2002. Earlier that year a judge granted my divorce from an abusive marriage. I was working at Wendy’s in Taylorville, Illinois when one of my co-workers kept talking about his friends from Kentucky. When his friends moved to town, the co-worker arranged it for one of them to ‘show up’ at work. Two years later, on Halloween, Bruce and I married.

What’s your favorite color? -Submitted by Melanie Blackman.

My favorite color is black. Black is a slimming color. It is a misunderstood color. Black is associated with bad things. Many people see black cats as a bad omen, and the bad guys wear black in the movies and television shows. Black is connected to death and evil. But, black is… mysterious, unknown. Black is elegant and prestigious. How many females have a little black dress in their closets?

If you could travel anywhere and money wasn’t an issue, where would you go? – Submitted by Melanie Blackman.

Wow, there are so many places I would like to go. I would love to go to many of the haunted places and gather evidence. I would like to travel to places where ancient civilizations once prospered. I would go overseas to Japan and visit Aoshima, the Cat Island, and Akihabara, the anime town/neighborhood in Tokyo.

Capt. Brooke Henderson (left), veterinarian, 993rd Medical Detachment, U.S. Army Reserves and U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. Andrew King, 949th Medical Detachment. Photo by Maj. Guy Hayes via Army Medicine/Flickr

What profession did you dream of as a child? – Submitted by Jess Knueppel

When I was a child, I wanted to grow to be a veterinarian like my neighbor Dr. Charlie Brown. Yes, that is his name. I kind of still want to be. But, having to euthanize them is too heartbreaking for me.

What is your favorite book? Submitted by Keely Messino.

I have many favorite books, and it is hard to name only one. I like the Harry Potter series and The Hunger Games series.

Who is your favorite author?

I have many favorite authors, but Stephen King, Anne Rice, and J. K. Rowling are my top three.

Did you play any musical instruments? 

Yes, I did. I played the violin, and I would love to pick it up again.

Tune in next week for the continuing interview. Same Coffee House Writers time, same Coffee House Writers channel.