Tracy Lea Carnes

I am the author of the novel THE DARLINGS OF SUNDANCE.

"A wise, funny, and slyly knowing novel about Sundance, filmmaking, writing, and creating not just the life you think you want for yourself—but discovering the life you actually need. As effervescent as a Perrier with a delicious bite of lime." -- Caroline Leavitt, New York Times Bestselling author of With or Without You, Pictures of You, Is This Tomorrow and Cruel Beautiful World.

When struggling midlist author, Austen Landry, receives the chance of a lifetime to interview mega-star Radley Seager at the Sundance Film Festival, she jumps at the opportunity only to get caught up in the glamour, drama, danger, and secrets that Seager’s entourage brings into Austen’s orbit. This chance of a lifetime will change Austen’s life forever.

Austen’s cinematographer best friend, a contemplative director, a rising starlet, an elusive stalker, a publisher and studio head power couple, and Austen’s vanilla boyfriend from back home round out the cast of characters. Through the eyes of Austen we glimpse a unique and unbridled view into the glamorous inner workings of the Sundance Film Festival - the multi-million-dollar deals, the exclusive star-studded parties, the gifting suites, the hot-tubs, and, of course, the swag.

Does Austen return home to New Orleans with something much more valuable than anything a gifting suite full of swag could ever give her? A week can change everything!

THE DARLINGS OF SUNDANCE is March 2023's Featured Novel with THE INTERNATIONAL PULPWOOD QUEENS AND TIMBER GUYS BOOK CLUB, one of the largest book clubs in the world!

I am also the author of the novel EXCESS BAGGAGE, a humorous yet inspiring glimpse of Kelly, a careerless thirty-year old woman, who moves back home to her dependent mother after the death of her overbearing father in order to rediscover herself. This novel was a book club pick in 2010 for The Pulpwood Queen’s Book Club, which is the largest book club in the world with over 600 chapters world-wide. I also appeared as a featured author at the Pulpwood Queen’s annual Girlfriend Weekend that year alongside other authors such as Pat Conroy (The Prince of Tides) and Jamie Ford (Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet).

A fun fact about me was that I was a finalist in the Chris Moore Challenge during the first season of HBO’s Project Greenlight with a 60 second comedy spoof that I wrote and produced. My political satire has also appeared nationally in The Huffington Post. My one-act play, UNDERSTANDING POLLY, won a 24-hour playwriting contest a few years ago. As for screenwriting, I studied under Lew Hunter at his colony. Spielberg calls Lew “the best screenwriting teacher going.”