Alum Traci Chee Encourage Writes Young-Adult Novel 'The Reader'

CALAVERAS ENTERPRISE -- The author of “The Reader,” a young-adult fantasy novel that explores a world in which reading and books do not exist, Chee, who moved to Angels Camp at the age of 10, is a self-described book nerd. With a Bachelor’s degree in literature from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a Master’s degree in English from San Francisco State University, the 31-year-old Bret Harte graduate turned her passion for video games into a career as a writer. “My love of writing actually stemmed from a love of video games, specifically RPGs, or role-playing games, with a huge emphasis on world-building and story. I wanted to be a video game designer for the longest time, but eventually focused in on the part I loved best: the writing!” explained the animated Chee with a grin. “I’m so lucky to be able to write full-time now. I try to start work between 8 and 9 a.m., work until lunch, then work until dinner, although the work varies all the time — it could be drafting, revising, rereading, researching, answering e-mails, creating promotional content or doing interviews.”