Meet Tracy Chiles McGhee | Author, Entrepreneur, & Cultural Curator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tracy Chiles McGhee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tracy Chiles, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
The idea for My Published Book was born from my own experiences as an author and from witnessing the struggles and triumphs of other women writers who were trying to navigate the publishing complexities. I recognized a significant need for a platform that not only supported women authors in publishing their works but also empowered them by retaining their rights as indie authors.

I wanted to create a service that would demystify the publishing process, provide professional guidance, and enhance the visibility of women’s voices in literature. My Published Book was founded with the mission to support passionate, purpose-driven women who have a strong message to share and are motivated to make a difference in the world.

Our approach is unique because we focus on empowering authors rather than just publishing books. We provide comprehensive support, ensuring that each author not only publishes her book but also builds a sustainable author platform. This commitment to empowering authors and amplifying diverse voices is at the heart of why My Published Book was created.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Throughout my multifaceted career, I have worn many hats—from a public interest lawyer to a project director, from a communications and fundraising professional to the founder of two nonprofits. Writing and having an entrepreneurial spirit has been a constant throughout my journey. Each role has allowed me to explore my diverse interests and curiosities, leading me down a path that some might view as unconventional. However, I’ve learned that embracing my multi-passionate nature is not only fulfilling but also integral to my unique professional narrative.
Challenges and Lessons Learned: One of the significant challenges I’ve faced is the perception that my career path has been scattered or unfocused. I have questioned my trajectory way too much. But over time, I’ve learned that following my varied interests has not only enriched my life but has also equipped me with a unique blend of skills and perspectives that enhance my roles and creative projects. The journey has taught me the importance of being in tune with my instincts and passions, and what makes me feel joyful and excited. A daily affirmation written on my whiteboard, “Good morning, Congratulations! You are on track.” serves as a constant reminder that I am following my own path, aligned with my core values and creativity.
Current Focus: Today, I am excited to channel my diverse experiences into my writing and a new venture involving a more interdisciplinary approach to art that is allowing me to spread my wings into new territories. I am looking forward to seeing what emerges in this time of clarity, no longer clouded by unnecessary pressures. The realization that there are no straight paths in life, only the ones we carve for ourselves, has been liberating.
My Approach to Art: Now, my focus is less on the outcomes of my art and more on the process of creation itself. This shift has allowed me to be more in tune with my inner voice, especially during deep meditation, and to bring forth work that is uniquely mine.
What I Want the World to Know: My story is a testament to the power of self-discovery, embracing and loving one’s whole self, and out of that – sharing one’s gifts. As Toni Morrison says, “Your life is already artful—waiting, just waiting, for you to make it art.”
The arts are not just a form of expression but a means of connection—to ourselves and to others. As I continue to explore and learn ways to move without limitations, I invite others to join me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My beloved city, Washington, D.C. is always buzzing with different events, so there’s always something new and exciting to discover! So, throughout the week, we’d keep an eye on local listings for any festivals, concerts, or special exhibits that align with our interests.

Day 1:
Early morning: We’d start at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), my favorite for its profound exhibits.
Afternoon: Lunch at Wisemiller’s Grocery & Deli near Georgetown University, my alma mater, for a bite — can’t lose with the Peggy’s Special or Burger Madness.
Happy Hour: Dress cute, invite some more friends, and get to the nearest rooftop bar. There are so many great spots. I’d leave the location as a surprise, even to me.
Day 2:
Morning: A visit to Artechouse for its cutting-edge, immersive art experiences that blend art, science, and technology in captivating installations.
Afternoon: Relax and enjoy a casual lunch at The Roost, where we can grab some pizza or tacos.
Evening: Dinner at Philippe Chow on the Wharf, followed by a walk along the pier to see if we can snag a swing to people watch and enjoy the water view.
Day 3:
Morning: Breakfast at ThreeFifty Bakery & Coffee Bar to enjoy the best quiche and vegan oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.
Afternoon: Join a guided walking tour through the Greater U Street area, once known as Black Broadway, led by a local author to dive into the neighborhood’s rich history and culture. While there, grab lunch at Ben’s Chili Bowl for a half-smoke, a local favorite.
Day 4:
Daytime: Visit MahoganyBooks in Anacostia, a Black-owned bookstore that hosts community events and is a hub for local authors and literature enthusiasts.
Evening: Head to Jojo Restaurant & Bar for a night of live jazz, great food, and a nice vibe.
Day 5:
Daytime: Start with a hop-on, hop-off tour bus from Union Station, with stops at my favorite monuments — the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, both iconic and inspiring.
Evening: Relax with dinner at Bronze on H Street, a restaurant inspired by Afrofuturism that blends fantasy with the culture of the African Diaspora. We can follow this unique dining experience with a local theatrical production.

For some rejuvenation, we’d need a luxury spa day at the Ritz-Carlton (her treat, lol) and a delightful brunch of course. DC has plenty but we might venture over to Ada’s on the River in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia for a change of and a stunning view of the Potomac River.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Firstly, I want to give a shoutout to Marita Golden, my mentor and friend. Taking her writing workshop at the DC Public Library not only honed my craft but also emboldened me to complete my manuscript for “Melting the Blues,” which went on to receive multiple awards. Marita has been a pillar of support, guiding me through the highs and lows of the literary world. Her insistence on living vibrantly both off and on the page and being actively engaged in uplifting and bringing together other writers has guided me.

I also must pay homage to my literary muse, Zora Neale Hurston. Hurston was not only a brilliant writer but a fearless explorer of new ideas and a dedicated preserver of African American cultural stories. Her independence and boldness in taking risks inspire me to embrace my multiple passions and continuously explore new avenues in life and literature.

Toni Morrison, another monumental figure, left an indelible mark on my understanding of storytelling. Her profound narratives and the emotional depth of her characters push me to explore the human experience with precision, compassion and courage.

Additionally, the support from Zora’s Den, an arm of the non-profit Charm City Cultural Cultivation, has been invaluable. This sisterhood of writers not only offers a nurturing space for Black women to share and refine their work but also actively engages in promoting our voices in the broader literary community. The encouragement that I’ve received from this group has been instrumental in my journey as a writer and community leader.

Website: https://www.tracychilesmcghee.com

Instagram: tee_cee_em

Other: https://www.mypublishedbook.com