Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Hey PLANNERS: Do your characters veer off course? #WritersLife Interview with Rachel Brimble

I'm thrilled to have author Rachel Brimble here today!! Along with a little interview, is the info on her latest historical romance, What a Woman Desires.

GREAT read, folks! Be sure to add it to GOODREADS!

Onto the interview...


Tell us about your latest book.

What A Woman Desires is my third Victorian romance with eKensington/Lyrical Press. All these romances are set in and around Bath, England (just a thirty minute drive from where I live!). What A Woman Desires is a reunion romance centering around my heroine, Monica Danes, an upper-middle class lady turned actress and her family’s groom, Thomas Ashby.

Although the attraction was always there between them, being together was an impossibility and finally came to an end when Monica left the small village of Biddestone to pursue her dream of being an actress. When she is called back home after her father died, the heat between her and Thomas is still very much there…

Is there anything you find particularly challenging about writing?

The plotting…always! I start each both by writing character sketches for my hero and heroine (and villain, if I have one) and then a three to four page synopsis. After this, I start writing. More often than not, the characters veer off course from my original synopsis and I just have to play along. They’re in charge! Of course, this often leads to me hitting a roadblock around the 40,000 word mark.

When this happens, I force myself to write through it and worry about making the manuscript shine in the following drafts!

How did you deal with rejection letters?

The only way a writer can—read them, accept any advice that resonates with you, make any changes and resubmit elsewhere. Once a determined writer treats a rejection letter as a learning tool, the whole process becomes much more enjoyable and they will inevitably keep going.

What tools do you feel are must-haves for writers?

A deep love of books and the written word, tenacity, belief and a determination to write something every single day. 

~~~oOo~~~

From country girl to actress of the stage, one woman dares to live her dreams—but is she brave enough to open her heart…?

Monica Danes always wanted more than the village of Biddestone had to offer. After a failed courtship to a man of her parents’ choosing, she fled for the city of Bath and never looked back. Today, Monica is the undisputed queen of the theater—a wealthy, independent woman. But when she is called home in the wake of tragedy, Monica returns—intending to leave again as soon as possible.

Thomas Ashby has been a groom at the Danes estate since he was a boy—and has been enamored with Monica for almost as long. He knows he isn’t a suitable match for his master’s daughter, despite the special bond he and Monica have always shared—and their undeniable attraction. But now that she’s returned, Thomas has one last chance to prove himself worthy—and to show Monica a life, and a love, she won’t want to give up...


~~~oOo~~~


Rachel lives with her husband and two teenage daughters in a small town near Bath in the UK. After having several novels published by small US presses, she secured agent representation in 2011. In 2012, she sold two books to Harlequin Superromance and a further three in 2013. She also writes Victorian romance for Kensington--her debut was released in April 2013, followed by a second in January 2014 and the third is released Jan 2015.

Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and Romance Writers of America, and was selected to mentor the Superromance finalist of So You Think You Can Write 2014 contest. When she isn’t writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family and beloved black Lab, Max. Her dream place to live is Bourton-on-the-Water in South West England.

She likes nothing more than connecting and chatting with her readers and fellow romance writers. Rachel would love to hear from you!


8 comments:

  1. Hi Terri! Great to be here and thank you for hosting such a fantastic party yesterday - I had a blast and hope it brings you many, many sales! I will be popping in all day to answer any questions & comments :D

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  2. Loved the interview ladies, and Rachel, thanks for sharing what happens when your characters veer off course! I just needed a reminder about what you have to do when that happens, so thanks, and best wishes with your latest book.

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    1. Hi Sherry!

      Those middle spots are ALWAYS my worst, no matter how long and more experience I get - no choice but to keep going when you're contracted!

      Rachel x

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  3. Yes, I'm at the pushing through the muddled middle stage too, so definitely appreciate the reminder!

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    1. Hi Stephanie!

      Good luck with it - what are you working on right now?

      Rachel x

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  4. Smart choice of tools.
    I also start with character details and an outline.

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  5. The story sounds wonderful. I'm sure it will do well. :-)

    Anna from Shout with Emaginette

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  6. Hi Alex & Emaginette!

    Thanks for stopping by :)

    Rachel x

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