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!
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
ReplyDeleteLoved 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.
ReplyDeleteHi Sherry!
DeleteThose 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
Yes, I'm at the pushing through the muddled middle stage too, so definitely appreciate the reminder!
ReplyDeleteHi Stephanie!
DeleteGood luck with it - what are you working on right now?
Rachel x
Smart choice of tools.
ReplyDeleteI also start with character details and an outline.
The story sounds wonderful. I'm sure it will do well. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from Shout with Emaginette
Hi Alex & Emaginette!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by :)
Rachel x