Interview with Rachel Brimble
Interview with Rachel Brimble
Affaire de Coeur's April Calendar Girl
Spotlight On Rachel Brimble
I live in the famous Georgian city of Bath, England with my husband of 20 years and our two daughters. I currently have 8 books with Harlequin Superromance (Templeton Cove Stories), 4 Victorian romances with eKensington and have just signed a new 4 book contract with Aria fiction for a new Edwardian series. When I’m not working, I like to read, knit, watch TV or walk the countryside with my chocolate Labrador, Tyler.
1. When did you start writing?
I’ve written stories since I was around nine or ten, but I started getting down to the serious business of having a novel published in 2005. I haven’t looked back since!
2. What have you learned about writing since you started?
That it’s a business! It is no longer enough just to write the best book you can – you have to be a writer, a publicist, an accountant and a relatable human being. Authors are expected to multi-task by publishers and readers alike. Fortunately, I enjoy all aspects of the business…even if I have very little time for anything else J
3. Tell us about your new book or series.
A Stranger in The Cove is the final book in my popular Templeton Cove series (Harlequin). Although this is the last book, this novel and all the others, can be read stand-alone so readers can dip in and out as they please. The series is a mix of mainstream romance and romantic suspense stories set in the fictional UK seaside town of Templeton Cove. The series is very close to my heart.
- What is your idea of a perfect writing day?
I’m at the computer by 9 am after a half an hour read in bed, then I work on promotion for an hour or so before I dive into the writing. I’d work for another hour or so and then walk the dog. Once back, I’d continue writing until lunch time – short half an hour break and then back to work until 5.30pm.
No interruptions, no kids screaming at me, no laundry that needs folding or people knocking on the door. Bliss!
5. How/where do you get your plot ideas?
Ideas are everywhere! They can be found in newspapers, on TV, people’s conversations, history…everywhere. The trick is to find an idea and think ‘what if?’ or ‘how can I make this story brand new?’ Obtaining the ideas isn’t the challenge with writing. The challenge is making that initial idea stretch to 80,000 words plus!
- What is the most difficult thing about creating and developing characters?
For me, it’s really nailing down their goals, motivations and conflicts – I start every book thinking I have it clear in my mind and dive into the writing. Then, every time, I hit a wall around the 40,000 word mark when I realize something about the character I didn’t know and have to go back to make sure I include it and the rest of the story flows seamlessly around the new discovery. Writing is hard work!
- What is your favorite thing about being an author?
That I get to do what I love every day – I haven’t had that Monday morning feeling for over 12 years and I’m eternally grateful.
- How many books do you currently have out on the market and what genres do they fall into?
I currently have 18 novels and 2 novellas on the market – they are a mix of mainstream romance, romantic comedy, romantic suspense and historical romance.
- Pass on some words of wisdom, please, to aspiring authors.
Give yourself permission to write a crappy first draft – this wisdom was giving to me about 7 years ago and my output quadrupled overnight. A full page can be edited. A blank page can’t. Simple!
Purchase A Stranger in the Cove by Rachel Brimble
Contact information:
Personal web page http://rachelbrimble.com/
Twitter https://twitter.com/RachelBrimble
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/rachelbrimbleauthor/
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