Today’s lovely guest is Rachel Brimble. Historical romance author Rachel releases her latest novel, Her One True Love, this month and here she shares with us the inspiration behind her writing and confesses her love of being a romantic suspense author…
Hi Rachel, welcome to Bookaholic Confessions! Thank you so much for participating in this interview. Would you like to start by introducing yourself…?
It’s great to be here! I am the author of the Harlequin Superromance Templeton Cove Stories as well as four Victorian romances with eKensington/Lyrical Press. I live with my husband, our two teenage daughters and our mad chocolate Labrador, Tyler, near the famous city of Bath, England.
Why I’m not working, I live to read, knit, walk the beautiful English countryside or socialise with friends and family.
Can you tell us a bit about your latest novel, Her One True Love (released March 2016)?
Her One True Love is the story of Jane Charlotte Danes and her quest to find meaning in her life and try to forget the man she’s always loved from afar. She moves from the small village of Biddestone to Bath to start over…what she doesn’t expect is the love of her life, Matthew Cleaves, to follow her ther
As quite a prolific author where do you find the inspiration behind your novels? Does it ever get difficult coming up with new ideas?
I have a notepad as well as a file on my phone filled with ideas – God forbid I should ever lose either, haha! I find ideas everywhere. It can be a newspaper article, a TV show, conversation or experience from my life or others’ lives. The problem comes with stretching that initial spark to 85,000 + words!
Are any of the characters in your novels ever based on anyone in real life or are they entirely fictional?
All my characters are entirely fictional although there might be elements of people I know or have known. Also, a little of myself seems to seep into every character, whether male or female, young or old. Writing is very therapeutic and I think a lot of authors use the art to purge bad feeling or celebrate joy.
What’s the best thing about writing romance?
The happy ever after! I love that no matter the sub-genre of romance you are writing or reading, you know that the couple will reach their happy ending. This is what a lot of people who don’t read the genre can’t understand. They say, ‘But you know how it’s going to end!’ – it’s not the conclusion that keeps us reading, it’s the journey the characters take to get there.
The romance that you write comes under many different categories including historical, comedy and suspense. Do you have a favourite?
Ooh, tough question! My favourite to read is romantic suspense but I love to write them all. I feel very blessed that I currently write mainstream romance, romantic suspense and historical. I try my hardest to alternate them in order to keep my stories and writing fresh. I hope my readers enjoy the variety too!
What advice would you give to any aspiring novelists out there?
Write, write, write! There is no easy way or trick to getting published. You just have to keep writing, learning and editing until you breakthrough…and you will get there! It takes determination and love of storytelling to become a published novelist and eventually someone who loves your voice will pick up your writing. Editing a full page is a lot easier than a blank page!
Who are your favourite authors and which type of books do you enjoy reading?
My favourite authors are Nora Roberts, Jill Shalvis, Philippa Gregory and Jodi Picoult – as for what I enjoy reading, I read pretty much everything from every sub-genre of romance, to crime, to women’s fiction and historical biographies. The only genres I don’t read are paranormal and sci-fi. I just can’t stretch my imagination far enough to be invested.
What do you like to do in your spare time besides reading & writing?
I like to knit, watch far too many US crime dramas and UK period dramas as well as spending time enjoying myself with my friends and family. A chilled glass of white wine is also a much indulged pleasure, along with takeaway food, haha!
And finally – can you tell us a bit about what you’re up to at the moment?
Right now, I am working on the first book of what I hope will become an Edwardian series – it has been picked up by a UK agent based on the first three chapters so I am frantically working to get it finished. Watch this space!
As for my next release, book 6 of my Harlequin Templeton Cove Stories will be released this coming autumn.
A huge thank you to Rachel for answering my questions. ♥
Get hold of your copy of Her One True Love, available in ebook or paperback, here.
She Can’t Forget Him…
Jane Charlotte Danes has loved the squire of her idyllic country town for as long as she can remember. He is good, kind, and alluring beyond words… and he chose to marry another. Tired of dwelling on her futile longings, Jane plans a move to Bath, where she dreams of a new beginning. But the man who has so imprisoned her heart is only a few steps behind…
He Can’t Let Her Go…
Until now, Matthew Cleaves has endeavored to meet the responsibilities of his position with dignity and good spirits–including his dutiful marriage. But when his wife leaves him for another man, Matthew is at last free to pursue his one true love. Only one vital question remains: will the captivating, stubborn, beautiful Jane allow him the challenge, and the pleasure, of winning her back?..
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B010JYVX66
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/her-one-true-love-rachel-brimble/1122226549?ean=9781601832771
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/her-one-true-love
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. Since 2013, she has had five books published by Harlequin Superromance (Templeton Cove Stories) and recently signed a contract for three more. She also has three Victorian romances with eKensington/Lyrical with a fourth due for release in March 2016.
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. 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!
Links:
Facebook Street Team – Rachel’s Readers
Bookaholic Confessions 
Good morning! Thanks for having me here – looking forward to chatting with your visitors 🙂
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Oooh, I love the sound of this, Rachel! I can see why you are snapped up! Fab interview, ladies! I so agree with this: “it’s not the conclusion that keeps us reading, it’s the journey the characters take to get there.” So true! Best of luck, sweetie! Thanks for sharing, Holly! 🙂 xx
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