Monday, March 21, 2016

A Visit with Rachelle Rea

In past years, I've given March, my blogoversary month, a theme of "Good Friends Old and New". With that in mind, I'm excited to feature a new friend - Rachelle Rea. This lovely author had two books released in 2015 and is here to share a bit about herself and her Steadfast Love series. 

Please note: Rachelle has offered to give away an ebook to one of my followers, so check out the details below. She's also hosting a Goodreads giveaway starting tomorrow, so that info follows as well.  


Welcome to Write Now, Rachelle!  When and where did you first get the idea for the Steadfast Love Series?

Thank you for having me! A song I was listening to on the radio inspired the title of the first book. So I wrote The Sound of Diamonds, but when I finished it, I realized to my great frustration that the characters weren’t done with their story, even though I had been quite adamant that I would write a stand-alone novel. But the story wasn’t finished, so I kept writing.

I've heard other authors say the very same. It's funny how characters can be so insistent, isn't it? :) Readers often pick out favorite quotes from a novel. Do you have a favorite from any of your books? 

Yes! In fact, my friend Mindy, a calligrapher, even created a beautiful piece of art from one of my favorites from my second book, The Sound of Silver. “Within the pages of books one’s heart can be revealed.”

That is an interesting quote! I can see why it's a favorite. What first drew you to writing Inspirational Historical Romance? 

My first exposure to the genre came when I read Heartsong Presents novels when I was twelve. Those small books introduced me to how much I believe in the power of story, especially love stories set in times gone by. 

I agree. Historicals are my favorite; I love the depth and wonderful timeless stories they tell. Congratulations on having two books debut in 2015! Was there any one special moment during the process that stands out in your mind? 

Holding my book for the first time was a big deal! I remember the boxes coming in, then sitting on the couch with a copy in my lap, just staring and realizing I was beaming a bit… 

That is exciting! In addition to writing fiction, you write reviews, articles, and offer editing services. Do you have a favorite among all these activities?

Editing is such fun! I daresay I enjoy editing a page full of my own (or others’!) words just as much as I enjoy splashing words onto a blank page.

That's interesting; I know some writers who might not classify editing in the fun category! :) What are you working on now? Any upcoming projects or new releases? 

I’m really excited about all that 2016 may hold! The Sound of Emeralds, the last in the Steadfast Love series, releases in April. Beyond that, time will tell ;)  

Thank you for stopping by to see us, Rachelle! Wishing you all the best with your books!

Thank you, Karen! 


The Sound of Diamonds 

Her only chance of getting home is trusting the man she hates. With the protestant Elizabeth on the throne of England and her family in shambles, Catholic maiden Gwyneth seeks refuge in the Low Countries of Holland, hoping to soothe her aching soul. But when the Iconoclastic Fury descends and bloodshed overtakes her haven, she has no choice but to trust the rogue who arrives, promising to see her safely home to her uncle's castle. She doesn't dare to trust him...and yet doesn't dare to refuse her one chance to preserve her own life and those of the nuns she rescues from the burning convent. 

Dirk Godfrey is determined to restore his honor at whatever cost. Running from a tortured past, Dirk knows he has only one chance at redemption, and it lies with the lovely Gwyneth, who hates him for the crimes she thinks he committed. He must see her to safety, prove to the world that he is innocent, prove that her poor eyesight is not the only thing that has blinded her but what is he to do when those goals clash?

The home Gwyneth knew is not what she once thought. When a dark secret and a twisted plot for power collide in a castle masquerading as a haven, the saint and the sinner must either dare to hold to hope...or be overcome. 

More About Rachelle

Rachelle Rea plots her novels while driving around the little town she's lived in all her life in her dream car, a pick-up truck. An Oreo addict, she is also a homeschool graduate and retired gymnast. She wrote The Sound of Diamonds the summer after her sophomore year of college.  

Find Rachelle   
  
Write Now Giveaway Info 
 
Rachelle is giving away one ebook, winner's choice of either The Sound of Diamonds or The Sound of Silver.

1) Open to U.S. residents only.  
2) Please leave your email address with your comment. 
3) I'd appreciate you following Write Now by Google Friend Connect or Facebook (see sidebar). 
4) Ends Friday, March 25 at noon EST. Winner will be notified by email and have 36 hours to respond or another name will be chosen.


Rachelle's Goodreads Giveaway - Opens 3/22



Goodreads Book Giveaway

The Sound of Silver by Rachelle Rea

The Sound of Silver

by Rachelle Rea

Giveaway ends April 05, 2016.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
Enter Giveaway


Do you enjoy historical fiction? What is your favorite genre? What are you reading or writing this week?

Happy writing,

Karen

21 comments :

  1. Nice to meet you, Rachelle. You had me at "romance." :) Thanks for the introduction, Karen! This sounds like a terrific book.

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  2. I love editing too, Rachelle. Sounds like a fantastic story, but I'll let someone else win. I'm so behind in my TBR stack.

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  3. Lisa,
    Her books sound delightful, don't they? Looking forward to reading them. Glad you came by! :)

    Natalie,
    Editing does have its perks, doesn't it? :) There is something rewarding about the process. Good to see you!

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  4. Hi Karen and Rachelle - a new to us author ... and what a great theme for a series of books. History, romance - what more could we want ... cheers Hilary

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  5. Holding that firs book is such a joy. It's the realization of a dream.

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  6. There's something special about holding a book you've created. It's no longer just an idea, is it? It's a tangible thing and something to be proud of. Congratulations on your books!

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  7. I enjoy editing as well! Congratulations on both books, Rachelle.

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  8. " An Oreo addict, she is also a homeschool graduate and retired gymnast."

    This is probably the best description I have ever read!

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  9. How much fun is that, being inspired to write a book because of a song! Awesome.
    Nice to meet you Rachelle, and happy blog anniversary Karen!

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  10. Thanks so much for having me today, Karen! :) Happy blog anniversary! What a joy!

    Romance is my favorite, Lisa!

    Natalie, I hear you on that TBR stack! Happy reading :)

    Thanks, Hilary!

    Diane, you captured my thoughts entirely!

    Thanks so much, Cleemckenzie!

    I appreciate it, Alex!

    Aw, thanks, Sandi! 'Tis true of me, that's for sure ;)

    Marja, thanks!

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  11. Congrats to Rachelle. It's an amazing feeling to hold one's book. Characters can be persistent about wanting their stories told.

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  12. Great interview with Rachelle, Karen. I wish you both a happy beginning to spring <3

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  13. Hilary,
    I agree, it is a good theme! Looking forward to reading her books. :)

    Diane,
    It really is, isn't it? Makes me smile just thinking about ti! :)

    Lee,
    Tangible indeed - and such a treat! It even still tickles me to see my byline in an article. :)

    Alex,
    You know, since Rachelle mentioned that I realized I enjoy editing too. For the most part. LOL :)

    Sandi,
    I know - love that! Well, and if that's what you are, then you should say so, right? :)

    Marja,
    Thank you! And thanks for coming to see us! :)

    Rachelle,
    It's my pleasure. We'll have to do it again. :)

    Medeia,
    It really is a great experience, isn't it? Characters have a mind of their own! LOL :)

    Keith,
    Thanks a bunch. Great to see you. Hope all is well! :)

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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  14. Medeia, you've got that right! :)

    Thanks, Optimistic! :)

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  15. Many thanks to Karen and Rachelle. How exciting to hold your own book in your hands! Congratulations. Susan

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  16. Great interview, Karen, and your book, Rachelle, sounds enchanting.

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  17. Congratulations on the book release! What a great moment for a writer. It reminds me that dreams do come true, and hard work pays off. Always a timely word.

    Have a great weekend.

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  18. Susan W.,
    You are welcome! So glad you got to meet Rachelle. :)

    Susan S.,
    Thank you. Rachelle made it easy! :) I agree, her books sound great.

    Rhonda,
    Yes, you are right! Dreams do come true, and hard work always pays. :)

    Happy weekend,
    Karen

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  19. So often I hear writers really disliking the editing process! Refreshing to read that it can also be a best part of the process too. The last historical fiction I loved was All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doer. It was 10 years in the making, and can understand why! I'm sure the research process in historical fiction can be a long one and admire those with the patience to persevere through all the details.

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  20. I do enjoy HF and it was fun to learn about this series. Author interviews always interest me, as I love hearing more about the story behind the stories. :) Thanks for the introduction and wishing Rachelle the best of luck.
    ~Jess

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  21. Lynn,
    Yes, editing doesn't seem to be the most popular aspect of writing, does it? :) Historical authors do a lot of work to get things right!

    Jess,
    Glad you enjoyed the interview. :) The story behind the story - I know what you mean. I enjoy them too!

    Happy writing,
    Karen

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