~
Rachel Carrington ~
This month we set down with the
Multi-Published, Talented Author of Paranormal, Fantasy and
Suspense Romances Rachel Carrington.
Rachel Carrington writes for
Elloras Cave,
Five Star/Gale,
Samhain Publishing,
Loose ID,
Whispers and
Forbidden Publications.
Not only does Rachel write wonderful
stories, she is also an editor for Vintage Romance Publishing, a
publisher specializing in nostalgic romances, heart-warming
non-fiction and romantic poetry.
Rachel Carrington is also an Elite Author.
She is one of the seven Moonglade Elite Authors.

As a Multi-published author
and publisher of Vintage Romance, it must keep you busy. What do you
do to keep organized?
Lists, lists, and more lists. I literally have a list for every
aspect
of my life, including writing, errands, Vintage, promoting, and
more.
What do you find essential in order to create such captivating
stories?
A computer. LOL Seriously, I don't really require much beyond my
imagination and a computer. I've never needed to listen to music to
get in the mood or anything like that. Fortunately, I can just sit
and
write. Oh, so I guess a chair would be essential, too!
Your new book Not Her Mr. Right from Forbidden Publications looks
like
another amazing book from you. Could you tell us more about it?
Sure! Emma is a big, beautiful woman who tries to convince her
family
she isn't interested in finding a man, meeting her Mr. Right. Emma's
family, on the other hand, believe it's their mission to help her
get
married. Enter an endless array of bad first dates. Then Jake Ryder,
a
motorcycle-riding attorney with long hair, an earring, and tattoos,
arrives in town. A friend of Emma's brother, he makes a bet with him
that he can get Emma to go on a date with him. What follows is a
combination of comedy, romance, and, of course, a little bit of
heartbreak.
Is it fun to create characters that have such vibrant personalities?
It's wonderful! I imagine it's a lot like being an interior designer
or a fashion designer. Rooms and clothes, like characters, have to
speak to a person. I hope that's what my characters do.
How do you pick your characters names?
Sometimes by just scrambling letters, or I can overhear a name in
the
mall, or even see one in the phone book. There's not really a
science
to it. For some reason, though, last names come a little tougher for
me. I haven't figured that one out yet.
Do you struggle with or does it come easy to pick out a title?
Titles come easily to me, but then, I have to have a title before I
can begin writing a story. That's just one of my quirks. I can't
just
start writing and then decide on the title later. That's not to say
I've never changed a title after the book was finished, but I at
least
have to have a working one at the top of the page before I begin the
book.
How did you feel after submitting your first book?
Nervous. Relieved (that I had finished the book). And excited. I
think
that's the way I feel every time I submit a book, though.
Even after having so many books published, do you get nervous when
you
submit a new book to a publisher?
See answer to above question. LOL Of course, I do. I think
nervousness
is a part of being an author. You can never be so confident your
book
is going to be accepted, because the one you think will, won't.
What did it feel like when you first discovered someone was a fan of
your
books?
I was amazed. It was incredible to read my very first fan e-mail.
It's
hard to describe what it means when someone takes the time to thank
you for your imagination. Overwhelming!
Do you have a favorite book or series? Or are they like children and
could
never choose?
I could never pick just one favorite book or series. I've read so
many
books over the years, but I can tell you one book which will always
stand out in my mind. It's out of print now, but it's Everlastin' by
Mickee Madden. A wonderful combination of paranormal and
contemporary,
this book drew me in from page one and kept me guessing. The twist
just blew me away! I still own that book. It's one of my re-reads.
Do you have a writing mentor?
Not really. No. I have writers I look up to, though.
Is there a classic book that you think reflects your style?
Oh, I wish. To write with the style of the classics is something I
long for, but I'm not sure I'm there yet. Fingers crossed I'll make
it
there one day!
If you could pick an author (Alive or dead) to co-write with, who
would you
choose?
Jane Austen. She had a tremendous amount of talent and could convey
emotions with such clarity.
What do you feel are your best strengths with your writing?
This question's always a bit tough to answer, because just as sure
as
I say I think I'm strongest in this, I'll get a rejection letter
telling me I need to work on that aspect. LOL I'll give my opinion
and
say my strengths are in dialogue and characterization.
Is there anything you dislike about the writing process or craft?
The rewrites/edits once my editor has gotten a hold of the book.
It's
a necessary evil.
Where would you like to see your writing take you?
Into the minds and hearts of readers around the world.
If you had to choose to give up one of the following what would you
choose?
Great food, great sex or great music?
Great music. Food and sex are necessary to life. ? At least a good
life!
Thank you so much for Chatting with us Rachel. Best of luck with Not
Her Mr.
Right and your other upcoming releases.
Thanks! I appreciate the opportunity!
Interview conducted by
Zoe Knighton
December 2006
Sensual Reads & Reviews
Visit Rachel Carrington's
Author Page