Rachel Randall interview

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

When did your love of books begin?

My love of books began just before kindergarten. My mom taught me to read at the age of four, and I remember being so proud that I could read Curious George all by myself. I was soon devouring every children's book in the house.

When did you start to have the wish to become an author?

I started wanting to be an author in third grade. My teacher had told me that the books I was reading were written by actual people who wrote for a living. I remember getting really excited. As soon as I got home, I whipped out some paper and began writing and illustrating a book about a little sheep who was different from everyone else. My teacher loved it.

How have you found the process for becoming an author?

I've found it to be a steep learning curve. Plenty of people told me over the years that I had natural talent, but I've needed the last 15 years especially to hone my craft. I've received hundreds of rejections from agents regarding 5 earlier books I wrote. For a while I felt like I was getting nowhere. But two years ago, a compassionate editor finally came alongside me to point out the least obvious flaws, and my writing improved dramatically. After garnering some interest from agents with my latest book, I made the decision to jump start my author career and indie publish.

What would you say to those wanting to become an author?

I'd say that nothing can beat the joy of creating a story all your own. If along the way you face rejections or criticisms, don't take it as a rejection of you personally, but use it instead to grow your writing. Authors learn a lot of patience and perseverance in their craft. Not giving up will go a long way toward making your writing a success.

Tell us about your book/books:

Shadelands is a Middle Grade Fantasy about a Starbeam girl who must evade controlling imps to rescue a friend, reclaim her light, and return to the family she lost. 

The idea behind the story is that our negativity causes us to walk in darkness. But positivity draws us into light. In a nod to the two years I spent in Latvia, elements of Latvian folklore were included in Shadelands, such as The Daughters of the Sun, from which I derived Starbeams, and devils who kidnap people to drag them into their forest world, from which I made the imps.

What do you love about the writing/reading community?

I love how supportive everyone is. I was worried after joining Twitter that I'd run into a lot of backstabbing or criticism. But the writers and readers of Twitter are an amazing group, lifting each other up and rooting each other on. It's been wonderful being a part of this community.

If you could say anything to your readers what would it be?

Thank you for taking a chance on me! I'm really grateful to all my readership so far. It's been a truly humbling experience.

Where can people connect with you?

People can connect with me on Twitter at twitter.com/spriteimp, go to my website at rachelrandallauthor.com, or find me on Facebook under Rachel Randall Author.