BEA'S BOOK NOOK "I can't imagine a man really enjoying a book and reading it only once." C. S. Lewis “If one cannot enjoy reading a book over and over again, there is no use in reading it at all.” ― Oscar Wilde

Showing posts with label Brimble. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Brimble. Show all posts

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Interview with Romance Author Rachel Brimble


Please welcome Rachel Brimble to the Nook today. Rachel lives with her husband and two young daughters in a small town near Bath in the UK. She started writing short stories about eight years ago but once her children were at school, she embarked on her first novel. It was published in 2007. Since then, she’s had several books published with small presses as well as securing her first contract with Harlequin Superromance in May 2012.
 
Represented by US agent Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency, Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and Romance Writers of America. 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. And in the evening? Well, a well-deserved glass of wine is never, ever refused…
 
 
Bea: Hi Rachel, please tell us a little about your new release, “Finding Justice”. 

Rachel: Finding Justice is a romantic suspense story set in the fictional UK seaside town of Templeton Cove. When their childhood friend is murdered, the hero and heroine reunite to find her killer…and each other.

Bea: What was the inspiration for the series that “Finding Justice” is kicking off?

Rachel: The setting – even though Templeton Cove is fictional, I am writing about a real place where I used to holiday as a child. The setting is very clear in my mind and I’m finding as I write each book, something new is added and it is becoming a real community of characters too which is fabulous J
 
Bea: You write both contemporary and historical, what do you like about each era when writing? Do you prefer one?

Rachel: I love both – my ideal way to work is to alternate between the two because it keeps me interested, and hopefully, keeps my writing fresh for my readers. Historical is more of a challenge because of the research and the need to get the accuracy right. I tend to write about the emotions rather than the events of the Victorian era for fear of getting things wrong! I use the social etiquette, costume and political aspects of the age to add the Victorian ‘flavor’, but it’s all about the characters really and emotion is the same whatever the time or era.

Bea: When writing, do you outline or plan, or do you wing it? 

Rachel: I start with a 2-3 page outline and character sketches for the hero and heroine (also the villain if I have one) and then write the first draft from start to finish without looking back. Drafts two and three are where the hard work comes in!

Bea: What do you hope readers will take away when they read your books, what reaction are you aiming for with your stories?

Rachel: A satisfying and moving romance – the reaction I want is from people is for them to feel happy at the end of my books; to care about the characters and think about them long after they’ve finished reading. I want them to believe in real love and that all-important Happily Ever After.

Bea: What is it about romance that attracts you to the genre? Do you think you will ever write in a different genre?

Rachel: I love romance because it makes me feel good when I’m writing – there’s enough heartache and evil in the world and I think romance provides the ultimate escapism and leaves the reader feeling hopeful. What’s not to like?
The only other genre I’m drawn to but haven’t attempted yet is crime – As I write more and more romantic suspense, the need to write a police procedural or mystery is getting stronger.
 
Bea: What do you like best about writing? Your least favorite part?

Rachel: Best and easiest part for me is dialogue – I find it really liberating and more often than not, it feels like I’m taking dictation when my characters are interacting. My least favorite part is plotting and the dreaded ‘sagging middle’. Every book I write, I reach the 40,000 word mark and everything just grinds to a horrible halt. The only way to deal with it is to write through it and hope I can make something of the chaos on the next draft.

Bea: You mention on your site that short stories are an art form in themselves; do you think you might try your hand at writing one again?

Rachel: I might one day but I’m REALLY not very good at all at writing them – my novels come in at around 85-90,000 words and training myself to write a complete story in 1,500 words or less is beyond me! 
Bea: Does your family read your books?

Rachel: My mom and mom-in-law do but my husband doesn’t – my daughters are 14 and 12 so I suspect the eldest will soon…although she has told me she hopes the sex isn’t too ‘full on’, LOL!

Bea: Do you have a preference for ebooks or print books?

Rachel: I LOVE print books and nothing makes me happier than browsing for hours in a bookshop, but I also couldn’t be without my Kindle. Books are my passion and I love them in every format.

Bea: If you could be a character in a book – lead, sidekick, heroine, villain, etc. – what would it be?

Rachel: It would have to be the heroine – I live vicariously through all my heroines. I love their journeys and really believe in everything they do.

Bea: If you could have dinner with any author or authors, who would they be and why?

Rachel: Nora Roberts – and hope she shares her secret!
Margaret Mitchell – why didn’t she write a sequel?
Jodi Picoult – so I can tell her I want to write like her when I grow up J

Bea: What’s your guilty pleasure?

Rachel: I watch FAR too much TV! Especially love British period dramas and US crime dramas.

Bea: What are your favorite genres to read? Any favorite authors?

Rachel: Romance, crime and historical are my favorites – from each genre, Nora Roberts and Robyn Carr for romance. Tess Gerritsen and Tami Hoag for crime and Philippa Gregory and Jean Fullerton for historical.

Now for some fill in the blank questions:

  1. 1) The first book you ever loved was - The Secret Seven series by Enid Blyton
    2)    My favorite meal is - chicken satay from our local Chinese takeaway
    3)    Books are important because - they educate, entertain and provide a much-needed escape from real life.
    4)    My favorite book is - anything by Nora Roberts
    5)    The book or author that inspired me to write is - Enid Blyton
    6)    The best advice I’ve ever received was - to give myself permission to write a ‘crappy’ first draft. So freeing!!
    7)     My dream man is -
    Kind, funny, romantic and interesting…and looks like Ryan Reynolds or Tom Hardy or Hugh Jackman or… ;)


Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions and best of luck with “Finding Justice”. 

If you want to check out Rachel's new book, "Finding Justice", click here for an excerpt and for a chance to enter a signed print copy.



 

Thursday, February 14, 2013

Giveaway & Excerpt from Finding Justice by Rachel Brimble



Book Blurb ~


Old friends, new secrets…

Sergeant Cat Forrester lives by her own set of rules. When her childhood friend is murdered, Cat's world is thrown into chaos. Especially because Jay Garrett-a man from her past-is a suspect, and he needs her help to prove he's innocent. After all they once shared, how can she say no?

The attraction flares between them, and getting involved with a suspect is a huge risk. But the more time Cat spends with Jay, the stronger the tug on her heart. He is the same caring, irresistible man she remembers. Yet she can't let her emotions interfere with the case-solving it is top priority. And as she digs deeper, she discovers Jay has secrets that may jeopardize any possible future together.

Warning: This title is intended for readers over the age of 18 as it contains adult situations and language and may be considered offensive to some readers.

Publisher: Harlequin SuperRomance
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Format: Paperback, ebook
Release Date: February 1, 2013
Buying Links:  ARe   Barnes & Noble   Amazon   Harlequin

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About the author:

Rachel lives with her husband and two young daughters in a small town near Bath in the UK. She started writing short stories about eight years ago but once her children were at school, she embarked on her first novel. It was published in 2007. Since then, she’s had several books published with small presses as well as securing her first contract with Harlequin Superromance in May 2012.

Represented by US agent Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency, Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and Romance Writers of America. 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. And in the evening? Well, a well-deserved glass of wine is never, ever refused…



Find Rachel online:


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Excerpt

“I need your help, Cat. I’m in trouble. Big trouble.”


The timbre of despair in his voice alerted her to grief. Loss. She heard it loud and clear. It didn’t matter whether the speaker was male or female, young or old. When you lost someone before you should, it always sounded the same. She was trained to recognize it--personally and professionally. To listen and help. To alleviate others’ pain and hide her own. She stopped pacing and tightened her grip on the receiver.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s Sarah.”

Her mind whirled back seven years ago to the last time she and her family took their annual holiday to Templeton Cove. A picturesque town situated amongst the spectacular “English Riviera” region of South West England. The place Jay and his family had lived for generations.

“Sarah? Is she okay?” Cold dread seeped into Cat’s blood, making goose bumps erupt on her arms. “Jay?”

“She’s dead, Cat. Murdered.”

She sucked in a breath as a lump of stone dropped into her abdomen. “What?”

“You need to come to the Cove. Investigate her death. The police here aren’t getting anywhere.” His shaky breath rasped down the line. “I’m a suspect, Cat. You have to help me. You have to help me show them--”

“Wait. You’re a suspect?” How could good, kind-hearted Jay Garrett be a suspect in a murder investigation? The Jay she remembered always smiled, laughed and kissed with lips that could lead a girl into all sorts of trouble…

“Please tell me you’re the detective you always swore you would be. You have to help me. I need you.”

He needs me. After all this time. “Jay, listen to me. If you’re a suspect, what happened? Cops do not go around accusing people--”

“The cops are walking around like their bloody heads are cut off.  Sarah’s parents are waiting for them to release her body while the police point the finger at me rather than the real killer. I feel trapped, Cat. You’ve got to come to the Cove.”
   
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Giveaway Info:
 
The prize is 5 signed paperback copies of "Finding Justice" (1 each to 5 winners)
. Contest is tour-wide, open internationally and ends Feb 25. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway