Thursday, September 5, 2013

New Voices, New Worlds: Guest Starring Rachel Russell

Paying it forward has always been my motto. So many wonderful people helped me in the beginning, long before I wrote "Timeless Night". So now it's my chance to host some fab writers, good friends and all around amazing authors! Here with me this week is a young woman who captured me from word one with HER writing. Not just a contemporary but a good friend from across the pond! Ladies and gents....the sexy and stunning Rachel Russell! 


First and foremost, tell us a little bit about yourself, a mini bio that tells us all need to know about you in just 3 sentences.

Three sentences? Well...I am just a plain average girl who was inspired to write by some I hold very close to my heart. I prefer the simple things in life; a walk along the beach, the love of my family, friends and my amazing partner. Oh and I love a good horror movie, popcorn and a duvet to hide behind, you can’t beat it.

What’s currently cooking in that brilliant brain of yours?

Well at the moment I am currently working on a few things, my first novel is well in progress and I have slowly begun planning and making notes for a second and third novel. But my mind has been going around in circles as to where to put each character's main points. This is a whole new experience for me; the most I have had experience with is writing fan fiction and a few short stories, none that have gone anywhere.
But at the moment my first attempt at writing a novel seems to be going really well, I am already on the sixth chapter and the words keep flowing out of me. Something that I never felt before and I have no intentions of letting it stop.
But there are going to be a few unusual twists thrown in, some may seem predictable, some unexpected. But I am trying to keep it simple; I don't want to overwhelm everyone. But all I can do is try my best.
But what can I say? My first novel was inspired for a few very close friends that I have, although I don't think I can name them, but they know who they are. They gave me a chance to join a close community and spread my wings; they gave me a chance to explore what had been locked away in some corner of my mind that had remained in the dark. So it’s for them that I am doing this, and also to prove to myself that anything is possible.

What part of the day motivates you most?

I am not a morning person, never have been and never will be. You could say I prefer the night; it’s a lot calmer and quieter. I find it more relaxing and getting into that frame of mind is a very quick transition.

Dr. Seuss, Dr. Who or Dr. House?

Oh Dr. Who...Dr. Who always. To have that much power and ability to influence and travel through time. To see the things that he see's, to see the world change.
That is probably every scientists and writers idea of a dream. Now that would provide so much writing material, a lot of work. But I am sure dedication could get you there. And if not, you could always ask the Doctor to take you there.



Favourite author and why?

Ohhh favourite author, now that is a tricky one. I have always been a fan of Anne Rice, a love a good vampire story. Charlaine Harris is another one of my favourites; she has been my idol for quite some time.  L.J Smith, god she can take you to another place entirely. I guess you can see that there is a vampire theme going on here. I love vampire stories, so if you’re writing a vampire story/novel send it my way. Also there is one other particular favourite of mine, she knows who she is, and well of course there are two. E.L James, now she is a complete different story altogether, who wouldn’t dream of their own Christian Grey? Well without the paddle and the crop.

Do you have a certain style of writing or are you still trying to find it?

Well at the moment I am straddling between two, but I believe both could and would work in the right circumstances. But you could say that I am willing to try almost anything to get to the place where I am most comfortable.

Music when you write? If so, what’s on your playlist?

How long do you have? We could be here forever telling you my playlist. It varies; it can start of at Barry Manilow and end up at Leona Lewis. But I must say I am a sucker for musicals. I find that music helps me to focus, if I am writing a sad scene I find that the theme song 'Life and death' composed by Michael Giacchino helps me get into the right frame of mind. And for other scenes it can vary, I have no set song for other scenes that I am writing, but I find it easy getting into the frame of mind to write a sad scene. I can't explain why, but it’s something that I connect with easier than the others. Maybe it is time I developed and put together a proper playlist. That might help.
Start of New Playlist –
·         Courier – Between
·         Athlete – Wires
·         Within Temptation – All I Need
·         Barry Manilow – Can’t Smile Without You
·         Frankie Vallie – Can’t Take My Eyes of You
If you can think of anymore, I am always welcome to new suggestions ;)

Do you have a particular genre you’re obsessed with?

I don’t particularly have a genre that I read; well you could say that I was obsessed with vampires. The supernatural, I love vampires, zombies, werewolves. I guess you could say that I was brought up reading those kinds of books. Although I would never attempt to write one myself, not unless I had a very good idea.
But all the great horror stories we have today have been from someone who believed in what they were writing. I mean we have True Blood, Twilight – And I am not ashamed to say that I read Twilight. I guess all I could do was wait and see what happens in the future; maybe another great horror story is brewing inside my head somewhere. It just needs the key to help unlock it. Who knows?

Twilight Zone, Snapped or Reality Shows?

Reality shows, they are my addiction. I love X Factor, Big Brother UK, Britain's Got Talent. Although I do have an addiction to fantasy shows, True Blood, Vampire Diaries, Game of Thrones. I find a comfort in them, an escape from my own reality to theirs. I guess that is how any writer feels, a chance to escape to another world. See something through another writer’s eye. See what inspired them; what drove them to act upon their desire.

Pen name or using your own? If using a Pen Name, what inspired your choice?

Well, for my pen name I wanted to use something that was close to me, Russell is my mother’s maiden name and as someone whom I admire deeply. I felt that it was right to write under Rachel Russell. My mother has always been there for me, through the good times and the bad. Although we may have not always seen eye to eye on certain things. But we have always worked through it one way or another. And for that I am thankful, so this is sort of my way of idolizing someone who is extremely important to me.

Favourite food or drink?

Pasta, chicken and anything with lots of garlic. Pepsi, lots of sugar. I am not one for all those healthy drinks. Lots of sugar to keep me awake and keep me writing. I am not one of those who follow a healthy strict diet, I love to indulge, Chocolate has got to be my favourite. Who doesn’t love chocolate?

Finally, give us some advice you’d have for all the dreamers out there who want to become doers.

Don’t just let dreams become wishes. Make them happen. We are all capable of doing anything we want; just because we don’t think we have the ability to achieve it doesn’t mean we can’t. All you have to do is reach out and grab it; it is yours for the taking. Don’t let anyone or anything hold you back. Everything in this world was created by someone who had a dream, a vision and they achieved it. And you can do the same, all you have to do it believe. Never put yourself down, never self doubt yourself. It is possible.

For more of the amazing Rachel, you can follow along with her FB page:

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