I write Victorian historicals, contemporary
romance and romantic suspense. Each sub-genre brings its own pleasures and
pain, but historical is by far the most challenging. After I wrote The
Seduction of Emily, I was so convinced it wasn’t what readers would want, that
I vowed never to write another historical again. It was that difficult.
Then I received an email from my agent. Not
only did she tell me she’d sold ‘Emily’, but she’d sold it to Kensington (one
of my dream publishers) as part of a two-book contract. I wouldn’t be surprised
if you heard my scream across the pond from the UK to the US, lol!!
Maybe the book wasn’t so bad after all! J
Writers are notorious for being harder on
ourselves than any critic or reader could be, yet we still continue to write
through the blood, sweat and tears. For me, there’s no choice. I HAVE to write
or I literally turn into a monster. Ask my husband and kids…
So, for me, historicals provide exciting
and new avenues to explore and enjoy. Up until now, I have concentrated on the
Victorian era because the huge changes for women in the period interests,
fascinates and inspires me. I am by no means a feminist but I do get a buzz
from researching the amazing women from the era and how determined they were to
empower themselves and bring forth new opportunities for their children.
I’ve written five full-length historical novels
(one with The Wild Rose Press and four for Kensington) as well as a novella (Wild
Rose Press). The common theme that links them is centered around the change in
the heroines when they realize they want more than society allows. What are
they going to do about it? Who can they trust as allies? Who are their enemies
or the people who will resist the new way of life they so passionately seek?
You could say this is a theme that still
exists in certain aspects of business and social etiquette now, but it was far
worse back then, as you can imagine.
As for future projects, I am currently
working on my first novel set in the Edwardian period. I have ideas filed away for
other eras on my computer, ready and waiting for me to start bringing them to
life. So much for my ‘never again’ attitude as far as historicals are
concerned. Clearly, my muse hasn’t finished with me yet…
Happy reading & writing!
Rachel x
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