Interview With Author Rachel Carrington
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m an eclectic writer living close to Charleston, SC with my cat, Temperance who is as high maintenance as I am. I’ve been writing since I was sixteen which is close to #&*#! years now. I write a little bit of everything, but there’s always a little bit of romance in every book I write. I’ve written over fifty books and novellas now.
I’m a sci-fi/fantasy geek that absolutely loves Star Trek. I love it so much I even write about it at Red Shirts Always Die, and I’m one of the site’s editors.
I also love historical movies and series so it’s no surprise I’m addicted to Downton Abbey. That addiction is only slightly less than my addiction to one of the series stars, Matthew Goode, who is one of my all-time favorite actors. I may or may not have based one or two of the heroes in my books on him.
I love bingeing TV series, reading, learning new things, painting, coffee, creating videos, strawberry shortcake, laughing with my friends, and talking on the phone to my sister about all of our favorite movies and television.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is Letters to Laura. It’s a novella set in the 1950s during the Korean War. I love reading about history, and one of my goals is to write a book set in every decade beginning with the 1800s. So Letters to Laura is one more step toward that goal.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t say that I would call it unusual, but I prefer to write in bed on my laptop. Even if I’m staying at a friend’s house, I usually write in bed. I always seem to write better that way.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Lisa Renee Jones is a close friend of mine, and she has been one of my best inspirations. We’ve been friends for a long time and seeing how far she has come has thrilled me. I’m always inspired by her never give up attitude. Plus, she’s a whirlwind of energy!
What are you working on now?
A new series about half-blood wolf shapeshifters.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Because I enjoy writing so much, I like to write guest posts and articles, and I give talks at libraries and anywhere else I can. I like doing things in person if I can or even virtually.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
I’ve said this many times, and I won’t stop saying it to new authors. Get a mentor. I’m not talking about a mentor to help you learn to write but one who knows the business, who’s been writing a while. A mentor can guide you through the ups and downs of publishing, can advise you on things that might look too good to be true, and can help you make the best decisions for your career.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Not everything is personal. That has helped me so much, especially with reviews. You can’t take things personally in this business, especially rejections or bad reviews.
What are you reading now?
I’m on a memoir kick right now and am currently reading Outcry: Holocaust Memoirs (Holocaust Survivor Memoirs World War II) by Manny Steinberg. I do tend to read historical/era romance novels, at least right now, along with biographies.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have this new series that I’m working on about half-blood wolf shapeshifters. I have a young adult manuscript under consideration, have four more completed YA books to send out, a completed women’s fiction novel, and I also have a completed novel in a new paranormal series. So I’m hoping to find homes for all of them if I don’t decide to indie publish. I
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I know this might be cheating, but could I take box sets? If so, it would be the Carpathian series by Christine Feehan, the Shadow Demons series by Sarra Cannon, and one single book, Everlastin’ by Mickee Madden. And, of course, the Bible.
Author Websites and Profiles
Rachel Carrington Amazon Profile
Rachel Carrington Author Profile on Smashwords
Rachel Carrington’s Social Media Links