Interview With Author Rachel Rafferty
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I hail from Ireland and live in Dublin with my husband and three little girls. I work part-time as a primary school teacher and write in the evenings and on my days off. I’m a member of two writing groups, one in a local library and the other in the Irish Writer’s Centre in Dublin city. I’ve self-published three novels on Amazon. Each one is about the trials and tribulations of turning forty and the new life choices that come our way in midlife. Each story follows the journey of an Irish woman flitting in and out of relationships and juggling family life. Drama, intense emotion and light-hearted humour combine to make each story a jaw-dropping page-turner.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called Somewhat Satisfactory. It was inspired by an Irish charity single released by thirty-nine female singers from Ireland. Watching the video made by the group inspired me to create the characters of Claire and Anita and the story grew from there.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I am lucky that I never suffer from writer’s block. My only obstacle is finding the time to write and fitting it into my hectic schedule. This means I keep my mini laptop in the kitchen within reach and whenever I have a second such as the last few sips of my morning coffee or waiting for potatoes to boil, I reach for it and tap away for that golden few minutes between the demands of kids, dinner, school work and house-work.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I love the quirky characters that Liane Moriarty creates and how most of her books are laced with humour. She never fails to make me laugh. I also took huge inspiration from the writing style of Kelly Harms in her book, The Overdue Life of Amy Byler. I found the character of Amy very relatable and lovable and again, the story made me chuckle.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the book cover of my fourth book which I am hoping to release at the end of January 2023. It’s about a librarian with a difficult relationship with her mother. She also feels like she’s getting left behind on the dating scene as her friends seem to meet guys with ease. It is only when she meets Mark that her life changes immensely and she realises who her true allies are.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I am still learning about book promotion techniques and I haven’t nailed it yet.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Share your work and talk to other writers. Consider investing in an author coach if funds allow. Take advice from trusted, successful people only and stay positive.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Trust yourself. Only YOU know what right for you.
What are you reading now?
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
What’s next for you as a writer?
To release the final two books in my Midlife Secrets series. Book Four at end January and hopefully Book Five in spring/summer 2023.
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?
Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty
Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Rachel’s Holiday by Marian Keyes
What I know for sure by Oprah Winfrey
Author Websites and Profiles
Rachel Rafferty Amazon Profile
Rachel Rafferty’s Social Media Links