Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
Hey, my name is Rachel and I am an indie author of dark romance. I have just finished up my debut series, Crescentwood, which consists of three books.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is One Family, the final book in my Crescentwood series. It’s a dark high school reverse harem romance.
I guess it was inspired by all the other books in the genre that I have read over the last few years. They all helped form the initial idea of the characters and I just couldn’t get them out of my head, so one day I decided to write them down and it all took off from there.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Emm…I love getting all comfy on my sofa, with my duvet and a cup of tea. Some days I can’t function unless there is music or the TV on in the background, and other days I need absolute silence.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
J Bree’s Hannaford Prep series (it’s just mind blowing!)
EM Moore – basically every book she’s ever written! But her Heights Crew series is just incredible!
Caroline Peckham & Susanne Valenti’s books – they are just on a whole other level of creative genius.
What are you working on now?
I am currently working on two different series at the minute. Both of them are spin off series of the Crescentwood series.
One, Pacific Prep, is an academy bully romance book (but with plot twists and dark undertones that leave you reeling).
The other, Black Creek, is a gritty MC/mafia romance filled with violence, attitude and gorgeous alpha holes.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Self promoting on facebook I’ve found is the best thing. Especially in popular authors readers groups
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just keep going. Don’t let a few bad reviews or poor sales put you off. Just keep writing. And honestly get yourself out there on instagram and facebook, talking to others and promoting your work.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
You have to spend money to make money.
I know!! With my first book, I did everything myself. I barely spent a penny, in case it was an epic fail, I didn’t want to be out a huge amount of money on a fancy cover, editing, etc etc (the costs add up incredibly quickly!). And yeah, my initial plan worked. I got a few sales and good reviews etc. But it was only when I invested the money in new (much better!) covers, paperback formatting, editing, amazon/facebook ads, that I really started to see sales take off. If your hesitant about taking that leap and investing so much money without any guarantee of a return, I say go for it!!
What are you reading now?
I have just finished reading Anarchy by Tate James (so good!!) and I am waiting to start Make My Move by J.Bree which is releasing tomorrow (so you know I’m going to be awake all night reading that!)
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m trying to take a bit of a break after this series releases as it has been a chaotic 6 months, releasing a new book every few months, plus all the writing, promoting etc, not to mention my day job. So I’m going back to some relaxing no-pressure writing while I let my husband know I haven’t completely forgotten he exists (lol). But I will have my next series starting in the not too distant future!
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?
You mean beyond the girl guides book to survive in the wilderness (‘cause I’ve no idea how to light a fire or catch a fish)
J Bree’s Hannaford Prep Omnibus
Caroline & Susanne’s Sinner’s playground
EM Moores Uppercut Princess
Author Websites and Profiles
Rachel Smyth Website
Rachel Smyth Amazon Profile
Rachel Smyth’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile