Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I am a UK horror author based in Staffordshire, England. My first publication was a short story in the dark anthology, Beast: A New Beginning. This was a horror-comedy loosely based on my paraplegic rabbit and his pet wheelchair. My debut novel, The Fear, is available now from Amazon and other retailers. Aside from writing, I enjoy dance, cinema and caring for disabled animals.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is called The Fear, although I can’t fully explain the inspiration behind it without giving any spoilers! A lot of elements were plucked from real-life experiences, both my own and certain family members and friends. For example, one character in the book suffers from Alzheimer’s Disease – but that’s as much as I’m saying. It will probably become clearer upon reading the book where most of it came from, but generally speaking I’ve had a lifelong interest in the paranormal. So creating a work of fiction in a genre and subject matter that I’m passionate about felt like the right way to go for a debut novel.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know if it counts as unusual, but I always write my first and second drafts by hand. It just seems to flow better. If I was to sit in front of a computer screen and start typing from scratch, I probably wouldn’t manage a single sentence. I also play music and imagine scenes unfolding in my mind, similar to a movie trailer I suppose.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
James Herbert was – and still is – a horror legend. Also Shaun Hutson, I think he has a fantastically twisted sense of humour that really brings his books to life.
What are you working on now?
My second novel, Pack. It has a completely different tone to The Fear. Less supernatural, more bloody ‘hack and slash’ type of horror. I want to explore as many sub-genres as possible.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
As a newbie author, I’m still trying to figure that out and find my place in this crowded industry. One thing I’ve learned, especially from watching others, is that social media only has so much reach. We need to think bigger than that and target websites, bloggers, magazines, etc that specialise in your genre. They have the kind of following that you want to attract. Also interacting with fellow authors and readers on sites like Goodreads, entering contests and arranging giveaways attract a lot of attention.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t give up! Persevere, think outside the box and just be yourself. Get to know your audience and build relationships with them as they’re the people that matter most.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
A personal approach to everything is always best.
What are you reading now?
I’ve got a backlog of new books to get through, but right now I’m re-reading The Dark by James Herbert.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Aside from working on my next novel and a few other side projects … I have no idea! But I’m excited to see where my journey takes me.
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 guess some kind of survival books would come in handy, but I don’t read a lot of non-fiction! I’m into martial arts and have a couple of tutorial books, so they’d definitely be on my list in case there were any maniacs lurking. I’d also take something humorous like My Godawful life – a parody that makes me cry with laughter every time I read it.
Author Websites and Profiles
Rae Louise Amazon Profile
Rae Louise’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account