I’m delighted to interview the fabulous Rae Rivers today, one of my favourite paranormal romance authors. If you haven’t met Archer, Declan and Ethan, three handsome brothers and protectors of a powerful witch, from Rae’s ‘The Keepers’ series, I recommend you do so now!! I LOVE these books!
Rae Rivers Interview:
What inspired you to write The Keepers series? Where did the idea come from?
A few years ago, I was driving home from lunch with my best friend when the idea of a powerful modern day witch came to mind. Her purpose was clear from the start – she’d fight to maintain the balance of nature at all costs. I got home, grabbed a notebook and started jotting down some ideas. I soon realised that being so powerful, she’d face great enemies and would need a little help, hence the idea of the three brothers, her Keepers, was created. (And that’s when things really got exciting!)
What is your favourite book of the series?
Each book is meaningful to me for various reasons so it’s hard to pick one specific favourite. Archer was my first book published so will always hold a special place in my heart. Declan was loads of fun to develop and the book, although tough to write, was a fantastic experience. He’s such a delightful character and often had me grinning. Ethan, on the other hand, concludes the trilogy and is probably my best book yet. I love the way he brings everything together and I adore his and Jenna’s story!
If you were stranded on a desert island, which of your characters would you want with you?
Ooh, tough choice! Could I have all three brothers? If I have to pick only one, I’d probably pick Declan – and purely because he’s so entertaining. The fact that he’s able to create and manipulate fire is a bonus too!
Did you bond more with a particular character? Who was it and why?
I bonded with the brothers far easier than I did the heroines of each book. For each of the brothers, I had their personality figured out from the beginning. They were so alive and real to me. The women took a little longer to develop but once I knew who they were and what they were fighting for, I was able to connect with them and write their story.
What’s your favourite colour?
Blue
What’s your favourite food?
I’m an Italian food lover at heart. Give me pizza or pasta and a glass of wine any day!
What is your typical day like?
My morning usually starts with a chaotic rush to get the kids off to school. Once they’re gone, I try fit in a quick trail walk before settling down at my desk. My morning consists of admin, emails, social media and writing. My afternoons and evenings are consumed by typical “mom stuff” – children, school sports, homework, making dinner and trying to remind myself that life won’t always be so crazy!
If you could travel to anywhere in the world, where would it be?
Definitely Canada. Since my series is set in Canada, I’ve conducted tons of research that’s put it high on my bucket list!
Who or what inspired you to be a writer?
I’ve always had a love of storytelling and a burning desire to write. It’s an inner passion that energises me in a way that nothing else can. To be able to write for a living and have others read and enjoy my stories is truly a dream come true.
When you’re not writing, what do you like to do?
Read, being outdoors, time with family or friends, watch movies, or travel.
What are you writing now?
I’ve almost completed a new book which is a little different to my Keepers series. It’s a romantic suspense and a bit darker and grittier. I’m hoping to release more information soon so watch this space!
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
Bury the fear, adopt a rhino skin and write. You can do this.
What’s the hardest part about being an author? And the easiest?
The hardest part for me personally is the juggle between admin, social media, plotting, planning and actual writing. I struggle to find a balance! Also, staying focused and positive is a constant challenge too. The easiest part is when I’m so completely immersed in my story that nothing else exists except for my characters and their world – it’s then that the writing comes so easily. Total bliss for me!
How do you handle writers’ block?
For me, it’s more of a writers’… discomfort rather than a block. I sometimes struggle with the plotting and flow of the story – I can’t figure out how to tie things together or introduce a certain twist I’d planned. It can be frustrating and requires a lot of thought and sometimes a bit of tweaking and rewriting – but I usually figure it out and know that it’ll pay off in the end. I often use music and Pinterest to spark the creative flow too. It works like a charm!
Have you learned anything from your readers? Or had a response that especially touched you?
I’ve discovered that every reader is unique and will interpret my stories differently. I’ve had so many beautiful responses over the years that have impacted on me so much. From the shorter messages of “I loved your series, thank you” to the more detailed messages explaining what the books meant to a reader and why, every single message is unique, treasured and appreciated. Thank you.
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Rae’s an avid reader and writer with a passion for writing spicy romance novels. She lives in Cape Town, South Africa, with her gorgeous children and husband and a zoo of house pets.
Besides writing, she loves family time, the outdoors, travelling, watching TV series, reading and chocolate. For more information about her books, please visit www.raerivers.com
She loves to hear from her readers and can be found here:
Twitter: @raerivers1
Buy The Keepers series here:
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Abbey MacMunn 