Three cheers for the Bootcampers! Thank you for hosting my recent interview with talented Silhouette Desire author Rachel Bailey. For those who don’t know Rachel Bailey, you’re in for a treat.
The following descriptors were taken from reviews for her North American January debut novel, Claiming His Bought Bride.
‘Complex. Page turner. Well crafted. Sensual love story.’
With such high praise, it’s no surprise this gifted author’s first book instantly landed on USA Today’s Best-Selling Books list. Congratulations, Rachel! BTW, for the lucky folks in Australia and New Zealand it’s out now. Look at these gorgeous covers.
So, what’s more exciting than a fabulous debut release? The immediate follow-up of Rachel’s second Silhouette Desire! The Blackmailed Bride’s Secret Child is on shelves in North America, but don’t fret dear friends in Australia and New Zealand. You can nab this story in March.
Enough of my yammering. Heeeeere’s Rachel!
Thanks for inviting me, Gail!
Would you tell us a bit about your first release?
Would you tell us a bit about your first release?
It’s about Damon, who’s driven by some dark forces from his childhood, and Lily who has left him once already because he couldn’t prioritize her in his life. They come back together because they need each other – Damon has a chance to finally get his father’s company back from his uncle, if he produces a legitimate heir for the uncle to leave his fortune to; and Lily has found she’s pregnant (from when they were together before). So they both lay down their conditions and strike a deal for a marriage of convenience. Of course, Damon’s pretty keen to turn it into a ‘real marriage’ and when he sets his mind to it, he can be pretty persuasive!
*Sigh* Damon the Divine! :)
With degrees in psychology and social work, it’s no wonder you have such great insights into you characters. When did you realize you wanted to become a writer?
It was a slow realization – I can’t pinpoint an exact decision or moment. But it happened about six years ago. Before that the idea of writing books for a living had never really occurred to me. I was a voracious consumer of books and as a child I’d written bad poetry for my mother and had ideas for books (even writing a couple of chapters), but being an author wasn’t something I’d even considered possible. I’m so glad it worked out this way, though!
So are we!
I love reunion stories such as yours, as do many readers. What appealed most about creating stories with this theme?
I love reading books about couples who’ve been torn apart and then found their way back together. One of my all time favourite books is Jane Austen’s Persuasion. Sometimes I think characters (like real people!) need some time apart to help them make the relationship work the second time around. Perhaps they need time to adjust to what’s happened, time to gain some emotional maturity, or time to appreciate what they’ve lost. But, ah, when they come back together—the right couple, the right situation—it’s powerful.
Rachel, would you mind sharing your typical workday with us? Do you sit down in an office at the same time every day? Or write on the go with a notebook?
I begin my days with a round of dog-tennis—I have four dogs and the excitement level in the house is very high until dog-tennis has been completed for the morning. Then I have breakfast with my husband and get stuck into my writing for the day (aka: spend the day dreaming about heroes and heroines and write all that down J). Then it ends up with another round of dog-tennis before dinner.
Doggie tennis – I love it! Is the score always 50-love? :)
What is your favourite part about being a writer?
Holding my very own book in my hands. And being able to give a copy to my husband and mother who are both so proud of me. J And being able to see it in the shops – I was all nerdy and took a photo. ;)
Would you give us a sneak peak to hold us until we can pick up your second book?
It’s another reunion book! J This one has some of my favourite story elements – a tortured hero who’s trying to hold back his intensely passionate nature, and a reunion between two people who were always meant to be together. And a dog in a small role. I love a dog in a story. Oh, and a few secrets to be discovered along the way…
I have my own copy but my lips are sealed. :)
What are you reading at the moment?
I’m having a phase of historicals. I’ve just finished Anne Gracie’s To Catch A Bride (fabulous!!) and am halfway through Emily May’s The Earl’s Dilemma (a stunning debut – she’s an author to watch!).
Rachel, thanks for sharing this time with us. It’s been fun!
Rachel, thanks for sharing this time with us. It’s been fun!
Want to know more about Rachel Bailey and her books? Check out the following websites:
Plus, there’s a spanking new blog entitled, LoveCats Downunder – a group of new category (cat) romance (love) authors.
If you leave a comment between now and Monday, one lucky winner will have their choice of either Claiming His Bought Bride or The Blackmailed Bride’s Secret Child. I’ll announce the winner on Monday, March 1st (or Tuesday’s early morning hours for the lovely people Downunder).
Gail Fuller, a former Golden Heart finalist, is excited about celebrating RWA’s 30th anniversary in Nashville this summer. If you happen to see my I.D. badge on the person standing next to you (presuming you remember the name *g*), don’t hesitate to say, ‘hi.’ However, chances are high I’ll beat you to it. RWA conferences have a way of turning this introvert into an extrovert :) Thanks so much for joining us Gail & doing a great interview with Rachel!
~Eleni
