I'm thrilled to welcome Rachael to the Get Lost In A Story blog for the very first time with her new release, A Deal Before the Altar. Back Cover Blurb:
"I have a deal to put to you, Mr. Ramirez."
Georgina Henshaw will do anything to ensure her younger sister's happiness—even marry the darkly enigmatic Santos Ramirez! She has just one condition—she'll wear his ring, but she'll never share his bed!
Jan Schliesman: How often to you get lost in a
story?
Rachael Thomas: As often as I can. I read every
evening in bed, but if the book really hooks me and I can’t put it down, it
goes with me throughout the day - in case I can snatch a bit more reading time.
Jan: How long have you been writing?
Did you enter any contest along the way?
Rachael: I have seriously been writing
for the last seven years, but have always scribbled stories down. When I was
eight, a short story I’d written was held up to the class as a good example and
that’s when I thought ‘I want to be a writer’.
Over the last seven years I’ve entered lots of competitions, some
giving positive feedback, others nothing, but it was entering So You Think You
Can Write last year that changed everything.
Jan: Do you listen to music while you’re writing?
Rachael: Yes I do. Originally it was a
‘sign’ to my family that I was writing, but now it helps me to switch from the
day job on the farm and back into my story.
Jan: What was the best advice you were ever given by another editor or
author?
Rachael: There are two pieces of advice
I’ve been given by writing friends. The first was to write the story in my
heart, the one I just had to write.
The second was to enjoy it.
Jan: Describe an absolutely perfect day?
Rachael: Taking time out with writing
friends is always a great day, but if an exotic location could be thrown in,
that would be just perfect.
Jan: Are your husband and kids good about helping you out and/or doing
extra chores when they know you are on a deadline?
Rachael: Even before I became published
my family has been really supportive of my need to write. At that point I
didn’t have an editor setting a deadline, but as a member of The Romantic
Novelists’ Association’s New Writers’ Scheme, I did have an annual deadline.
Now my husband is helping me to step back from some of my jobs on the farm,
enabling me to meet my deadlines.
Jan: What is the best thing about
living in Europe?
Rachael: I love that there are so many
countries to explore, so many cultures to learn about and fascinating people to
meet. My recent travels have only been in Europe, but I’m itching to go
further.
JAN’S GOTTA ASK: My hubby works for Haagen Dazs so what is your favorite flavor of ice
cream?
RACHAEL’S GOTTA ANSWER: I love white chocolate, so
raspberry and white chocolate is a favorite, but Baileys comes a close second.
Rachael's next book, Claimed by the Sheikh, is a February 2015 release.
Rachael's next book, Claimed by the Sheikh, is a February 2015 release.
Rachael has always loved reading romance and has been writing since she was a child. She lives and works on a farm in Wales. Although it's a far cry from the glamour of her stories, Rachael says it makes slipping into the world of her characters all the more appealing. When she's not writing or working on the farm, she loves nothing more than to visit grand historic houses or ancient castles.
Thanks so much, Rachael, for sharing your time with all of us on the Get Lost In A Story blog!
Tomorrow on GLIAS: Kimberly Kincaid
What unusual
location would you like to see a book set in?