Author Spotlight - Rae Rivers

Since today's spotlight author has already been interviewed here fairly recently, we're going to do something a little different today: Rae Rivers has done a guest post instead of the usual interview. Welcome, Rae.

What Kind Of Writer Are You?

This December holiday will consist of an adventure trip of a lifetime as we join two other families to tackle an exciting 4x4 road trip through South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. Three weeks of travelling across tricky terrain through three African countries, children in tow, to reach various lodges or campsites amidst the wild animals. It’s untamed and a bit unnerving because of my kiddies, but we’re so excited.

We recently had a casual dinner to plan our trip. Three couples around my dining room table, surrounded by wine, maps, and all our children which gave us a taste of what it would be like to travel with six children at once. Fun chaos!

Whilst discussing the trip and where we should book accommodation, the responses were varied. One couple suggested we book everything ahead of time. The other couple suggested we wing it and simply find accommodation as needed. I suggested we do a little of both – book main spots throughout the trip every few days and then wing it in between.

This got me thinking afterwards about the different approaches we had on planning this trip and I realized that my approach to it was a lot like the way I approach my writing:

Planning it
Many authors plan their story from the beginning to end, map everything out, and seldom deviate from that. Like the first couple headed through Africa, they plan their stops and work towards reaching each one. They have a blast, but they stick to their plan. It’s what works for these authors and makes them great storytellers.

Winging It
Other authors wing it, like the second couple planning our trip. They have a general idea where they’d headed, the route they need to take, and the places they want to stop. But nothing’s set in stone. If a place feels right, they stay, if not, they move on. They’re flexible and handle whatever comes their way. This writing style is sometimes the hardest but works very well for many authors.

Bit of both
For me, writing is a little of both. I have the entire Keepers series mapped out. I know how the final book is going to end and various plot points that need to be written in order to get me there. I’ve just written The Keepers: Sienna. I mapped out parts of the book and the ending. But that’s it. My editor and I discussed a brief outline of the plot but I warned her that she shouldn’t’ be surprised if I steered off track slightly. Once I start writing, I head for the markers that I’ve plotted but I get so wrapped up in the characters that they’re the ones that drive the story. Sometimes they head for these overnight stops without veering off course. Other times, they take a wrong turn and eventually get there. There are also times that they never do.

So yes, like travelling, I’m a planner when writing, but I also wing it according to the characters and the moment they’re in. Sometimes it works brilliantly, other times it’s frustrating because they take me to places I’d never considered – and this often requires a complete regrouping of the entire plot.

But in the end, my characters are exactly where they need to be.

So, what type of writer are you?

The Keepers: Sienna

A full moon in Rapid Falls.

Sienna Beckham is a powerful witch, and along with her four fiercely protective Keepers, it is her destiny to maintain the balance of nature in this world.

Tonight, it's the town carnival and everyone will be there: Sienna's family, her friends, her protectors. Archer.

Laughter and flirtation await.

But in a few hours, Sienna's life will have changed forever and her powers stretched to their very limits.

For something is lurking in the forest…

Murder. Sorcery. Revenge.

And no one sees it coming.

Find out how it all began…

The FREE PREQUEL to Rae Rivers' magical new series, The Keepers.

The Keepers: Sienna is available from Amazon, Amazon UK and Barnes & Noble.

About Rae

I'm an avid reader and writer with a passion for writing romance novels. I live in Cape
Town, South Africa, with my gorgeous husband, two beautiful children and a zoo of house pets.
Besides writing, I love family time, the outdoors, travelling, watching TV series, reading and
chocolate. For more information about my books, or me, please visit www.raerivers.com

I can also be found here: Facebook, Goodreads, Pinterest, Twitter.

Author Spotlight - Rae Rivers

Today I have the pleasure of introducing an author who is not only a fellow South African but also a fellow Harper Impulse author. Yay, and welcome to Rae Rivers.

1. Tell our readers a little bit about yourself.
I’ve always had a love of storytelling and handwrote my first book at the age of 12. I’ve always written contemporary / romantic suspense novels and never considered branching out into paranormal romance until out of the blue, a witch came to mind with her story. It was daunting at first as it was completely out of my comfort zone but I had so much fun writing The Keepers.

2. What number book is this? First? 100th? 200th? (Nora only!)
Archer will be my first book published, followed later with the other two books of the trilogy.

3. Everyone who writes knows it's not easy - what methods do you use to keep at it on days when it would be so much easier to go shoe shopping?
I read somewhere that a writer should write consistently, even when the creative spark is absent. I can’t do this. I have to be in my story, feel inspired, and connect with my characters. If I don’t, then all I have at the end of a writing session are words I hate and a lot of frustration. Sometimes, when shoe shopping seems more attractive, I go shoe shopping. Then I write. I’ve learnt to go with the flow but with two more books to write, I’m trying hard to develop some sort of writing routine that works for me.

4. What is your top promo tip for other authors?
Social media is a great tool for any author in terms of exposure, connecting with other authors, and getting your name out there. I only joined this online world a year ago but I’ve made so many new author friends who have taught me so much. Thanks, ladies! As for the promo tips - I’m new at this and still learning so please send some tips my way!

5. How does writing fit into your day? Or does your day fit in around your writing?
Up until now, my writing has had to fit into my day but as it’s become so much more than what it was originally, I’ve had to reassess my daily routine to make more time for it. It’s hard with two young children around to find the quiet time needed to write, so most of my writing is done when they’re asleep. Fortunately, my hubby has been very supportive and often whisks the kids off on outings to give me some precious time alone with my imaginary friends.

6. Do you write every day?
No, there are days when life simply runs away with me but I really need to start writing every day. If I’m away from the story for too long, it takes a while to get back into it. This, combined with the several writing deadlines looming, I’m making a huge effort to write more consistently. My family just needs to get the memo!

7. In what way is being a published writer different to how you thought it would be?
It’s so much fun but it’s hard work and requires a lot of time behind the computer doing everything but writing! Social media, planning, marketing, research ... the list is endless! The one thing I didn’t expect was the amount of continuous support and enthusiasm from other authors. This has been wonderful and something I treasure.

8. What was the most fun part of writing this book?
I loved the magic system in this book and the way it connects Sienna to her three Keepers. It was fun to explore this and create a mythology of my own. I also loved the relationship between the three brothers and had so much fun with the brotherly banter.

9. At what point in your career did you actually start to feel like you were a writer?
The more I wrote, the more I started to feel like a writer. It was only after my first sale that I started to believe that I could actually write. Hopefully, readers will think so too!

10. Do you have any tips, tricks or sacrificial rituals you do when you hit a story roadblock?
I hate story roadblocks! I love using Pinterest for gathering images for inspiration and I have a friend who is always keen to brainstorm ideas with me. I also know when to walk away for a day or two if my head’s not in the right space. Sometimes, a little distance gives me the light bulb moment I need.

BLURB
The Keepers: Archer

Lose yourself in the world of The Keepers, an exciting new Paranormal Romance trilogy from Rae Rivers.
“Don’t ever look for me again, Archer.”
His mouth curled into a smile. “Game on.”

Central Park. Sienna Beckham is out jogging in the autumn sun, feeling almost ordinary. Trouble is, she'll never be. She's on the run from her life as a powerful witch and the three Keepers blood-bound to protect her.

Evil is hot on Sienna's tail and Archer Bennett is searching for her, desperate to find her before they do. As one of her Keepers, he will fight to his death to defend her.

Sienna must return and defend her hometown, Rapid Falls – but she has to face the past and master her powers. And as forbidden feelings blossom between Sienna and Archer, will their love survive the ultimate war?

The Keepers: three strong and handsome warrior brothers, born to protect.

The Keepers: Archer is published by Harper Impulse, Harper Collins, and will be available from 20 June 2013. In the meantime, you can read the opening chapter here.

The book is also available to pre-order on Amazon, Amazon UK, Kobo and Barnes & Noble.

You can catch up with Rae on Facebook, Twitter and on her blog.