Interview with Rachael Thorne

Rachael Thorne

Interview Date: 7/31/2012

Biography

Rachael J. Thorne is trying to make it in the world as an indie author between tending her garden and being a geek!
She lives in Essex, UK with her husband and crazy dog.


When did you start writing, and was there a significant event that prompted you to do so?

I’ve been writing short stories ever since I was a young teenager. I wouldn’t say there was one particular event that prompted me to write, I’ve always been such a huge reader it seemed almost like a logical progression for me.


If you could have one superpower, what would it? (Assuming said power would be reasonbly powerful.)

The power to clone myself so I could literally be in many places at once.

Kev's response: Ah, but what if your clones decided they wanted to be the only one!! o.O However, I kind of like this concept, myself (the cloning, not the clones taking over). I think I would work wonderfully with myself. :)


Do you have a favorite superhero from novels, comics, or movies?

I suppose most females would go for one of the female superheroes (oops stereotyping there), but I’d definitely go for Iron Man. A playboy billionaire with access to all those fantastic geeky gadgets and supercars, and a flying suit, yes I’d quite like that.

Kev's response: Wait, you weren't clear there - you'd like to have that playboy, or you would like to be the playboy? Hmm.


Where do you get your inspiration for writing? What motivates you?

Most of my inspiration comes from sitting down and letting my imagination run away with me. I will daydream a plotline, scribble down the basics and work from there. Sometimes ideas for stories come from my dreams, and so I’ll jot down what I can remember when I wake up, and try to make sense of it later when I’m a little more coherent! My motivation comes from the enjoyment I get from writing. If I day goes by that I don’t write I feel that something was missing from my day.


Do you pre-plan your stories, or are you a by-the-seat-of-the-pants style writer?

My initial ideas are very ‘stream of consciousness’ but from that point onward it’s all plan, plan, and plan! I write a complete plot outline before I start to write anything else.

Kev's response: Oh. You're one of THOSE. I see. Hmm... ;P


Do you write only when inspired, or do you have a set schedule where you sit down to write?

I try to have a set schedule as I find the inspiration usually comes to me once I sit down to write, but if I sit there for too long with nothing happening, I find it’s pointless to try and force it. You’ll only end up going back the next day and rewriting because you’re unhappy with what you wrote. That’s when I go off, read for a while, play some Xbox, lose half a day on the internet, and come back to try again later.

Kev's response: True, we don't want the grumpy, "must work" writer to show.


Do you have a favorite genre to write in? To read?

My favourite genre to write in is supernatural and paranormal, and that is what I read most of the time, although if a book grabs my attention I will read just about any genre.


What do you enjoy the most about writing?

I think the part I enjoy the most is creating characters, moulding them into people, and making their personalities grow within the story.


Is there any part of writing that you don't enjoy?

I find transcribing my work very tedious. I can’t write on a laptop, I’m terribly old fashioned and have to write longhand in a notebook and so everything then has to be typed up. I’m a fairly fast typist, but it’s still boring and sometimes feels like back breaking work.

Kev's response: Wow, another longhander. Keep those old notes, they may become valuable someday!


Can you tell me something odd about yourself?

I used to be a ghost hunter! Until about four years ago I worked regularly as part of an investigation team. We travelled across the UK investigating many different, and in some cases, very scary locations.

Kev's response: Let me guess ... you got the pants scared off you, and thats why you aren't a pantster style writer?! =D Pretty interesting background, though. That could make for some good story elements.


Do you write one story at a time, or do you have several novels in the works at one time?

I usually have one novel that I’m actively working on whilst I am planning and plotting the next.


For my evil plot to take over the world, do you think I should go for a grand, take-all-at-once type scheme, or spread my evil influence like mad, ravenous butterflies?

Oh definitely spread your evil influence, it would be much more effective in the long run. Work quietly from the inside, eating away, they’ll never see it coming, and by the time they do it will be too late.

Kev's response: Okay, got it. There is a distinct benefit to butterflies, too, for people like to stop and watch them.


Where do you see the future as far as paper books versus digital e-books?

I see absolutely no reason why they can’t exist side by side. I’m publishing digitally at the moment so of course I will champion the cause of digital books, but I intend to make the move into paperback publishing in the future so that my books are available in both formats.


What are your current projects?

My debut novel, Last Regress, has just been released as en eBook on Amazon. I am currently working on a second novel, Running For A Life, and will then be writing the sequel to Last Regress.


Do you have any advice for others about self-publishing?

Don’t be afraid, do take others’ advice, and don’t rush things. Most important of all believe in yourself, because when you self publish you have nobody behind you pushing you along except yourself. Oh and don’t forget you have to market your book, if you thought fitting in writing time was difficult before you published, you have no idea!


Do you have any online sites where readers can find out more about you (and your books)?

Last Regress is available at: Amazon (US) Amazon (UK) My website is at: http://rachaeljthorne.wordpress.com/ My Twitter page is: http://twitter.com/willowmyst There is also a Facebook page for Last Regress at: http://www.facebook.com/LastRegress and a Goodreads page at http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15754779-last-regress

Kev's response: Rachael, thank you much for joining me! Good fortune n Last Regress and the sequel!



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