Tell us about yourself.
Rachael Wright is a Colorado native with degrees in Political Science and History from Colorado Mesa University. For nearly a decade Rachael has been a contributing columnist to Colorado Politics, the Colorado Springs Gazette, and the Denver Gazette. Rachael is a keen Scottish historian and is a member of the country’s 1745 Association, which is dedicated to Jacobite history. The Twins of Strathnaver, her debut novel, is a blend of magical realism, folklore, and history. It has been hailed by New York Times Bestselling Author Breanne Randall as “Sweeping and powerful … a lush world with characters that will burrow into your heart and a story that will linger long after the last page.”
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in rural western Colorado on a ranch. I didn't have the ability to travel much during my childhood and this led to a fascination with other places, other cultures, and other histories. I read voraciously as a way to experience more of the world that I would likely never get the chance to visit. So while I read widely and yearned for new places my writing also has a deep connection to the land in which the story is set. It's almost always a character in and of itself because that was the reality of my life.
What was your journey to getting published like?
A long long long one. I have been writing for over a decade professionally, just trying to perfect my craft. With my first traditionally published book, The Twins of Strathnaver, which comes out 23 Sept., I went through over 200 rejections. There were so many almost-wins and it was incredibly painful and heart-wrenching each time an agent or a publisher said no. But I kept at it. Mostly because I can't stop writing.
What’s the best piece of feedback you’ve ever received?
Make it more you.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers?
The biggest piece of advice I can give is to be prepared for many years of hard work improving your craft, and in figuring out how publishing book works (both self/indie/and traditional). Don't try to do it all at once and don't get discouraged when you 'fail' the first time. I've failed more times than I can count and I'm still working.
What’s a fun fact about you that your readers might not know?
I'm completely obsessed with Scottish history and I love to embroider.
What’s your guilty pleasure book or genre?
I don't believe in guilty pleasures. I'm not murdering anyone so I have nothing to be guilty about. I love re-reading the Bridgerton books when I'm sad or LOTR when I'm at a loss for what to read next.
What’s your favorite quote about writing?
{Of all that is written I love only what a man has written with his blood. Write with blood, and you will experience that blood is spirit. — “Thus Spoke Zarathustra” by Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche
When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your time?
Umm … reading. Or hiking–preferably in Scotland.
Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you?
The Hobbit. I thought I'd died and gone to heaven.
What has inspired you and your writing style?
My best friend, who is also my oldest writing buddy, says my writing style is steeped in high fantasy. I honestly think I'm too close to the writing so I try not to over-analyze what exactly my style is and just write.
How do you deal with negative reviews?
I'm fine with negative reviews as long as they aren't personal attacks. To be honesty I also have put down books because I didn't like them but there's almost always something kind or helpful you can say.
How do you connect with your readers?
I post on Threads how much I love LOTR and Scotland and history and then we bond over how obsessed we both are.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I'm writing an amazing book that merges Far From the Madding Crowd with a bit out Outlander … so excited.
Are there any Easter eggs or hidden messages in your work?
Yes. Lots.
How do you approach writing dialogue for your characters?
I pretend I'm eavesdropping on them. It's awesome.
If you could share one thing with your fans, what would that be?
How much I absolutely love each and every one of them and that when they send me messages of support or comment on a reel or leave a review it makes my entire day.
Rachael Wright’s Author Websites and Profiles
Website
Amazon Profile
Goodreads Profile
Rachael Wright’s Social Media Links
Instagram
Threads
All information in this post is presented “as is” supplied by the author. We don’t edit to allow you the reader to hear the author in their own voice.