Author Bio:
Rachel Cherie (written Rachel Cheríe) is a published author and has been writing stories in various genres since elementary school, completing her first novel manuscript at the age of fourteen. She self-published her first book in 2005 during her freshman year of college then, after several years of delays and setbacks, got a traditional publishing contract for her initial book, republishing it in 2011 under a new title, Treachery at Martinique Isle. Rachel Cherie intends for this to be the first of her many manuscripts to make it to print.
She has several other projects in the works including a Sci-Fi, two sequels to her original book, a few modern light romances, and a free story, Sunny Dayz, she’s posting in episodes on her site.
The oldest of three siblings, she has a degree in Business Administration and does web design from home while being a stay-home-mum. Rachel Cherie, her husband, and son currently reside in California.
What inspires you to write?
All sorts of things, really. I just love it. I can’t imagine not doing it. People fascinate me, and creating worlds and plots for them to exist in is just plain fun – for me. My long term goal or dream would be for something I write to touch the heart of or inspire someone I never meet or talk to.
Tell us about your writing process.
Probably the best word to describe my writing process is adaptive. Sometimes I start off with a couple characters and a hint of a storyline. However, other times I spend a decent amount of time plotting out story points before I begin. Always, though, my characters are the center of my process. They make or break the story. After all, it is about them.
I’m not a story boarder, but I definitely have done plenty of outlines and just as much flying by the seat of my pants, as it were. My inspiration and goals for the story often determine what I do for prep and actual writing.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
Haha… I definitely create conversations in my mind, and I often step into the shoes of one of the people engaged in the conversation. I also find that my inner dialog tends to take on an English accent?? Not sure what’s up with that, but it makes for self-entertainment when I realize I’m doing it again.
What advice would you give other writers?
What advice would you give other writers?
Keep lots of notebooks, scraps of paper, and pens around the house so you can jot down an idea (be it character, plot, dialog – whatever!) when it’s fresh in your mind. Sometimes if you wait too long that amazing idea deteriorates way too fast to try and hold onto it until you have time to fully write it out in all its glory.
Also, character development! Super important! Get to know them like you would someone sitting across a table from you.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
I’ve done both self-publishing and traditional publishing. They both definitely have their ups and downs, but either way, they cost money and time. No matter how you decide to publish your book, you need to decide at the beginning that you’re going to see it through.
Self-publishing tips: Edit, edit, edit! You and your family/friends are the only free service/help you’ll get. You can pay for editing, but costs vary. Investigate ideas for covers and layout. You want to be marketable!
Traditional publishing tips: Be open-minded. You may not have all the say that you would if you were self-publishing, but you still have say. However, the people assisting you are supposed to be professionals, so listen to what they have to say and weigh it before discarding their suggestions. Be sure you have a full understanding of what you’re getting from the contract when you sign.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
I believe people will continue to read. It looks like things are going more and more digital, but I sincerely hope that we never lose touch with the paperbacks and hardbacks. There is nothing quite like flipping the first and final pages of a good book.
What do you use?
Beta Readers
What genres do you write?
Fiction: Fantasy, Historical Adventure, Mystery, Light Romance & Comedy, Science Fiction
What formats are your books in?
Both eBook and Print
Website(s)
Author Home Page Link
Link To Author Page On Amazon
Your Social Media Links
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/386850.Rachel_Cherie
https://www.facebook.com/rachelcherieauthor
https://www.twitter.com/rachel_cherie