A Visitor from Across the Pond

We have a Trans-Atlantic treat today on the Fuzzies. A visit from across the pond by Class of '85 author, Rachel Brimble. I've arranged to ply her with questions about her writing and I'm anxious to read her responses.

Everyone please join me in giving a great big fuzzy welcome to Rachael.

1) How many books have you published?

I have had four novels and one novella published so far although I do have another novel due for release in January 2011. I write across the sub-genres of romance so I have two romantic suspense, one romantic comedy, and one historical published in novel-length, and my novella is the main reason for me being here today - it is Transatlantic Loving and part of the Class of ’85 series from The Wild Rose Press, yay!

2) How do you write with kids and deadlines?

With difficulty! 2010 was a great year for me with two novels and novella being released but I know 2011 is unlikely to be so productive. As well as having two kids to deal with, I have started working part-time this year when I was lucky enough to be at home full-time last year. My output has hugely decreased and my promotion has kind of gone through the roof! I wonder sometimes if I’ve got the balance right…

3) What are you writing now?

I am a quarter the way through the first draft of my second historical, and I totally love it! I am madly in love with my hero who is a good-hearted ‘artful dodger’ type living in Victorian Bath, England – I promise you, ladies…he’s irresistible.
I’m estimating this novel to fall at about 80,000 words and hope to have it done by Christmas. It would be great to land a home for it in the New Year!

4) Why do you write?

Because I have to! It’s a compulsion, a passion. I am cranky if I don’t, my family tell me to go away and find my laptop when they’ve had enough of my moods, LOL!

5) How do you get over writer’s block?

I have honestly never had it. I have LOADS of characters and story ideas rambling around in my head as well as two novels partially written and shelved, and a file on my Mac with notes to four more. I have enough work to do for the next five years at least! The problem is actually finding the time to get the stories written.
Having said that, it doesn’t mean I don’t have days when writing 500 words is like pulling 500 teeth out of my mouth!

6) Who is your favorite author to read? Favorite book?

OK, I have three favorites so I’ll list them all:

Nora Roberts for romance – love all her work but favorites are Montana Sky & Northern Lights (bearing in mind I am not even a third way through her backlist!)

Jodi Picoult – Drama – Plain Truth & My Sister’s Keeper

Philippa Gregory – Historical – The entire Tudor series

7) What’s next for you?

As I mentioned earlier, my next novel is due for release in January 2011 from Lyrical Press and it’s called Getting It Right This Time. It’s a contemporary romance about a mother’s protective love and second chances at happiness. It is my first book with this publisher and I have loved working with them so can’t wait to see the finished product!

OK, so that’s me interviewed, I really enjoyed it and would love to leave you with an excerpt from my offering to The Class of ’85 series – Transatlantic Loving, enjoy!

“Hi there, Madonna. What can I get you?”
Lisa turned, tipped her head back. And took a breath. Holy mother of==
His eyes were the color of the fields at the back of her house in high summer==emerald, dotted with hints of lime. Once her heart kicked back into place, she smiled. “A white wine would be great.”
“Coming right up. And your friend?”
Lisa stared at him. “My . . . ?”
Courtney nudged her in the ribs. “Friend. Me. Remember?”
Lisa snapped her head round to find Courtney staring back at her with eyes alive with mischief. “Did something or someone distract you from remembering I am here?” Smiling, she turned back to the hunk of burning love behind the bar. “I’ll have a glass of white wine too, please.”
His smile revealed perfect teeth except for the slight turn of one that Lisa had the sudden urge to lick. She pulled her shoulders back so fast they clicked in indignation. What the hell was she thinking? Since when did she want to lick men’s teeth? Clearing her throat, she focused on what Courtney was saying.
“So, you’re still here. What’s that all about? Scared to leave Summerville High and go out into the big bad world?”
The bar tender's smile stretched to a grin as he topped off their glasses before holding them out. “I teach here now. Physical Education. But before that, I spent five years in the UK. Biddestone to be exact.”
When Courtney turned, drinks in hand, the mischief in her eyes darkened to almost manic proportions as she wiggled her eyebrows and shoved a glass into Lisa’s newly clammy palm. “Well, now. The man lived right around the corner from you.”
Smile frozen in place, she glared at Courtney, certain she likely looked like Madonna high on LSD rather than the sex-bomb she’d being aiming for when she’d left the house. She took a sip of her wine and met his eyes once more. Phenomenal. Absolutely phenomenal.
www.rachelbrimble.com