Author Interview - Rachel Thompson ~ Pandora Poikilos

Thursday, 13 June 2013

Author Interview - Rachel Thompson

More details about the author

Connect with Rachel Thompson on Twitter & Facebook

What inspired you to write your first book? I started blogging in 2008 and when I started writing my Mancode essays, people begged for me. I didn’t even think anyone besides my mom read my blog at the time so it was thrilling.

What do you consider the most challenging about writing a novel, or about writing in general? The dichotomy between marketing and writing. By the time you’ve released a book, you’re already entrenched in the next one. So wearing different hats can be difficult.

Did writing this book teach you anything and what was it? Writing Broken Pieces was an experience in writing raw, as author Rebecca Tsaros Dickson (Say My Name) calls it. Like the Lorrie Moore quote above, don’t think about anyone else’s opinions. This is MY work. I hope people like it but ultimately, I write what I want to read.

Do you intend to make writing a career? It is definitely my career, in addition to my business, BadRedhead Media (social media and author marketing).

Have you developed a specific writing style? In my humor books, I take stereotypes and deconstruct them with satire (which some take literally but that’s okay). In my serious nonfiction, I’m extremely honest in my thoughts and feelings. In both cases, I often say what others only think.

What is your greatest strength as a writer? Like I mentioned above, delving into that which most people hide and sharing it.

Can you share a little of your current work with us? I’m working on several projects: the third book in The Chronicles of Snark titled Chickspeak: Uncovered; I’m co-writing an erotic romance with a male author; starting notes on the follow up to this book, Broken Pieces; and pulling together my social media/author marketing blog posts to help other authors learn what has worked for me. I miss sleep.

How did you come up with the title? I kept referring to my work in this book as ‘pieces,’ and because it covers many difficult subjects (loss, suicide, grief, abuse, trust), broken seemed a logical way to go.

Who designed the cover? Author and graphic designer, Natasha Brown. She’s very talented.

Why did you choose to write this particular book? I’ve had a good life but some scary stuff has happened that many women (and men) relate to. Sharing those universal truths is an important part of relating to others at a basic human level.

What was the hardest part about writing this book? It’s scary showing people your truth. It’s a vulnerable feeling, there’s no doubt about it. But Broken Pieces has been so well-received, I’m grateful for the response.

How do you promote this book? It’s a combination of things: social media, ads, blog posts, press releases, guest posts, interviews, sharing reviews. There’s no secret I’ve found. It’s a lot of work but I love connecting with readers.

What are your goals as a writer? I’d love to have all my books in bookstores at some point. Right now, I’m digital only (though as I often remind people, no Kindle required to read an eBook).

Where do you see yourself in five years? Still writing away.

What are some of the best tools available today for writers, especially those just starting out? There’s such a plethora of information out there about how to write. I find I do better when I focus on my own work and my own style. Trust your vision. Then test it out with other writers you respect and Betareaders before release.

What contributes to making a writer successful? Honesty. If people hate your work, there’s a reason for that. I’ve learned so much from the low-rated reviews of my first two books. Figuring out what I need to change has been such a terrific learning process for me.

What do you do to unwind and relax? I’m an avid reader. I still love to escape into books – either fiction or nonfiction. Just something that takes me somewhere else.

What dreams have been realized as a result of your writing? I’m constantly amazed at how well people receive my books and that they enjoy them (though some hate my first two books so vehemently – I actually love that also!).

If you could leave your readers with one bit of wisdom, what would you want it to be? There’s no easy way to sell your books. It’s hard work, but rewarding. Don’t be afraid of social media. And no matter what, always keep writing.