Interview with Author Rae
Rae is an author and an avid reader. When she was growing up, she spent a lot of time reading fiction – something her parents encouraged – by authors like C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien, and from this flowered her interest in writing.
So far her work can be defined as fantasy, but she enjoys and is influenced by a variety of genres. The best sources of inspiration are often unexpected, so she tries to keep her mind open to possibilities. In her search for inspiration, she reads and watch a lot – both for enjoyment and critically. She spends time in the great outdoors, and observes the world around her. When a particular moment or idea strikes her, she makes a note of it for later use.
Writing can be hard work, so she finds that the best way to get in the right frame of mind is locking herself away with a cup of tea, a small block of chocolate, and occasionally a scented candle.
Tell me more about your latest book
‘Warrior of Ice: Ice-blade Princess’ is the product of me combining my love of writing with my interest in Japanese culture, resulting in a fantasy tale set in a fictional version of feudal Japan. Yuki, the ward of a feudal lord, is brought up among a clan of shinobi, or ninja. Believing her life is owed to her foster-father, she follows his wishes in becoming a shinobi. At her coming of age she is ordered to assassinate an enemy of her clan, but when she confronts him, she cannot do so. Forced to flee for her life from her unforgiving foster-father, she learns about her family and identity.
What was the most challenging aspect of writing this book?
This was my first attempt to write a book to publish, and my lack of experience meant that I kept making rookie mistakes. Part way through the initial draft I noticed something wasn’t right and after sitting back and examining my work I realised I had failed to develop my characters adequately. After working on my characters, adjusting what I had already written was a painstaking process but well worth it.
What is your normal procedure to get your books published?
Currently, I have only published through Kindle Direct Publishing, doing all the editing and formatting myself.
What would you like readers to take away from reading your book/s?
When I read a book, it transports me to whatever world the writer has created and I live the story alongside the characters. I hope that my readers can experience the same, when they read my books, and to gain the same enjoyment through it I do.
How many books have you written so far?
As of now, I have one book published—Warrior of Ice: Ice-blade Princess—and am working on my second.
As an author, do you prefer the traditional book or online version? Why?
To me, there is nothing better than a physical book. I will occasionally read eBooks if necessary, but I find—especially if I’m reading non-fiction—that they are somehow harder to process. There is something about physically holding a book and smelling the paper that makes it more enjoyable for me. Also, I like to be able to put my books on a shelf—I’ve always loved the idea of having my own library.
How hard or easy is it to establish and maintain a career in writing?
Like all things worth doing, becoming an author is hard work. It takes discipline to complete a manuscript and then comes the challenge of publishing, with no guarantee of making any money. But even with those difficulties, writing and publishing a book is a rewarding—if daunting—experience. Knowing you have completed what you have set out to do and have shared your creation so that others might enjoy it gives its own sense of satisfaction.
What is your advice for aspiring writers?
I first had the idea of writing a book when I was a child—probably in primary school. There were many attempts to start a book, but I didn’t know how to proceed, and the world seemed to be saying that it wasn’t a realistic prospect. So eventually I resigned myself to writing being my private hobby. When I opened up about my writing to some people they encouraged me and it dawned on me that if I never tried to publish a book, I never would.
Writing takes passion and discipline, but first you need to commit yourself to the journey. Once you have. Try to write every day—it can be a few minutes if you don’t have much time—and read as often as you can.
Visit Author Rae Wallace links:-
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/RaeWallace19
Instagram: @raewallaceauthor
‘Warrior of Ice’ can be purchased at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B088TWBWMT?fbclid=IwAR2AhFiX6kAxuWan3kebac8-UrFc2eA2ZdGlSDMtIgheMR6QDQdM34qzNWM
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