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Rachel Smith first snagged my interest with Bittersweet Victories. She took subject matter that many people would meet with despair, followed by anger and the host of emotions in-between, and turned it into a heartwarming, awe-inspiring, inspirational tale. Readers can expect to hope for the impossible and have it become possible. Ms. Smith simply wrote from the heart and made it work well while keeping it realistic and not too sappy.
Born at Camp Kue Army Hospital, Ryukyu Islands, Japan, Rachel Smith began her life in Okinawa. Like most writers, she grew up reading and often preferred a spot high up in a tree, or hidden under a bush, or in an extremely comfy place like a hammock to while away the hours with a good book.
When not writing, she spends time outside where she is a “decent accidental gardener.” She says she just throws stuff in the ground, waters it a lot, and it usually grows. She’s passionate about her farm. It’s a spiritual birthplace for her—a legacy from her mother and her mother before her. It’s the only enduring thing she’ll leave when she’s gone.
When asked what she collects, her answer was “people.” She doesn’t keep a lot of possessions, and people come into her life in direct proportions to what she gives away, and they tend to stay in her life.
Her favorite things include: being outdoors, being in or around water, hammocks and waterbeds, her dog, music (all kinds), really good, really engrossing stories, shoes, dangly, jangly, gypsy jewelry, clothes of any style that feel good, look good and fit right, and new computers.
On Writing in Rachel Smith’s Own Words
What or who inspires you to write?
The characters in my head. They demand to have their stories told.
Why did you begin writing?
I don’t remember. I was seven years old, and I just remember wanting to write a book.
Which author inspires you?
I’m not sure about inspire. Lots of authors intimidate me. As in: “I’ll never write as well as (fill in the blank), not if I live a thousand years.” Some favorite authors are: Tom Clancy, Laurie R. King, Robert
Heinlein, Laura Kinsale, Marion Zimmer Bradley, Anne McCaffrey, Louis
L’Amour…the list is endless.
What do you find most rewarding about writing?
Reader response. Especially if it’s favorable.
Have you experienced writer’s block? And if so, how did you cure it?
Yes. Mostly I just wait it out. When the writer is ready the story flows.
When is your next book due out, and what’s it about?
Awestruck Ebooks released Lonely Hearts Mountain in May. It’s a contemporary romance about a former Navy SEAL and an absent-minded
author, both of whom are more complex than their descriptions. In November, Awestruck will release Texas Hearts, a western historical romance about coming of age and the nature of home.
Please head over to Rachel Smith’s Web site, www.romancebyrachelsmith.com to learn more about her past and future novels.
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