Hello everyone!

I’m so thrilled to be featuring bestselling author, Rebecca Raisin on the blog today. She’s one of those amazing authors who really draws you into her remarkable world.

Rebecca is the beloved creator of the  popular Gingerbread café series including The Bookshop on the Corner, Christmas at the Gingerbread Cafe, Chocolate Dreams at the Gingerbread Café, Christmas Wedding at the Gingerbread Café. Her latest book, Secrets at the Maple Syrup Farm is being released this April and later this year the sequel to The Bookshop on the Corner, Christmas at the Bookshop on the Corner.

Welcome Rebecca!

Tell us a little about yourself?

I’m a writer from Perth, Australia! I have twin boys, who would prefer I write about zombies, rather than romance, and I have an antisocial cat named Blackie. My hubby and I would like to take a year off and travel around Australia with the kids, and that’s something we’re trying to make happen! That’s the beauty of writing, you can do it anywhere!

Now tell us something about yourself that someone would be surprised about, grin.

I’m allergic to heat, despite living in one of the hottest parts of Australia! It’s a bit of a nightmare in summer time!

Did you always want to be a writer?

I have loved reading since I was a little girl, and dreamed about being a journalist when I was younger! I’ve always had a love of words, and as I got older I thought one day I’d write a book, even if I was the only one who ever read it! Once I had my twin boys, and was home full-time I started writing and fell in love with it. Now, if I miss a few days writing for whatever reason, I pine for my fictional friends until I can get back in front of the screen again!

The Gingerbread Café series is such a hit, the characters so beloved, did you ever expect them to be received the way they are?

Oh, thank you! That’s so sweet! I had no idea! I really didn’t know much about the publishing world at that point, and only hoped that people enjoyed the story. I didn’t expect it would turn into a series, I didn’t really have any expectations, I was just so grateful to be published! I received messages asking about when they second book would be available, and I was like, “What!” So I wrote a second Gingerbread Café book, and then a third, and also a linked book, with another main character. I feel incredibly lucky that the girls from the café resonate with so many readers! When I wrote the final Gingerbread Café story, I was so nervous. I was also sad about having to leave the girls forever! I just hoped that people liked where I’d left them, and that I’d tied it up as per people’s expectations. It’s more emotional than the other books, and I felt really connected as I wrote it and I hoped that translated. It’s been well received, and again people asked for more! Which just makes my day!

Fans are super excited that you’re telling a Christmas story of The Bookshop on the Corner (Which was my favourite book of yours too, grin) what inspired you to write it?

Oh, thanks again! I really loved writing about quirky Sarah! She was so much fun, and so different from the other girls. I felt that I wasn’t quite finished with her and her development as she finds a certain level of confidence as her love life progresses! There’s a big change happening for Sarah in Christmas at the Bookshop on the Corner and without wishing my life away, I can’t wait until next October when it’s released!

Do you have a favourite leading lady from your novels. Or would that be like having a favourite child?

Hahaha! A little! But I am happy to admit it! I absolutely adore CeeCee! Her no-nonsense attitude and her southern one liners make her a favourite of mine! I love her!

What is your writing process – do you write every day? Where do you write?

I write almost every day, sometimes I’ll have the weekends off depending on what the boys have on, like swimming lessons or whatever. I don’t write at night, if I haven’t written during the day, then it won’t happen! I usually write every week day, and then do other things on the weekends like blog posts for friends and things like that. I write quite fast, and then edit very slowly. I love editing, I go over the story a number of times, and that’s my favourite part.

What’s the biggest lessons you’ve learnt in your career as a bestselling author?

Thank you! I think the biggest lesson is that it’s not simply about just writing a book anymore. You, as the author, also have to do a fair whack of promotional work to get your book some visibility. Social media rules, and you have to spend the time on all of that as well as write. I enjoy that part too which is lucky! If I’m not writing I’m chatting on twitter or Facebook!

30 second Rebecca

•  Champagne and canapés or tea and scones? Champagne and canapés!
• Sea or country? Sea!
• Dogs or cats? Cats!
• Plot or free form? Free form!

You can connect with Rebecca on her blog, or via Facebook and Twitter.

 

Uncategorized Author interview Bookshop on the corner chicklit Gingebread Cafe Rebecca Raisin Secrets of the Maple Syrup Farm