Ask the Author: Rebecca Ross
Answered Questions (50)
Rebecca Ross
I planned that guide around the page numbers for the US hardback edition of A RIVER ENCHANTED. I hope that's helpful!
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Rebecca Ross
I'm hoping to write my next Adult fantasy! I have a few ideas but am still trying to decide which one to go with! :)
Rebecca Ross
You know...D&D hasn't really influenced much of my writing. I only started playing a few years ago (my siblings formed a group, and we can only meet a few months out of the year so sometimes I feel a little rusty when it comes to my skills). One of my brothers is our dungeon master, and I've enjoyed all the twists and turns and the world he has created for our party to venture through.
I will say, though, that at one point I purposely avoided creating a character that was a bard, because I was writing and revising The Elements of Cadence at the time, and I didn't want the D&D version of a bard influencing Jack.
But I do enjoy playing! And I think it can be a good exercise in world and character building for writers.
I will say, though, that at one point I purposely avoided creating a character that was a bard, because I was writing and revising The Elements of Cadence at the time, and I didn't want the D&D version of a bard influencing Jack.
But I do enjoy playing! And I think it can be a good exercise in world and character building for writers.
Rebecca Ross
Ah thank you! So honored to hear that.
And when it comes to writing more stories set on the Isle of Cadence...I never say never. ;)
All that being said...I would need to have a very compelling idea, the sort that won't let me sleep at night, before I moved forward with it. If it happens, there very well might be more to explore in that world! (Because I do, in fact, miss it).
Thank you for reading!
xx
And when it comes to writing more stories set on the Isle of Cadence...I never say never. ;)
All that being said...I would need to have a very compelling idea, the sort that won't let me sleep at night, before I moved forward with it. If it happens, there very well might be more to explore in that world! (Because I do, in fact, miss it).
Thank you for reading!
xx
Rebecca Ross
Hi there! Ah, thank you! :) So honored to hear that.
When it comes to names...I use a few websites to help me gather ones that I think will compliment characters and my world building. A few that have been helpful to me are Nameberry and Behind the Name. I like these websites because they show the origin of a name as well as its meaning. Both of those things can play a vital role when it comes to naming a character and place in a fantasy novel. I also keep a journal full of names that I like or that I've come across or imagined on my own, so I always have a list handy.
Tips for a new writer aspiring to publish:
You can't revise what hasn't been written, and it's very important to finish a manuscript so you experience all the stages of storytelling. Protect your writing time, and find out what works best for you (writing in the morning, writing to music, writing at night, writing every day, writing every other day, etc). You'll be unique in this, but most of all, keep going and be as consistent as you can. Writing is like a muscle in that regard; it will only get stronger the more you do it. Don't give up or quit on your story, even on hard days when it feels like the words aren't flowing or your ideas aren't "good enough." I assure you they are, because no one else can write the story in your heart like you can. Don't be afraid to take storytelling risks or to think outside the box if you feel stuck in your plot.
Hope this is helpful, and wishing you all the best with your writing!
xx
When it comes to names...I use a few websites to help me gather ones that I think will compliment characters and my world building. A few that have been helpful to me are Nameberry and Behind the Name. I like these websites because they show the origin of a name as well as its meaning. Both of those things can play a vital role when it comes to naming a character and place in a fantasy novel. I also keep a journal full of names that I like or that I've come across or imagined on my own, so I always have a list handy.
Tips for a new writer aspiring to publish:
You can't revise what hasn't been written, and it's very important to finish a manuscript so you experience all the stages of storytelling. Protect your writing time, and find out what works best for you (writing in the morning, writing to music, writing at night, writing every day, writing every other day, etc). You'll be unique in this, but most of all, keep going and be as consistent as you can. Writing is like a muscle in that regard; it will only get stronger the more you do it. Don't give up or quit on your story, even on hard days when it feels like the words aren't flowing or your ideas aren't "good enough." I assure you they are, because no one else can write the story in your heart like you can. Don't be afraid to take storytelling risks or to think outside the box if you feel stuck in your plot.
Hope this is helpful, and wishing you all the best with your writing!
xx
Rebecca Ross
Thank you so much! I'm beyond honored to hear that. <3
When it comes to mythology and magical systems...I keep a brainstorming journal at all times, and I let my imagination run wild. Sometimes I'll write down a snippet of an idea, or the backstory of a god, and will move on to another story. Years later, I'll revise the journal and see that idea again and it will finally spark into something more. Asking myself deeper questions about an idea also helps it grow wings. "What about this," or "what if *this* happens when a spell is sung," etc. It's a fun, rewarding process for me, and I enjoy thinking through all types of magical possibilities.
And to answer your question in regards to the Alouette in the museum...you shall get that answer in RUTHLESS VOWS. ;)
When it comes to mythology and magical systems...I keep a brainstorming journal at all times, and I let my imagination run wild. Sometimes I'll write down a snippet of an idea, or the backstory of a god, and will move on to another story. Years later, I'll revise the journal and see that idea again and it will finally spark into something more. Asking myself deeper questions about an idea also helps it grow wings. "What about this," or "what if *this* happens when a spell is sung," etc. It's a fun, rewarding process for me, and I enjoy thinking through all types of magical possibilities.
And to answer your question in regards to the Alouette in the museum...you shall get that answer in RUTHLESS VOWS. ;)
Rebecca Ross
Hi there! I did indeed write a bonus chapter for FairyLoot's edition. Because it is exclusive to their edition, I'm not able to share it elsewhere. I have heard, however, that readers with the FL edition have shared the bonus chapter with their friends who want to read it. So you might be able to read it that way. :)
Rebecca Ross
Hi Courtney! So happy to hear you loved A RIVER ENCHANTED. The Elements of Cadence is a duology, so it will only be two books. Thank you for reading!
Rebecca Ross
Two books! Everything will wrap up in RUTHLESS VOWS.
Rebecca Ross
RUTHLESS VOWS will publish on December 26, 2023! The series is a duology, so there will only two books.
Rebecca Ross
Hi Maeve,
Thank you so much! I'm so honored to hear how much my books have inspired you. <3 To answer your question about another TQR book...sadly, no, I don't have any plans to expand the world. This decision was ultimately made by my publisher, and they only wanted 2 books in the series. But I love your idea about a story for Isolde and for Sean. That would certainly be fun to write!
Ah, the query trenches! It's both exciting and nerve-wracking to send out queries. Sometimes (okay, very often) it can even feel soul crushing, especially when rejections happen. Things have changed a bit since I was in the query trenches (2015) due to the pandemic, but I still vividly remember how anxious I was throughout the months that I was querying.
I think my best piece of advice would be to first of all make sure you are taking care of yourself. It's going to be an anxious and taxing season, and whatever you can do to prioritize self care is important. I did not do a good job of this and it about wore me down, so please do make sure you are taking care of yourself.
Once you have your agent list compiled and your query perfected, send them out in small batches. I recommend this because if there is something off about your query, or it's just not hitting right and you are not receiving any requests for your full manuscript, you have time to edit and revise the query before you send out your next batch. You only have one shot to impress an agent, and you want to ensure your query is perfect. So definitely start by emailing in batches (I sent out three queries to begin with and prepared my next set while waiting for responses).
Also make sure you are adhering to an agent's guidelines when you submit, such as if they want the first five pages included, or the first ten pages, what needs to be in the subject line of the email, etc. It can be an easy thing to overlook, but if you take care to follow them correctly, an agent will certainly appreciate it.
The other thing I did while querying was begin working on a new book. I found this very helpful, because it gave me something to do to help distract me from the wait, but I also knew that if none of the queries for The Queen's Rising were successful, I had another book in the works that I could query next. (That book, by the way, was completed and has not seen the light of day since, and I'm not sure if it will ever be published, but it was a joy to write and I needed it in that season).
One thing I've heard about querying post COVID is that response times are much, much slower. So please don't let it get you down or discouraged if it takes months to hear back from an agent.
Good luck as you start on your journey, and know that I am rooting for you and your manuscript!
xxR
Thank you so much! I'm so honored to hear how much my books have inspired you. <3 To answer your question about another TQR book...sadly, no, I don't have any plans to expand the world. This decision was ultimately made by my publisher, and they only wanted 2 books in the series. But I love your idea about a story for Isolde and for Sean. That would certainly be fun to write!
Ah, the query trenches! It's both exciting and nerve-wracking to send out queries. Sometimes (okay, very often) it can even feel soul crushing, especially when rejections happen. Things have changed a bit since I was in the query trenches (2015) due to the pandemic, but I still vividly remember how anxious I was throughout the months that I was querying.
I think my best piece of advice would be to first of all make sure you are taking care of yourself. It's going to be an anxious and taxing season, and whatever you can do to prioritize self care is important. I did not do a good job of this and it about wore me down, so please do make sure you are taking care of yourself.
Once you have your agent list compiled and your query perfected, send them out in small batches. I recommend this because if there is something off about your query, or it's just not hitting right and you are not receiving any requests for your full manuscript, you have time to edit and revise the query before you send out your next batch. You only have one shot to impress an agent, and you want to ensure your query is perfect. So definitely start by emailing in batches (I sent out three queries to begin with and prepared my next set while waiting for responses).
Also make sure you are adhering to an agent's guidelines when you submit, such as if they want the first five pages included, or the first ten pages, what needs to be in the subject line of the email, etc. It can be an easy thing to overlook, but if you take care to follow them correctly, an agent will certainly appreciate it.
The other thing I did while querying was begin working on a new book. I found this very helpful, because it gave me something to do to help distract me from the wait, but I also knew that if none of the queries for The Queen's Rising were successful, I had another book in the works that I could query next. (That book, by the way, was completed and has not seen the light of day since, and I'm not sure if it will ever be published, but it was a joy to write and I needed it in that season).
One thing I've heard about querying post COVID is that response times are much, much slower. So please don't let it get you down or discouraged if it takes months to hear back from an agent.
Good luck as you start on your journey, and know that I am rooting for you and your manuscript!
xxR
Rebecca Ross
Ahh, Phelan's dream. I do know what it was, but he would certainly kill me if I told.
But I will say it was a very nice dream.
(Also, so happy you loved DREAMS LIE BENEATH!).
But I will say it was a very nice dream.
(Also, so happy you loved DREAMS LIE BENEATH!).
Rebecca Ross
Hi Maeve,
Thank you so much! So honored to hear that. And yes, I am a fast drafter (which also means revisions are quite difficult and extensive for me). But here are a few tips I have which I hope are helpful as you work on your story:
+ Have an outline in mind, or a "constellation map" as I like to think of it. The outline or map doesn't have to be extensive or extremely detailed (I honestly rarely outline in detail myself and prefer to discovery write), but I do think it helps to have the "stars" of the story already worked out, like a constellation, to guide you from point to point. These scenes are places where the plot twists happens, or revelations unfold, or the romantic beats take place, and you are so excited you honestly cannot wait to reach them to write them down and experience them. Having a constellation map to mentally work through is also a bit like dangling a carrot in front of a horse, and I often find it motivating enough to help me get through scenes that feel a bit murky or might feel daunting to write.
+ Also, having a constellation map might help you see if there are places you are missing in your plot/character motivations, etc. It can be hard to draft fast if you don't know these important pieces of the story, so sometimes just sitting down with a brainstorming journal and figuring things about before you proceed can be very helpful!
+ Set word count goals to hit daily (but only if they fuel you! If you find them discouraging, then definitely disregard them).
+ If you are tempted to constantly go back and edit what you just wrote the day before, then maybe see if you can write a few days without slowing yourself down in this way and see how it feels, and if you make faster progress. I always tell myself "you can edit afterwards, when you reach the end! The most important thing now is to simply get the story down on the page."
+ Set a deadline. I always give myself deadlines when I am drafting, and I typically give myself two solid months to complete a first draft (but please keep in mind that I write full time and this is still a very rigorous goal to hit!). I love working toward a finish date, but again, this is something that really puts the fire under me (and it may not work for you). But I do think having an end date in mind can be helpful and can also give you an idea of how often you need to work to meet it.
+ Realize that you'll have great writing days, where everything flows and you're excited and swept away and are in love with your idea. And then there may come more difficult days, where you don't feel like writing or suddenly hate your ideas and are flooded with worry. This is completely normal, and I always think it's best to remain positive, to give yourself daily affirmations, to remind yourself that you write because you love it, and things will come together, even if it feels like climbing a mountain.
+ Find what works best for you as as a writer and go with it! If you need music, if you need complete silence, if you need a snack close by, if you need to take breaks every hour, if you need to write every morning, if you need to write every other day due to school, work, etc. I think the key to getting a story drafted quickly, though, is to help minimize distractions and to devote as much time to the draft as you can.
Most of all, enjoy the process!
xR
Thank you so much! So honored to hear that. And yes, I am a fast drafter (which also means revisions are quite difficult and extensive for me). But here are a few tips I have which I hope are helpful as you work on your story:
+ Have an outline in mind, or a "constellation map" as I like to think of it. The outline or map doesn't have to be extensive or extremely detailed (I honestly rarely outline in detail myself and prefer to discovery write), but I do think it helps to have the "stars" of the story already worked out, like a constellation, to guide you from point to point. These scenes are places where the plot twists happens, or revelations unfold, or the romantic beats take place, and you are so excited you honestly cannot wait to reach them to write them down and experience them. Having a constellation map to mentally work through is also a bit like dangling a carrot in front of a horse, and I often find it motivating enough to help me get through scenes that feel a bit murky or might feel daunting to write.
+ Also, having a constellation map might help you see if there are places you are missing in your plot/character motivations, etc. It can be hard to draft fast if you don't know these important pieces of the story, so sometimes just sitting down with a brainstorming journal and figuring things about before you proceed can be very helpful!
+ Set word count goals to hit daily (but only if they fuel you! If you find them discouraging, then definitely disregard them).
+ If you are tempted to constantly go back and edit what you just wrote the day before, then maybe see if you can write a few days without slowing yourself down in this way and see how it feels, and if you make faster progress. I always tell myself "you can edit afterwards, when you reach the end! The most important thing now is to simply get the story down on the page."
+ Set a deadline. I always give myself deadlines when I am drafting, and I typically give myself two solid months to complete a first draft (but please keep in mind that I write full time and this is still a very rigorous goal to hit!). I love working toward a finish date, but again, this is something that really puts the fire under me (and it may not work for you). But I do think having an end date in mind can be helpful and can also give you an idea of how often you need to work to meet it.
+ Realize that you'll have great writing days, where everything flows and you're excited and swept away and are in love with your idea. And then there may come more difficult days, where you don't feel like writing or suddenly hate your ideas and are flooded with worry. This is completely normal, and I always think it's best to remain positive, to give yourself daily affirmations, to remind yourself that you write because you love it, and things will come together, even if it feels like climbing a mountain.
+ Find what works best for you as as a writer and go with it! If you need music, if you need complete silence, if you need a snack close by, if you need to take breaks every hour, if you need to write every morning, if you need to write every other day due to school, work, etc. I think the key to getting a story drafted quickly, though, is to help minimize distractions and to devote as much time to the draft as you can.
Most of all, enjoy the process!
xR
Rebecca Ross
Hi Sierra,
Thank you! So happy you've enjoyed my stories. :)
This is a tough question to answer, because I love all of my books and they each hold different meanings for me (although I will also add here that some were far easier to write than others!).
There are elements within each of them that I loved writing, such as the plot twists in THE QUEEN'S RISING and DREAMS LIE BENEATH, the mythology and sisterhood in SISTERS OF SWORD & SONG, the atmospheric setting and characterization in A RIVER ENCHANTED, the romance in DIVINE RIVALS (to be published soon!). I think there's a little piece of me in each of my books, especially the ones that required blood, sweat, and tears to write and revise. And I'm always in love with the next idea, with the story I haven't written yet.
xR
Thank you! So happy you've enjoyed my stories. :)
This is a tough question to answer, because I love all of my books and they each hold different meanings for me (although I will also add here that some were far easier to write than others!).
There are elements within each of them that I loved writing, such as the plot twists in THE QUEEN'S RISING and DREAMS LIE BENEATH, the mythology and sisterhood in SISTERS OF SWORD & SONG, the atmospheric setting and characterization in A RIVER ENCHANTED, the romance in DIVINE RIVALS (to be published soon!). I think there's a little piece of me in each of my books, especially the ones that required blood, sweat, and tears to write and revise. And I'm always in love with the next idea, with the story I haven't written yet.
xR
Rebecca Ross
Thank you! So happy to hear how much you loved it! :)
xR
xR
Rebecca Ross
Hi Haley! So happy to hear you found my books and that you loved DREAMS LIE BENEATH!
While I never say never, it's very unlikely that I would return to the world of Azenor and expand on it (although I would very much enjoy writing a second book or a prequel). This is mainly due to the fact that my publisher at the time wanted a standalone, which I wrote for them to fulfill my contract. I do think, though, that sometimes books can gain a lot of attention years after they are published, especially if readers give those books plenty of support (such as what we've seen lately on TikTok, for example, which has certainly sold backlisted books and gotten a publisher's attention).
All this to say...if the stars aligned and my publisher asked me to write more in this world, I would be happy to do so! Hope this is helpful, and happy reading!
xR
While I never say never, it's very unlikely that I would return to the world of Azenor and expand on it (although I would very much enjoy writing a second book or a prequel). This is mainly due to the fact that my publisher at the time wanted a standalone, which I wrote for them to fulfill my contract. I do think, though, that sometimes books can gain a lot of attention years after they are published, especially if readers give those books plenty of support (such as what we've seen lately on TikTok, for example, which has certainly sold backlisted books and gotten a publisher's attention).
All this to say...if the stars aligned and my publisher asked me to write more in this world, I would be happy to do so! Hope this is helpful, and happy reading!
xR
Rebecca Ross
I try to always have some kind of pre-order incentive for each of my books. Lately I've been teaming up with my local independent bookstore to provide signed and personalized copies plus an exclusive art print.
I also like to include digital goodies (like bonus scenes, annotated chapters, etc) for readers who pre-order and submit their proof of purchase (although I'm not sure if I'll be able to do that every time as it's quite time intensive).
If I do plan to do anything for my upcoming books, I always announce it a few months before pub date on my social media (IG first, as it's my primary platform). :)
I also like to include digital goodies (like bonus scenes, annotated chapters, etc) for readers who pre-order and submit their proof of purchase (although I'm not sure if I'll be able to do that every time as it's quite time intensive).
If I do plan to do anything for my upcoming books, I always announce it a few months before pub date on my social media (IG first, as it's my primary platform). :)
Rebecca Ross
Hi! As of right now, I don't have any plans to expand on that universe (and I have quite a few new projects in the works that are keeping me busy). But I'm so happy to hear how much you love TQR!
Rebecca Ross
Hi! So happy to hear how much you loved it! :)
As of right now, there are no plans for a sequel, or any further stories when it comes to this world and the characters. I think my publisher would need to see a big demand from readers/a lot of love for this book in order for them to consider it. I know that's probably not what you wanted to hear, but maybe one day, if the stars align, I can revisit this world.
Thank you for loving Evadne & Halcyon's story! <3
As of right now, there are no plans for a sequel, or any further stories when it comes to this world and the characters. I think my publisher would need to see a big demand from readers/a lot of love for this book in order for them to consider it. I know that's probably not what you wanted to hear, but maybe one day, if the stars align, I can revisit this world.
Thank you for loving Evadne & Halcyon's story! <3
Rebecca Ross
Hi there! Hmm...this is a tough question to answer. I honestly feel like my favorite character to write about is the one (or ones) I'm currently writing about, simply because I'm the closest to them at the moment. I'm in their heads and hearts for days on end as I draft, so I always feel very bonded to them while the story is unfolding.
But I will say I'm quite fond of Brienna. She found me when I needed her the most in my life, and she's made me far braver than I ever hoped to be.
But I will say I'm quite fond of Brienna. She found me when I needed her the most in my life, and she's made me far braver than I ever hoped to be.
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