Ask the Author: Rachel Harris
Answered Questions (15)
Rachel Harris
I definitely have a strong idea for one and would love to write it. It depends on if readers want to read it :)
Rachel Harris
Emily, thank you so much! I'm thrilled to hear you love Brandon and Aly as much as I do! As for a third book in the series, that has been put on hold for the moment, although I definitely have ideas for more in that world. Hopefully, I'll revisit the gang in the future--it really depends on what my publishers want. However, I do have another YA Contemporary Romance releasing next year that I think you'll love as much as Fine Art. Eyes On Me releases in March, and Stone and Lily have my heart.
Thanks again for reading!! <3 <3 <3
Thanks again for reading!! <3 <3 <3
Rachel Harris
Hi Leah!
There will be a third book in this world...we're still deciding exactly which characters to feature. To be honest, I'm kind of in love with two characters you meet in Justin's book, The Natural History of Us, and I've been told by several early readers that they want that story, so right now it's just picking the perfect choice. I assure you, though, Gabi and Carlos CRACK ME UP so I will find a way to continue featuring them even if they aren't the stars. I have fun with them in Justin's book, too :)
Thank you so much for reading!
There will be a third book in this world...we're still deciding exactly which characters to feature. To be honest, I'm kind of in love with two characters you meet in Justin's book, The Natural History of Us, and I've been told by several early readers that they want that story, so right now it's just picking the perfect choice. I assure you, though, Gabi and Carlos CRACK ME UP so I will find a way to continue featuring them even if they aren't the stars. I have fun with them in Justin's book, too :)
Thank you so much for reading!
Rachel Harris
Hi Zoe :)
My writing process is a bit weird, or so I'm told, but I've learned that you have to go with what works for you. This is how my brain works best and it allows me to enjoy the whole thing--and that's the important part.
The short answer is that I'm a plotter. A BIG TIME plotter ;) For the longer answer...well, here it goes:
So, when I get an idea, I often write as much down as I know. Sometimes that's a story question, sometimes it's a charcter, sometimes it's a good nugget of plot. I then focus on what the core of the story is and what type of characters would best fit in that world--which ones would have the most complications with that particular set up. I then break out The Positive and Negative Trait Thesaurus books by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi and choose one main flaw and one main positive trait along with a few others to round out their characters. I then ask myself what each character WANTS, what is their GOAL to get it, what is the CONFLICT keeping them from getting it, and where do they END up....and I do this on a few levels. Bare minimum I ask those questions in relation to their general life and then their relationship, as I write romance, but sometimes I also do family or career. That way I have many threads to pull from throughout the book.
I then come up with several key scenes, the most important of which are: the main character's 'Slice of Life' (what is happening just before the story action takes place and you see them in their world), the 'Inciting Incident', three main turning points in the book, the all is lost moment, and finally the resolution. After that, it's all about getting the characters from point A to point B between all those points.
Plotting usually takes me a month, and when I'm done, I really have a short discovery draft, as I recently heard it called. My outlines can be anywhere from 20-50 pages, breaking down each chapter and scene. Once I have that, writing is easy. Oh, and I edit as I go, another supposed no-no, but hey, it's the only way my brain works :)
Hope my craziness made sense and showed that we all have our own process, and once you find yours, embrace it. Hugs! xoxo
My writing process is a bit weird, or so I'm told, but I've learned that you have to go with what works for you. This is how my brain works best and it allows me to enjoy the whole thing--and that's the important part.
The short answer is that I'm a plotter. A BIG TIME plotter ;) For the longer answer...well, here it goes:
So, when I get an idea, I often write as much down as I know. Sometimes that's a story question, sometimes it's a charcter, sometimes it's a good nugget of plot. I then focus on what the core of the story is and what type of characters would best fit in that world--which ones would have the most complications with that particular set up. I then break out The Positive and Negative Trait Thesaurus books by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi and choose one main flaw and one main positive trait along with a few others to round out their characters. I then ask myself what each character WANTS, what is their GOAL to get it, what is the CONFLICT keeping them from getting it, and where do they END up....and I do this on a few levels. Bare minimum I ask those questions in relation to their general life and then their relationship, as I write romance, but sometimes I also do family or career. That way I have many threads to pull from throughout the book.
I then come up with several key scenes, the most important of which are: the main character's 'Slice of Life' (what is happening just before the story action takes place and you see them in their world), the 'Inciting Incident', three main turning points in the book, the all is lost moment, and finally the resolution. After that, it's all about getting the characters from point A to point B between all those points.
Plotting usually takes me a month, and when I'm done, I really have a short discovery draft, as I recently heard it called. My outlines can be anywhere from 20-50 pages, breaking down each chapter and scene. Once I have that, writing is easy. Oh, and I edit as I go, another supposed no-no, but hey, it's the only way my brain works :)
Hope my craziness made sense and showed that we all have our own process, and once you find yours, embrace it. Hugs! xoxo
Rachel Harris
Hi Zoe! Thank you so much for reading--I'm thrilled you enjoyed the Super Sweet series :) Unfortunately, I don't have event plans in China at the moment, but I would love to go. In fact, I plan to take my children there in the next few years so hopefully I can work something out. And no worries, I couldn't stop writing if I wanted to...too many ideas! Hugs xoxo
Rachel Harris
Lol well that *is* my brand, huh? *ponders* *grins* Thanks for the suggestion!
Rachel Harris
Thanks so much, Blair. I think it is safe to say now that yes, book 2 *is* about Justin! It's a dual timeline, dual point-of-view story, switching back and forth between him and his love interest, freshman and senior years. It has been a bit of a struggle for me, getting these two characters just right, but I am loving their story :)
Thank you so much for reading and the wonderful compliment. I'm humbled xoxoxo
Thank you so much for reading and the wonderful compliment. I'm humbled xoxoxo
Rachel Harris
I have two series completed and a new one started...for my adult series, the Love & Games series, you definitely do not have to read these in order. They follow a trio of siblings and while you do get to know the characters well in every book, and check back in on past couples in the later books, each one tells the complete story for the main couple.
For my first YA series, the Super Sweet series, these can be read out of order, as many people have done so, but I think you get more out of reading them in order. My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century and My Not So Super Sweet Life have the same heroine, A Tale of Two Centuries has a new heroine you met in book one, and the third book is really more of a long extended novella that ties up the series. I tried to give all the clues you'll need to pick up at any point, but somethings may be missed if not read straight through.
For the new series beginning with The Fine Art of Pretending, these will be companion books, so they can totally be read out of order :)
Hope this helps!
For my first YA series, the Super Sweet series, these can be read out of order, as many people have done so, but I think you get more out of reading them in order. My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century and My Not So Super Sweet Life have the same heroine, A Tale of Two Centuries has a new heroine you met in book one, and the third book is really more of a long extended novella that ties up the series. I tried to give all the clues you'll need to pick up at any point, but somethings may be missed if not read straight through.
For the new series beginning with The Fine Art of Pretending, these will be companion books, so they can totally be read out of order :)
Hope this helps!
Rachel Harris
Hi Sarah! Yes, there is going to be book 2 in the Fine Art series...not really a sequel, but a companion novel, with a new hero and heroine, but all the same characters involved. I'm having so much fun with this one :)
Thank you so much for reading The Fine Art of Pretending! I'm so glad you enjoyed it xoxo
Thank you so much for reading The Fine Art of Pretending! I'm so glad you enjoyed it xoxo
Rachel Harris
Hi Dani! Thanks for reading :)
Yes, the third book in that series, Accidentally Married on Purpose, released this week. While that completes the Robicheaux clan, I love Magnolia Springs way too much to stop there. Plus, I've gotten tons of requests for a book about Charlie, a character you meet in book 3, and I think his book will start off the spin-off series. That should be out early next year.
Yes, the third book in that series, Accidentally Married on Purpose, released this week. While that completes the Robicheaux clan, I love Magnolia Springs way too much to stop there. Plus, I've gotten tons of requests for a book about Charlie, a character you meet in book 3, and I think his book will start off the spin-off series. That should be out early next year.
Rachel Harris
Interacting with the readers and showing my kids by example that you should never give up chasing your dreams :)
Rachel Harris
That story soundtrack I always create in the beginning? I listen to that while driving around or I hop in the shower. I don't know what it is about those two places, but something always unlocks for me, a bit of an inconvenience since I can't exactly write it all down in those moments. I need to invest in those tub crayons for kids I think...
Rachel Harris
I'm a plotter so my inspiration for each book comes from my characters. I get an idea of who they are, cast them with actors so I can picture them, and create a story soundtrack. Songs that speak to the hints of character I have already, the bits of plot I see shaping, and as I listen to those songs, more ideas come.
Rachel Harris
I am currently working on book 2 in the Fine Art series (young adult) and plotting out my upcoming new adult romance, as well as planning two possible adult romance series :)
Rachel Harris
Tip #1: Read often and widely. Read within your favorite genre so you know what is out there, especially if you want to write in it, see what the expectations are, and then expand your world by pulling inspiration from way outside your genre.
• Write or love YA contemporary? Maybe try also reading adult (such as my sweet small town romances) and/or historicals.
• Write historical? Give fantasy and suspense a shot.
• You never know what will inspire you...or even where your voice truly is...until you try.
Tip #2: But don't stop at reading, either. Pay attention.
• What made you smile at that passage? What had you skimming those pages? What spoke to you, what did you hate, what had you fuming at your book yet determined to find out what happens?
• These are all clues to helping you find your unique voice and style.
Tip #3: When you do start writing, don't forget to Use Your Senses. What is your character Smelling, Tasting, Touching, Hearing? Seeing is obvious and normally one no one really misses.
• In each scene, try to include at least 3 of your senses. It brings the pages and story to life and jumps off the page.
Tip #4: DON’T GIVE UP. Don’t stop after your first book. You will always get better, there will always be more stories to tell, and there’s always a chance that book can come back out later.
• Write or love YA contemporary? Maybe try also reading adult (such as my sweet small town romances) and/or historicals.
• Write historical? Give fantasy and suspense a shot.
• You never know what will inspire you...or even where your voice truly is...until you try.
Tip #2: But don't stop at reading, either. Pay attention.
• What made you smile at that passage? What had you skimming those pages? What spoke to you, what did you hate, what had you fuming at your book yet determined to find out what happens?
• These are all clues to helping you find your unique voice and style.
Tip #3: When you do start writing, don't forget to Use Your Senses. What is your character Smelling, Tasting, Touching, Hearing? Seeing is obvious and normally one no one really misses.
• In each scene, try to include at least 3 of your senses. It brings the pages and story to life and jumps off the page.
Tip #4: DON’T GIVE UP. Don’t stop after your first book. You will always get better, there will always be more stories to tell, and there’s always a chance that book can come back out later.
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