Ask the Author: H.A. Raynes
Answered Questions (14)
H.A. Raynes
Growing up, we moved a lot. I went to 5 elementary schools in 3 states, 2 middle schools and then finally 1 high school. People always say, "Oh, your dad was in the military?" No, he was an accountant. Maybe it was bad luck with jobs... but something niggles in the back of mind. Were we on the run? Did my father betray a powerful person? Did he steal something (though we had no money so that seems unlikely!)? All questions I'd like to ask. But the secrets are long since buried with my parents who both died in a car accident.
H.A. Raynes
Once upon a time there was Covid. The end.
H.A. Raynes
Neverland. Be a kid again. Also, flying. :)
H.A. Raynes
Where did the summer go?! I read The Widow, Nightingale, Underground Railroad...to name a few. Wish I'd had time to read more but there's never enough time and I'm a slow reader. I like to think that means that I'm soaking up and savoring every word!
H.A. Raynes
Oh that's a tough question. I have several! I cannot commit to one couple! So here goes: Emma & Mr. Lightly, Elisabeth Bennet & Mr. Darcy, Will & Lou, Henry DeTamble & Clare Anne Abshire. These are all couples with dynamic personalities with strong, independent women. For Will & Lou (Me Before You) and for Henry & Clare they overcome odds and their relationship is more true than anything else (physical ailments or time!). They're also honest. All these characters are flawed and loved nonetheless. Like we all are. :)
H.A. Raynes
Hi Michael,
Thanks for reaching out. I apologize for the delay in responding…I needed to sit with your question to figure out how best to answer.
In my wildest imagination (or in this case, Nation of Enemies), I did not think it possible to have the country and this election shift our country on such a massive scale. People are hurting on both sides of the fence and I think we’re all reeling over the events of these past several months leading up to - and including - the election. Not in my wildest dreams, though apparently in my imagination, did I dream our country could split wide open. And worse than open, devastatingly apart.
In writing Nation of Enemies, (officially in the hands of HarperCollins in 2014, published in Aug. 2015), I could not have guessed that our own country’s politics just two years later would become enflamed by homegrown terrorists, alt-right views, refugee / immigrant status, people crashing Canada’s immigration site, and talk of creating a “registry” of Muslims. When creating the plot, I did imagine our world divided over civil liberties and I could absolutely see both sides - those clinging to their guns for protection and a “better” way of life off the grid of the political landscape versus those who wanted to flee the United States to gain both freedom and the right not to be judged by their DNA. When writing and presenting both sides, I hope that I achieved a fairness for those who chose either side. Of course, this is a thriller and there is at least one “villain.” Interestingly, depending on the reader, s/he may choose to believe a different character is the true villain.
I do hope you’ll read Nation of Enemies and share with me your thoughts. Thanks again for writing, Michael!
Thanks for reaching out. I apologize for the delay in responding…I needed to sit with your question to figure out how best to answer.
In my wildest imagination (or in this case, Nation of Enemies), I did not think it possible to have the country and this election shift our country on such a massive scale. People are hurting on both sides of the fence and I think we’re all reeling over the events of these past several months leading up to - and including - the election. Not in my wildest dreams, though apparently in my imagination, did I dream our country could split wide open. And worse than open, devastatingly apart.
In writing Nation of Enemies, (officially in the hands of HarperCollins in 2014, published in Aug. 2015), I could not have guessed that our own country’s politics just two years later would become enflamed by homegrown terrorists, alt-right views, refugee / immigrant status, people crashing Canada’s immigration site, and talk of creating a “registry” of Muslims. When creating the plot, I did imagine our world divided over civil liberties and I could absolutely see both sides - those clinging to their guns for protection and a “better” way of life off the grid of the political landscape versus those who wanted to flee the United States to gain both freedom and the right not to be judged by their DNA. When writing and presenting both sides, I hope that I achieved a fairness for those who chose either side. Of course, this is a thriller and there is at least one “villain.” Interestingly, depending on the reader, s/he may choose to believe a different character is the true villain.
I do hope you’ll read Nation of Enemies and share with me your thoughts. Thanks again for writing, Michael!
H.A. Raynes
Amazing similarities. What do you readers think?!
H.A. Raynes
Hi Jason...I'm not easily stumped and yet somehow, I have no words for this. If a troll wants to engage...just engage?! :)
H.A. Raynes
I just show up. I recently went through my first real bout of writer's block. Six painful weeks of showing up for my usual writing times and just...staring at the screen. Or doing exercises. Or forcing out words that I just trashed after I wrote them. But eventually it passes.
H.A. Raynes
Creating characters that feel real to me, and telling unique stories that suck me in and keep me coming back. In turn, I hope my readers feel the same.
H.A. Raynes
Write. Make time for it. If you don't, you'll never finish anything. Even if you set aside two hours a week, turn off your phone and email and dedicate that time to the page. Eventually you'll make more time. And then you'll finish....and start all over again!
H.A. Raynes
Funny, I'm writing it but haven't yet considered the genre. Let's say it's a mystery with some magic realism...but more real than magic.
H.A. Raynes
Luckily, I'm (almost!) always inspired. It's very much a part of who I am and the creative outlet is priceless in this overly scheduled life.
H.A. Raynes
I was inspired by the story of a family member who escaped Poland in WWII. I imagined what it might be like if I had to flee my own country...and this book was born.
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