Ask the Author: Rachel de Vine
Answered Questions (7)
Rachel de Vine
In my teenage years I fell in love with Cathy and Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights. Their story just seemed so romantic and sad. From my own books I suppose it would be Adriana and Luca from That Day at the Lake. Their love burned slowly from childhood and they had to overcome so much to be together.
Rachel de Vine
I can't really remember, is the truth. I think that after writing an historical romance, The Gardener, another writer who I greatly admire, Emily Tilton, might have mentioned that she thought Barnes, the gardener in question, was sexy. (If she didn't say that, someone else did. I have a terrible memory.) So, after a couple of contemporary stories, I decided to write another historical one. I don't think I consciously thought of D H Lawrence's book, Lady Chatterley's Lover, (he is another favourite author), when I wrote the book, but it has hints of that in it.
Rachel de Vine
I have always had stories in my head. When I was about seven I was a runner up in a 'Win a pony' competition (my parents were quite relieved I didn't actually win!), and my literary 'career' began. I didn't start writing seriously until about 12 years ago. I have several writers who inspire me today. Apart from many historical authors, one of the current writers who inspires me, is Chloe Thurlow, who I think is one of the best erotic writers around today. (Oh, did I not mention, I write mainly erotic romances these days.)
Rachel de Vine
What I should be working on, is more to the point, as I am easily distracted. I am currently writing an historical romance about a mid 19th century artist (a very sexy, almost bohemian one, of course) who employs a young local woman to be his nude model, and who quickly becomes his lover. She has run away from an abusive husband, and when he tries to reclaim what is his, he is killed in a struggle. The lovers go on the run to Florence, Italy, which is where I currently reside (metaphorically!)
Rachel de Vine
Don't take advice, is my advice. Or, only within reason. Go with your heart and gut feelings. You can always pay a good editor to clean up after you.
Rachel de Vine
You can live out all your fantasies on the page, and it doesn't cost a penny! Plus I have so many book boyfriends, it is hard to choose a favourite, which is always a nice position to be in. And you can work in pj's if you want!
Rachel de Vine
Thankfully this is rarely a problem. If I do get to a point where the story doesn't seem to be progressing, I will leave it for a while & go on to other stories. When I come back to it, it is with a fresh mind.
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