How was one of your book heroines, “A Lady in Defiance” of the times or circumstances in which she lived?
Gwyn is such a stubborn one. Defiant fits her to a T, from the moment Dirk strides in to save her and she balks. I learned much from writing Gwyn, who is quite unlike this shy writer here. She’s strong and brave and brassy. In the year in which my first book is set, 1566, not a lot was expected of women. Certainly not chasing after Truth amid a Reformation and Revolution!
What real-life “Lady in Defiance” has impacted your life or writing?
Queen Elizabeth I is my favorite historical figure! She personifies unconventional. She ascended to the throne even though she was third in line behind her two siblings. She was a Queen at a time when monarchs were supposed to be men. And she never ever married–though there were many who tried to sway her!
I see that your favorite word is “daring.” Can you give us an example or situation of how you were daring?
Sending an email to my dream editor, about the book that became The Sound of Diamonds. Then signing that contract. Goodness, I felt so young then! So unprepared for the world of publishing. And exuberantly excited all at the same time. Just ecstatically overwhelmed. There was a lot of happy daring during that time–has it ended? LOL 🙂
What makes for a great love triangle in books or movies? What are some of your favorites?
I have no idea! I don’t even like love triangles. (Stay with me, people!) I told myself I’d not write a love triangle, that was too predictable for a second book. Well. 😉 Then this guy named Anders strode onto the scene in The Sound of Silver. It’s not a straight, traditional love story–though I won’t spoil it. I find it fun, though.
Do you think there is a danger in the fairytale dreams that most girls have? What happens when our expectations don’t meet our reality?
I think there can be a danger in expectations when we take them too far (he must look like this, our love story must go like this) because expectations never pan out like we thought they would. BUT I would encourage girls to dream of the fairytale all they like because there’s a protection in fairytales. You’re more likely to spot the frogs if you’re looking for a prince. Just don’t turn down the prince because his armor’s a bit scuffed (that’s a GOOD sign). 🙂
You’ve accomplished A LOT in the publishing industry and at a young age too. What’s next on your “to-do” list?
Thank you! I owe it all to God and the opportunities He’s given me. I look forward to what the next few years in publishing hold for me–my next project is Top Secret at the moment, but maybe soon I’ll have news to share. In the meantime, I just got engaged on April 3rd to a wonderful man who happens to share the name of my series’ hero, so marriage is next on my happy to-do list! 🙂
Check it out here: http://rachellerea.com/engaged/
Rachelle Rea
author of The Steadfast Love Series
