An Interview with Rachael Slate

The Write Way Café welcomes author Rachael Slate, who draws inspiration from "her own little blended world" to create imaginative and exciting romances.


When did you first have the thought you'd like to write a book? Was that first thought related to writing romance?
     After my children were born, I began devouring romance books. I fell so in love with the genre that I desperately wanted to try my hand at it. I’ve been hooked ever since!

What was your path to getting this book written and published? What type of research did you do?
     The first thing I did after I wrote my first romance was join RWA and their online chapter, FTHRW. The romance writers I’ve met have been incredibly supportive and encouraging. I’ve met so many critique partners who helped me to learn the craft of writing. After I wrote Trancing the Tiger, I was fortunate to find my brilliant editor, AJ Nuest. The entire process of self-publishing has been a very empowering journey and I’m very lucky to have the support of so many people around me.
     I have been to Malaysia once before, but I recently spent a month there researching. It was amazing to be immersed in the setting of my book and I’m very excited to share that experience with readers.

Where did the idea for your story come from?
     My husband is Chinese and from Malaysia. We visited there several years ago and I fell in love with the location. I knew I had to set a book there! I’m also a mythology junkie and I love the Chinese Zodiac, so writing about it seemed like a natural fit.

Did you face any blocks while writing the book, and if so, how did you handle them? If not, what's your secret?
     No. I really just try to let the story flow and not force anything. My plots and characters change as I write them, and I think it’s important to let that natural process happen. I find that works really well for me.

What did you learn? For instance, what did you learn about yourself, your process, the writing world; about traditions, superstitions, and the Chinese zodiac?
     I think I never realized how empowering romance novels can be for women. Reading and writing romance has given me confidence in myself, as well as in my relationship with my husband.
     There are so many superstitions and traditions in Chinese culture. I learn more every day and it’s fascinating. I was fortunate to attend a traditional Chinese wedding (my niece’s) a few months ago in Malaysia. The experiences of that trip have provided me with amazing inspiration for writing more books in my Chinese Zodiac series!

Tell us about your writing space and how or why it works for you.
     I love to write in my office, with the music on and the coffee hot. I get lost in my own private daydream and it’s fantastic!

What are some of your favorite books and why?
     I love the Immortals After Dark series by Kresley Cole. The world-building is incredible. I also love the Black Dagger Brotherhood by J.R. Ward. It’s so hot!

What are you working on now?
     Getting Book 2 in the series ready for publication and writing Book 3!

If you were not a writer, what would your dream job be?
     Probably a baker. I love baking!

Who is your favorite hero/heroine?
     I really adore Jericho Barrons and MacKayla Lane from the Fever Series by Karen Marie Moning. They’re fantastic characters!



Delve into a world steeped in tradition and superstition…
     After her parents become infected with the Red Death, Lucy Yeoh flees to Malaysia seeking answers. Everything in this closed-off section of the world is paradise—from the lush tropical climate to her sexy new neighbor, Sheng…who just might be delusional. He claims the Plague God unleashed the Red Death and only a circle of Chinese Zodiac spirit animals can cleanse the Earth. Even more, he insists she’s one of them: the Rabbit. Long furry ears and fluffy bunny tail included

He’ll show her how to fight to save the world…
     As the Chosen of the Tiger, the burden of restoring balance to the world has fallen onto Li Sheng’s shoulders. When he discovers that the ally he’s long awaited, the Dragon, is actually just the Rabbit, Sheng is quick to dismiss Lucy. If only she’d stay dismissed. Lucy’s Rabbit refuses to cooperate, undermining the authority of his Tiger at every turn…and seducing him to the limits of his darkest desires. He’s not supposed to want her. Not when he needs the spirit circle complete and she’s their weakest link.

She’ll show him a love worth fighting the world to save…
     Sheng’s enemies draw closer, and not everyone wants Lucy alive. Together, they’ll have to navigate a treacherous world where a line between duty and their hearts has been drawn between them. They must either sacrifice one, or find a way to surrender to both.

Buy Links:     Amazon     B&N   

About Rachael:  Rachael Slate resides on the West Coast of Canada with her husband and two children—or as she likes to call them, her own little blended world. One of the best parts about sharing in her husband’s Chinese-Malaysian culture is definitely the food—and the awesome celebrations!
     Rachael writes stories that blend the lines between mythology, reality, and fantasy. In her worlds, you’ll encounter strong, sexy alpha males and the capable women who challenge them. And always, scorching hot romance.

Find Rachael at:  Facebook        Street Team        Twitter        Goodreads Author Page
Amazon Author Page        Newsletter        Website        Pinterest        Tsu        Google+ 
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