Storm Goddess Book Reviews welcomes Rachel Shurig, sitting in the interview hot seat! yay! Please help me give Rachel a warm welcome.
Rachel, hello! So glad to have you on the blog today.
How long have you been writing? How many published books do you have, and what genres?
I’ve been writing my entire life! I decided to publish some of my work a year and a half ago. Since then I have worked very hard to publish seven full-length novels. All of my books are in the chick lit genre.
Do you write in multiple genres or just one? If just one, do you ever consider straying outside your genre?
Everything I’ve published has been chick lit. If I were to branch out, I could see myself adding some paranormal romance elements, or possibly trying my hand at Young Adult. Along with chick lit, those are my favorite genres to read. I do think it’d be fun to try something completely out of my comfort zone someday—maybe sci-fi or fantasy.
Are you a plotter or do you write from the seat of your pants?
I do a little of both. I write out a general outline and some detailed character descriptions. Then I see what happens when I start writing! Some of my favorite scenes—and even characters—have been unplanned. Those readers who are familiar with Kiki Barker-Thompson from the Three Girls series would be very surprised to know how she was originally intended to be written. That girl took on a life of her own!
What is a typical writing day like for you?
I’m in a very bad habit right now of writing like mad for hours and hours one day, then crashing and finding it hard to write more than a few hundred words the next day. My New Year’s resolution is to find more balance in my writing days. I like to write at home or in a café or restaurant with music on my headphones and a cup of something caffeinated at my side. I usually have a big furry dog sleeping at my side—or trying to steal my attention from the laptop screen.
Who do you love to read? Favorite authors, favorite books?
I love just about anything chick lit—Elizabeth Young, Marian Keyes, Sophie Kinsella, Harriet Evans, Jill Mansel, and Emily Giffin are some of my favorites. I’m also a big fan of Sarah Dessen, Allie Condie, and Suzzane Collins, who all write YA. I’m a huge Harry Potter nerd.
What is something you'd like to accomplish in your writing career next year?
My ultimate goal is always to write books that people enjoy reading. This past year has been so amazing! I was able to move into full-time writing, which has always been a dream of mine. If I can continue to support myself as an author next year, I’ll be very happy.
If you could have one paranormal ability, what would it be?
Apparition. I love to travel and see new things. It would be so great if I could close my eyes and be anywhere I wanted!
If you could keep a mythical/ paranormal creature as a pet, what would you have?
A Pegasus. I love horses, and having an animal that could fly would be way cool.
Tell us a little about your latest release.
I have two new books out this winter, An Unexpected Love Story and An (Almost) Perfect Love Story. They finish out the Love Story series. Each follows a different character introduced in the first book, In Search of a Love Story. It was very fun to revisit those characters and explore their lives in more detail.
What is something that you absolutely can't live without? (Other than family members)
Books. If I didn’t have books to read I honestly don’t know what I would do with myself.
Could you ever co author a book with someone? If so, who would you choose, and what would you write?
I think that would be really fun, but I think I would drive a co-author crazy! I change things a lot after I start a story and I think a co-author would get annoyed by that.
If you could spend a day with anyone from history, dead or alive, who would it be, and what would you do? What would you ask them?
I’m a huge Jane Austen fan so I would have to pick her. I would want to walk with her (I think Jane was a girl who appreciated the beauty of a good walk) and ask her about her life, her inspirations, and the way she overcame the challenges she faced in being a female writer in her time. I was recently able to visit her home in England and it was one of the coolest experiences of my life!
What are some of your other hobbies outside of writing?
I like to bake and to decorate cakes. I’ve even done a few wedding cakes. I also like just about anything outdoors—talking walks, going for hikes, spending time on the water, snorkeling. I’m very lucky to get to spend a lot of time in northern Michigan, one of the most beautiful natural environments anywhere in the country.
If you were on the staff to have a book adapted to movie, what would you pick?
I really enjoyed the Ugly/Pretty series by Scott Westerfield. I think those books would make great movies. I’d also like to see any of Harriet Evans’ books made into films.
What is a talent you wish you had, but don't?
I love music and I wish I could play an instrument.
Favorite color?
Purple
Weather: Hot or cold?
I’m kind of weird in that I like both hot and cold weather. You can’t beat staying in with a good book on a cold day! However, by about February in Michigan I am definitely ready for some sunshine and warm weather. Sitting outside on a nice day with a good book is also pretty awesome.
Favorite place to read?
Outside.
Favorite meal
I’m a steak and potatoes kind of girl.
Favorite non-alcoholic drink.
Coke. I drink way too much Coke, especially when I’m writing.
If you could travel anywhere and do anything, no limits or money holding you back, where would you go?
I would love to sail around the Mediterranean and Greece. Or visit Western Europe. Or Australia and New Zealand. It’s too hard to choose just one—I love to travel!
BLURB:
Emily Donovan doesn’t have a romantic bone in her body.
At least, that’s what her friends Ryan and Ashley keep telling her. They’re convinced her bad luck with men is directly related to her life-long lack of interest in all things romantic. When Emily’s latest relationship crashes and burns, she decides to go along with her friends’ plans for a romance research project. Sure, the idea that she’ll have better luck if she learns about the great romances of literature and film seems a little silly, but Emily figures it can’t hurt.
In no time at all, Emily finds herself buried under a mountain of romance novels, chick flicks, and sappy love songs, hopeful that her hard work will pay off with true love. When she meets Greg, Ashley and Ryan are convinced she’s found prince charming—after all, he’s rich, handsome, and totally into Emily. What more could she want? And why does it seem that her friend Elliot isn’t exactly happy for her?
Faced with misunderstandings, miscommunications, and a seemingly endless string of missteps, she is nevertheless determined to give true love a try. In doing so, Emily will eventually find that true romance, the kind that lasts, has little to do with stereotypes or clichés, and everything to do with finding out what’s in her own heart.
This is book #1 of the Love Story series. Don't miss the sequel, An Unexpected Love Story, out in December 2012!
Review Rating: 4 LIGHTNING BOLTS
Review: Hmm, no romance? Could that be?
Emily is learning the hard way that maybe some things need to be evaluated...such s the fact that she's been told she doesn't have a romantic bone! Wait...do what?
So what's a girl to do?
Find that romance, that's what! And that's exactly what In Search of a Love Story is about. Emily is a great character! She really learns and discovers a lot about herself and what she wants in the duration of this story. From the first time you meet her to the end of the story, it's like there's two different characters.
It's heartwarming, funny, and all around a great story. I'm looking forward to the next installment. I like Ms. Shurig's voice and style. Humor, romance, and emotional, In Search of a Love story is a good book!
Author Bio:
Rachel Schurig is the best selling author of the Three Girls series. She lives in the metro Detroit area with her dog, Lucy. She loves to watch reality TV and she reads as many books as she can get her hands on. In her spare time, Rachel decorates cakes.
Connect with Rachel!
Visit Rachel at http://rachelschurig.com
Facebook www.facebook.com/RachelSchurigAuthor
Twitter www.twitter.com/rems330
Mailing List http://eepurl.com/sDyHb
Thanks for the spotlight and review on this book - adding it to my list
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