Hi Rae! Thank you for stopping by For the Love of KidLit to chat about your YA novel, Successor, and to chat about the creative process 🙂
Thanks for having me!
Since this is your debut as an author, I have to ask, how long did it take you to write/revise Successor? Was it your first try at a novel? How did Evan’s character reveal herself to you?
Actually, Successor is my second novel. It took me about a year and a half to get down the first draft, which was a huge improvement from how long it took to write my first novel. The revision process was ongoing from the start, up until it was accepted by my publisher. Evan’s character had been in my head since before the idea for Successor really developed. I’d written a short story for a creative writing course in college where a girl finds a Magic 8-Ball that gives real answers. I knew I wanted to turn it into a full-length novel, but it was an intimidating prospect. The idea for Successor came to me one night on my drive home, and the rest is history.
I’ve read that you love movies. Did the plot of Successor play out like a movie in your head while you were writing? Which scene would you most want to see on screen?
The entire story was a movie in my head. It’s a very useful approach when I’m stuck on something, like how to describe sounds or visuals. I can pop in a movie and see what elements I can draw from. As for which scene, that’s a tough choice. A lot of the action scenes would look awesome on screen, but I think what I’d love to see most would be the Laraek village. It’s absolutely gorgeous in my mind, and I wish everyone could see it as I do.
What was your journey to publication like? Did you query? Did you find an agent first?
Getting published has been a very long, bumpy road for me. I mentioned before that Successor is my second novel. My first, a vampire story, was supposed to be published back in 2011, but the publisher I went with had internal issues and they ended up shutting down. This time around, I’d queried Successor to a lot of agents. It had full requests from a few agents, but ultimately it wasn’t right for them. Last year I entered a pitch contest on a whim, and my publisher, The Wild Rose Press, asked to see the full manuscript. It all went uphill from there.
You also love painting and your website is full of beautiful examples of your work! If you had to pick just one, would it be writing or painting?
Painting is a relatively new venture for me. My friend Lacey loves to paint, and she encouraged me to give it a shot when I mentioned an interest in it. I’m so glad I did! It can be so relaxing, and I never know just what I’ll get. But I think if I had to choose one or the other, I’d choose writing. It’s a part of my soul, and while it takes so much more work to create something I’m proud of, it’s deeply gratifying in the end. I wouldn’t be who I am without writing.
Thanks so much and best of luck with the release!
About The Book:
Title: SUCCESSOR
Author: Rae Miles
Pub. Date: October 24, 2018
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
For seventeen-year-old Evan, graduation means the freedom to leave behind her small-town life and find where she belongs. She never expected it to be in a different world.
Across time and space, deep in a mysterious jungle, Evan discovers the hidden heritage of her mother’s people and her own legacy. She becomes their elemental, a protector gifted with the power to control nature. The role has its challenges, but the biggest is the inexplicable connection with her scarred bodyguard, Ren. Frustrated and fascinated by him, Evan resists the magnetic pull after realizing there’s more to it than simple attraction.
Claiming her birthright reignites the wrath of a ruthless enemy with a score to settle. To protect her new family, Evan will need to call on her formidable power. But embracing it could cause her to lose herself and the man who holds her heart.
About Rae:
I’m super excited to talk with readers and answer any questions you might have. My debut, Successor, is scheduled to release on 10/24/18, and I can’t wait to share it with all of you!
A little about me. I love reading, especially romance. I’m one of those people who needs a least a little bit of romance in a story for it to really catch my attention. I also love YA, and probably have more favorite authors in the genre than in romance.
When I’m not writing or reading, I’m usually watching movies–I have probably 800+ in my collection by now. I’ve recently gotten into painting, which I’m quickly falling in love with. I tend to be a bit crafty, so if I’m doing a giveaway, chances some of my handmade items will be included! I’m almost always listening to music, and my tastes are pretty eclectic. I also have 3 cats, which Successor is actually dedicated to!
That’s enough about me for now. I’d love to hear from you! I can also be found on twitter and on my website.
Giveaway Details:
3 Winners will receive a finished copy of SUCCESSOR and handmade swag from Rae, US Only. To Enter CLICK HERE!
Tour Schedule:
Week One:
10/15/2018- Here’s to Happy Endings– Excerpt
10/15/2018-Two Chicks on Books– Excerpt
10/16/2018- BookHounds YA– Interview
10/16/2018- Parajunkee– Spotlight
10/17/2018- Books,Dreams,Life– Spotlight
10/18/2018- Reese’s Reviews– Review
10/18/2018- For the Love of KidLit– Interview
10/19/2018- Jaime’s World– Excerpt
Week Two:
10/22/2018- Oh Hey! Books.– Interview
10/22/2018- Confessions of a YA Reader– Excerpt
10/23/2018- TMBA Corbett Tries to Write- Interview
10/23/2018- Owl Always Be Reading– Excerpt
10/24/2018- The Hermit Librarian– Excerpt
10/25/2018- Rockin’ Book Reviews– Spotlight
10/26/2018- Ace Reads– Excerpt
Jennifer Mary G 