Interview with Rachael Brownell, Author of Half Truths

by grant

in Author Interviews, News, Romance

25 Aug 2020

What can you tell us about your new release, Half Truths?

Alex’s and Harley’s story is an emotional but witty slow-burn romance. Both of them are hiding who they really are from each other in the beginning and watching their relationship blossom and them grow as individuals is captivating.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

I’ve always loved to write. It was the only way I felt I could express myself when I was growing up. After my son started Kindergarten I found an old book I had written and it was horrible. I felt the characters needed their HEA so I rewrote the book for fun and everything manifested after that.

What’s on your top 5 list for the best books you’ve ever read?

This is hard because I’ve read so many amazing books. I’d have to say my favorite is Taking Chances by Molly McAdams. It breaks me every time. To round out my top five I’d say anything by Nora Roberts, The Eagle Elite Series by Rachel Van Dyken, The Keatyn Chronicles by Jillian Dodd, and the Dating Games series by TK Leigh. All fantastic authors but also amazing women in this industry.

Say you’re the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask

Nora Roberts hands down. She’s had amazing success over her career and been an inspiration to me. I’d probably ask her something stupid because I’d be tongue-tied but I’d love to know how she first got started. What inspired her.

What’s your favorite thing about writing?

I love the “ah-ha” moments. The feeling I get when a story clicks. My characters don’t always play nice with me. The ‘voice’ can be either demanding or silent. So when they’re cooperating and things are flowing, it’s the best feeling in the world and I savor those moments.

What is a typical day like for you?

It starts between six and seven o’clock in the morning, depending on how late I was up the night before. I consume a copious amount of coffee while checking social media and going over my to-do list for the day. I’m lucky enough to have a personal assistant so I check in with her and then once I’m fully wired from all my coffee I jump in and start writing until I have to start cooking. With my son being home for virtual schooling this fall I know my day will change slightly but he’s self-sufficient so I’ll still be able to write until dinner time most days.

What scene from Half Truths was your favorite to write?

Harley’s son, Phoenix, is a big part of the story and any time I was able to write dialogue for him it made me smile. He’s the same age as my son and the stuff that comes out of a pre-teen boy’s mouth… let me just say it’s not always what you expect. There’s a specific scene where he calls Alex out for staring at Harley’s butt that will make you laugh.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

You know, for me it’s all about waking up, putting a smile on my face, and doing my best every day. Some days are harder than others but there’s this sign I normally keep on my desk (it’s packed right now as we’re building a house and preparing to move) but it basically says something along the lines of “Smile on my face. Big girl panties pulled up. Bring on the day.”