Rachael Duncan is an Army wife to her amazing husband, Steven, and mother to their beautiful daughters, Natalie and Zoe. She grew up in Nashville, Tennessee and went off to graduate from the University of Tennessee with a bachelor's degree in political science. With initial plans to work in politics, she moved to Washington, D.C. and worked on Capitol Hill for a House Representative. After a short time, she hated it and realized it wasn't for her.
Her debut novel, Tackled by Love, releases October 20th, 2014.
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1. How and when did you get started as a writer?
I started writing with a partner back in 2013. I just ventured out on my own last year. Writing is something I’ve always enjoyed, even in school. I just never thought I could make a job out of it
2. How do you usually find your ideas?
Really randomly. So far the books I’ve written have stemmed from personal likes or experiences. My husband and I love football. Before we had kids we’d go to games regularly. My first book, Tackled by Love, is about a sexy quarterback. After I graduated from college, my husband and I moved to Washington, DC and I worked for on Capitol Hill for a Congressman for a short time. My newest release, Hidden in Lies, is about a Senator’s wife. So I guess my ideas start off from a small detail in my life and grow from there.
3. Where do you write from? (home, office etc.)
I write from home, usually at night when the kids are asleep.
4. How long does it take you to write a book?
It takes me, on average, a month to complete my first draft. I usually write a chapter a night, so I can get it done in about 30 or so days before I send it off.
5. What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
I’m a stay at home mom, so my day is super busy a lot of times. I put the kids to bed at 8, and then I start writing.
6. Do you have any suggestions to help become a better writer? If so, what are they?
Gosh, I don’t even know. I’m pretty new at this myself. I’d say surround yourself with honest people. People who aren’t afraid to tell you what sucks and needs to be change. People who aren’t really worried about hurting your feelings, but want to make sure you put the best work you can out there. I value the opinion of the small group of girls I work with and know they won’t tell me what I want to hear.
7. Something personal about you people may be surprised to know?
That’s a hard one. Ummmm….
I can wiggle my ears. I know, not that interesting. Ha!
8. What is your greatest weakness?
I feel like I’m not adventurous enough. I’m actually a pretty shy person and that has held me back growing up, and even now. As an adult it’s gotten better, but I avoid anything that will make me the focal point in a group setting.
9. What is your greatest strength?
I’d say I’m a determined and focused person. When I set out to do something, I usually accomplish it.
10. As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
This makes me laugh because it changed regularly. I’ve wanted to be a ballerina, teacher, veterinarian…the list goes on. My senior year of high school I thought I had it all figured out. I was going to get my degree in business studies, go to law school, open a law firm, then run for Senate. My freshman year of college I changed my major to political science. My junior year I no longer wanted to go to law school. Then my senior year I wanted to be a political advisor instead of a politician. I did work on Capitol Hill as a start to making that goal a reality, but I hated it. Nowhere in there did I see myself being an author, so I guess it’s funny how everything works out.
Quick Q&A
1. Favorite movie. Right now it’s Bridesmaids.
2. Favorite website. Probably Facebook.
3. Favorite color. Purple.
4. Favorite book. Just one??!! Ugh…. I can’t. There’s no way. Beautiful Disaster, Archer’s Voice, Arsen, okay, we could be here all day if I keep going.
5. Favorite country. I haven’t had the opportunity to travel abroad very much. I’ve been to Grand Cayman and Cozumel and loved it, but nothing is quite like home. Maybe I’m a little sheltered, but I love America. I love our values and freedoms and how we’re made up of all different kinds of people of all different walks of life. Being a military spouse, we’re pretty patriotic in this house and I love my country.
However, I would love the opportunity to travel Europe. Maybe someday…
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Pre-Order Amazon US P.S I was lucky duck and got this amazing ARC! Believe me ladies, it's worth your money and time! You will feel love, hate, passion! Everything at the same time! |