Your Writing Journey: Guest Post - Rhaina Randell

What do you write?
Primarily I write in three genres, romance, horror and what I describe as gritty literary fiction. Yes, I’m a bit random like that. I find it keep the creation juices flowing and while some find it hard switching from one WIP to another I find it refreshing. I like to keep busy. 

How long have you been writing?

I’ve wrote on and off since around the age of ten. I’ve had a love of books  every since I learned to read. Back then, the small town library was a place of wonderment for me. I remember sitting there at a table in awe looking at the shelves piled high with books, and the smell… Well you know how that is.

I started to get back to it in 2006. I finished a novel and sent it out. It was rejected and I was shocked. After all it was a great novel! In retrospect it wasn’t and at that moment I was determined to work hard to perfect the craft.

What got you started?

Honestly, it was the hopes of publication along with all  the crazy stories and characters that floated around inside my head, begging to get out. I feel I have a unique outlook and perspective on life. I want to share that with others and writing is the perfect outlet.

A Few important lessons you have learned along the way

I think every writer starting out should learn the craft. It isn’t as easy as you may think. There is a lot more too writing then just sitting at a keyboard and plonking away. Also, determine the goals you have set forth for yourself. If it’s publication then you will also have to learn about the industry. It really is a business.

What priority writing is in your life at the moment?

It’s not my first priority but it’s way up there. Of course I still have to work a day job to pay the bills and live. Also, my fiancé, family and friends play a huge role in my like. I also indulge my creative side with a few other hobbies.

Is it a hobby, career, potential career? Right now writing for me is definitely a potential career. I just sold my first novella this month, a historical romance set in the Victorian era. I’m working on three other WIP’s at I hope to seek an agent when I get to the point of submitting my literary novel. One never knows the future, and I will take it as it comes.

Can you see yourself writing for the rest of your life, regardless of financial / popular success?

Yes, most definitely. Even if I enjoy moderate success in my career, that would make me happy.

Most of dream of becoming ‘the next best thing’, but the fact is, it may never happen. Writing is a very competitive business. Many get lost along the way. You have to learn to separate the dreams from the reality.

Anything else you may want to add:

My first release, A Sordid Situation will come out in November 2010. The actual release date hasn’t been announced yet. You will also note in the link coming up that I do use a pen name.

If interested you may purchase it direct from the publisher at http://www.evernightpublishing.com/a-sordid-situation.html . You will also find the novella for sale at Amazon Kindle and every other online retailer of e romance.

It’s been wonderful answering these questions and has given me time to reflect, I thank you for the opportunity Dolly.

Rhaina Randell