When you’re brainstorming for a new story, what usually comes first for you, the plot or the characters?
Often, rather than a character or plot, a situation will occur to me, and I’ll think in terms of, ‘what would happen if…”
For instance, in my upcoming paranormal romance release, The Keeper, I thought, ‘What if the hero was in love with a woman who had no memory of him? And what if that same woman had to help him save his clan from destruction?” With a canvas that broad, it’s a lot of fun to brainstorm and come up with ideas for not just one story, but two or three, or more!
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
These days, I’m strictly a plotter. And I like it that way. Being under contract to write two more books almost demands it. However, there are always surprises that come my way. I don’t think it’s possible to know every single thing about a story – what fun would that be?
What do you like about writing series books?
My Crossing Realms paranormal romance series is my first. When I brainstormed this series, I took so many notes I filled up a legal pad. I’m enjoying plotting an ongoing struggle within the Keeper clan, and having certain characters return in subsequent stories. Each of the characters is unique and different, but adds an integral dimension to the overall story; they’re all part of the whole. I’m so excited to share the story of Nick and Libby, in The Keeper – coming soon from Soul Mate Publishing.
What is one of your favorite ways to learn about your characters?
What do you feel are some of the pros and cons of epublishing?
My first book, A Mighty Good Man, is available as an ebook only. That’s not a problem for me, as I read on my Kindle and Kindle ap often, but it does make it a bit harder when I attend live events – nothing to sign. I know some readers like to hold the book in their hands. But, the good thing is, the book is available all over the world, with one click! I’m so thrilled to be able to share my story with such a wide audience.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently working on book two in the Crossing Realms paranormal romance series, The Watcher. That’s about all I can say right now, but I invite you to stay tuned.
Do you have an excerpt from your latest release you would like to share?
Sorry, I can’t do that as yet, but how about a blurb?
The Keeper
Nick Geary, jaded clan leader of human guardians, the Keepers, is doomed to love a human woman who’s forgotten him, time after time, for thirteen years: Libby Klink, a skittish accountant who’s as terrified of her recent and strange intuitions as she is of her mundane existence.
When Nick is ordered by the clan’s guiding force to seek Libby’s help in defending the clan against enemy Betrayers, romance sizzles as the pair forms an unlikely alliance in their desperate search to discover the key to the clan’s salvation—which Libby alone holds.
But a haunting secret could cost Nick everything, and in a race against time, both will be forced to choose between their hearts and duty. Can their love, and the clan survive, or will the very forces that drew them together ultimately destroy them?
What three words would the hero of your story use to describe his love interest?
Jack “Gent” Darcy, from A Mighty Good Man: Tough-talking, twentieth-century broad
What three words would the heroine of your story use to describe her love interest?
“Hank” Jerry, from A Mighty Good Man: Strange blend of gentleman and hood (oops, that’s four)
Would you give us a sneak peek at one of your upcoming releases?
Sure! You can get a free sneak peek of The Keeper, by joining my mailing list – just click here – http://eepurl.com/bqiDi5
Would you tell us about yourself?
I grew up in my parents’ restaurant business, working, cooking and eating. That restaurant is forged in my memory, though it’s long gone, and serves as the backdrop in A Mighty Good Man. My father was a true entrepreneur, and its in my blood; I’ve been freelancing for over 15+ years. It’s been an amazing journey – I’ve gotten to meet so many interesting people who are passionate about what they do, and learn about things I never would’ve had the opportunity to otherwise. I’ve interviewed truck drivers, cedar harvesters, vintners, casino executives, even the manager of a professional soccer team.
On a more personal note, I have a lovely teenage daughter who is starting to become my author assistant. (See how the family business has stayed with me?) I’m blessed to have supportive family and friends and a boyfriend who still loves me even when I know I’ve paid too much attention to my stories instead of him.
How long have you been writing?
I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love reading and writing. As a child, I’d write down stories in a composition notebook. The first one I remember writing was about a girl named Tracy, who lived in an orphanage. I submitted a short story to Seventeen magazine when I was a teenager. But life had other plans for me, and I wound up getting a degree in Accounting. I know right? The absolute furthest thing from creativity. However, that structure and my attention to detail was invaluable to me as a freelance writer, and I’ve been doing that for 15+ years. But still, I longed to tell stories of my own. Since I’m a sucker for happy ever after, and I’m an action/mystery/adventure junkie, I started writing romantic suspense novels.
A Mighty Good Man by Rebecca E. Neely
‘Hank’ Jerry – She’s a tough talking twentieth century broad, and a down and out writer desperate to reclaim her personal and professional life.
Jack ‘Gent’ Darcy – he’s a strange blend of gentleman and hood fresh out of prison with a story to tell that could get them both killed.
Forced to return to the small town and the aunt she left behind, ‘Hank’ is doing her own time. But when Jack lands on Hank’s doorstep, injured and on the run, he makes her a proposition she can’t refuse: write his story about life inside one of the most powerful gangs in the country. It’s simple – she’ll get her career groove back, and he’ll bury the gang, then disappear – his version of freedom.
Only problem is, they can’t help falling for each other, and they’ve both got something to hide that could blow up in their faces. With time running out and gang enforcers closing in, will the trust they’ve forged survive the ultimate test?
Find out in A Mighty Good Man. 3 Days. 2 People. 1 Story.
Forced to return to the small town and the aunt she left behind, ‘Hank’ will do her own time minding her aunt’s restaurant, then it’s back to the city to do damage control. will do her own time minding her aunt’s restaurant, then it’s back to the city to do damage control.
But when Jack lands on her doorstep, injured and on the run from gang enforcers, she makes the split second decision to offer him refuge, and he makes her an offer she can’t refuse: write his no holds barred story as war counselor inside national super gang, the Creds. She’ll shoot straight to the top, and he’ll bury the gang, then disappear—a win-win.
Only problem is, they can’t help falling for each other, and they’ve both got something to hide that could blow up in their faces. With time running out and gang enforcers closing in, will the trust they’ve forged survive the ultimate test?
She’s a down and out writer looking for a way to reclaim her personal and professional life.
She’s a looking for a way to reclaim a writing career on the skids.
About Rebecca
A sucker for a happy ending, Rebecca strives to write the kind of stories she loves to read—those featuring authentic, edgy and vulnerable characters, smack dab in the middle of action that explodes from page one.
Raised on a down home blend of Johnny Cash, Jack London, Sherlock Holmes, the Steelers, and all things small town, she feels blessed to have grown up in a close knit, fun loving and artistic family. Her mother, a voracious reader and scratch cook, and her father, an entrepreneur, English teacher and lover of literature, taught Rebecca and her brother to work hard, aim for the stars, and live life.
With music, books and laughter as constant companions, she grew up working, cooking and eating in the family’s restaurant business. A certified book and hoagie junkie, she thrives on live music, mysteries and the outdoors.
Rebecca is a cheddar enthusiast, lover of cats, teddy bears, hot coffee, cold beer, thunderstorms, the blast of a train’s whistle, the change of seasons, country roads, woodpeckers, spoon rings, cool office supplies, and the Food Network.
Careers, past and present, include freelance writing, accounting, mother, problem solver, doer and head bottle washer.
Connect with Rebecca
Website & Blog: www.rebeccaneely.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rebecca-E-Neely/740166889351411
Twitter https://twitter.com/RebeccaNeely1
Amazon https://www.amazon.com/author/rebeccaeneely
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9857158.Rebecca_E_Neely
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rebneely/
Mailing List: http://eepurl.com/bqiDi5
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