When I was a kid growing up in the near Chicago suburbs I knew what I wanted to do. I wanted to teach and I wanted to write. I’d spend hours over the little typewriter Mom and Dad bought for me when I was little clattering away at stories and plays I’d wheedle my cousins and brother into performing. I think I wrote my first “book” in 6th grade and had a friend illustrate it for me. I never really looked back from there.
Now, I can say that I’ve achieved both of my goals. I’ve been teaching 8th graders for more than 15 years, sharing my love of words with hundreds. I always tell my kids that it’s not that they don’t like to read they just haven’t met the right book yet. I make it one of my missions in life to put those books into their hands.
Do you plan everything or just let the story flow?
Ribbons of Moonlight was a unique story for me. It was inspired by a poem and as such I needed to keep true to the poem "The Highwayman" while still staying true to the story. Usually, I have an idea of where I want to go, but getting there--well, that's part of the fun.
Do your characters ever want to take over the story?
Yes. Rawlins took over Ribbons. He was supposed to be the villain, but I liked him so much and he was just such a great character he took over and really became more of a hero. I love that hero by accident concept.
What is your favourite food?
My grandmother's lasagna. I just wish she were still around to make it for me. She taught me how, but it's just not quite the same.
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Definitely a lark. I start to flag by ten pm.
Where do you dream of travelling to and why?
Oh, yes. I think I have a list as long as my arm. First on my list is England. I've read so much of the history and so much of the literature (my English degree has an early English literature concentration) so I would love to see London, in particular.
Do distant places feature in your books?
Frequently. Ribbons is a time travel romance set on the border of Scotland and my next book The Shattered Prism is a fantasy set in a world that's only part of my imagination.
Do you listen to music while writing?
I used to listen to metal--Metallica, Every Mother's Nightmare--now, I write in the summer during break from teaching and my daughter's right there. So, I've learned to write to the background music of "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse" now.
Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?
In Ribbons of Moonlight Emma Sanders is a no nonsense college librarian who goes to England for her friend's period wedding and gets caught up in an adventure far beyond very pedestrian imagining. On her way back to the little period inn, her coach is robbed and she finds herself dragged out into the night and into the 18th century. Connor, the highwayman, hasn't the first clue of what to do with the spunky little miss who blinds him and rabbits off into the shrubbery. He finds her and a wealth of questions. Meanwhile, Captain Nelson Rawlins of His Majesty's Royal Dragoons is hot on the trail of the infamous highwayman and his commander, the sinister and corrupt Montgomery is hell bent on twisting more of the countryside into his poisonous dance.
What have you learned about writing and publishing since you first started?
Marketing is the hard part. I always thought finding a publisher was the hardest part of writing until I did it. Now, though, I am very well aware that marketing the books is the most difficult piece of the puzzle. You can have the best book in the world, but if no one know it's out there . . .
Is there anything you would do differently?
I certainly would have done more marketing research before the book actually hit the shelves. I feel like I'm three steps behind.
Who, or what, if anything has influenced your writing?
My dad. He never batted an eyelash when I rummaged through his book shelf and escorted me into the adult section of the library when I was a kid. You know, back when you needed a parent to go with you when you wanted books not in the kiddie section?
Anything you would say to those just starting out in the craft?
Keep trying! There's a lot to be said for persistence. Keep writing, keep reading and keep perfecting your style.
What are three words that describe you?
stubborn, creative, compelling
What's your favourite book or who is your favourite writer?
The Hero and the Crown by Robin McKinley will always have a special place in my heart
Blurb of your latest release or coming soon book
The Shattered Prism will be released on June 17th!
At the Dark’s gathering the Nine shall stand. Circle of Light, Hope of the land . . .
Robyn and Aerin have been down this road before as they hunt for the other seven Starbearers who will once more drive back the Darkness that wishes to unravel civilization and drive mankind back into howling barbarism. Silar and his silver-eyes, the soulless minions of that Darkness, dog their steps trying to hinder them and force them to doubt. Death is easy. Silar wants the star bearers broken--unable to fulfill their duties and shatter the Circle allowing the Darkness to win. Robyn and Aerin think that they've outsmarted the Darkness once before, but they discover that Silar's plans have been much more complex and far-reaching than they'd ever believed.
List of previous books if any
RIBBONS OF MOONLIGHT:
Emma Sanders:
She’s a damsel in distress—a 20th century miss dragged back to the 18th with no way home and no idea how she got there in the first place.
Connor MacAllister Kane:
He’s the reason she’s in distress--a British highwayman, and a minor noble with
not much more to his name than a title and a Robin Hood-like charm who robs the wrong coach.
Now, Captain Nelson Rawlins of His Majesty’s Royal Dragoons, a former childhood friend of Connor’s who sacrificed friendship for duty is on the hunt for the Highwayman and traitors to the crown. The longer Emma stays in Connor’s time, the more she’s drawn to him and drawn into his troubles. She and Connor find themselves struggling to stay one step ahead of the Captain and his corrupt Commander and keep Connor and his roguish cousins from the hangman’s noose. As the Commander’s grip on the countryside tightens, the people need Connor even more, but Rawlins is hot on his trail and there’s a traitor in their midst. Can Emma use her twentieth century wits to keep both Connor and her heart safe?
Any websites/places readers can find you on the web.
http://rebeccalfrencl.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rebecca-L-Frencl/115163871892050?ref=hl
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