Interview: Rebecca Rose

Today’s interview is with Rebecca Rose, author of Divine Turmoil and its coming-soon sequel Divine Redemption. She shares with us the insight into her writing, the fun side of dyslexia, and what’s in store for her Divine series.

LZ: How did you come up with the idea for Divine Turmoil?

RR: My grandmother passed from colon cancer and being the wallflower I am, I watched my family and how the dynamics of it changed. Writing this novel helped me with my grief and I believe it’s something she’d be very proud of.

LZ: Considering the emotional nature behind writing Divine Turmoil, was the story difficult to write?

RR: As difficult as it was to write, it was even more difficult to edit. I relived many of those scenes and found myself crying without knowledge of it. There were certain parts where I could only edit one page at a time due to the emotional drain. But I think that was a good thing. It means I did my job right and I hope it helps others work through some of their pain.

LZ: What do you have planned for the sequel, Divine Redemption? Have you planned the series end?

RR: I’m so excited about Divine Redemption! I wrote this novel in three weeks and I knew while writing it I was creating something special. Actually, I wrote the last novel in the series, Divine Valor, before Redemption. It just seemed like the right thing to do. When my reviewer read Valor, she was so shocked at the ending she called and shouted at me for fooling her. It was a moment of pure elation that I will carry with me forever!

LZ: When do you anticipate you’ll be finished with Divine Valor? Do you have an ideal target date of when you hope the story will be published?

RR: Gosh, I hope I’m done with it soon! There are some writers who can crank out novel after novel. I think because I wrote this a few years ago and have honed my talent, I’m tearing it apart so it’s taking me longer. Well… maybe not “apart” but I’m more aware of the head hopping, tenses and what needs to be cut so I’m being very picky with it. I’d love to see it out by the end of the year. That was one of my resolutions this year and I’d love to keep it!

LZ: Did you learn anything from writing your book?

RR: I leaned that I’m more of a solitary person then a social one. When I was younger, I was never comfortable with being the center of attention, yet I always seemed to be there. Also, I love the fact I can, at any time, see something or someone and create a story about it/them.

LZ: As per your Lyrical Press author page, being “slightly dyslexic” has proven to be challenging for you as a writer — in what ways, and how have you overcome that in order to find success?

RR: *laughs* Dyslexia can be a fun thing, you know. At one point in my first novel, there was a line where Serena walks out of her house in her rope and slippers. Needless to say, it was supposed to be robe and I laughed unbelievably hard when I needed to change it. LOL. All seriousness, I had to confess my dyslexia to my editor when I went through the first round of edits. She, and rightfully so, was questioning how I could make some of the mistakes I was making with certain words. Woman, women. Then, than. From, form…etc. While some might say, “Well, that’s an easy thing to mistake,” I make it 90 percent of the time. I actually highlight my trouble words then go back and review just those, carefully, to make sure I’m right. It’s an extra step but I’m getting faster at it.

LZ: What was the most memorable feedback—positive or negative—regarding your writing you’ve ever received?

RR: Positive: A woman I never met bought my novel and e-mailed me about how much she loved it and could relate to it. Could an author ask for anything more? No, I don’t think so.

As for negative? Well, a buddy of mine was reviewing Divine Valor and she didn’t like it. She said, “It’s crap. Not all of it but you can do so much better than this.” It opened my eyes and showed me that you can’t force your muse, you have to feed her with lots of reading. My muse is very happy now!

LZ: Not so much a question but just for funsies: Being a huge Lost fan myself and knowing of your love for the foxy shirtless Asian men running around on the island, I must ask you to choose your favorite.

RR: LOL, oh my! I do love a shirtless man with a tan. Well, he can be more than shirtless, but I imagine we need to keep this PG! I have to say Sayid. *fans myself* Come on! LOOK AT THE MAN.

LZ: What could make this picture better = a bed and less shirt.

LZ: What writing goals do you have for 2010?

RR: My goals in 2010 are pretty simple; I want it all! LOL, no, really. I wanted Redemption signed, got it. I want Divine Valor signed, working on it. And then there’s Noble Deception, I want that signed and in print. I’d also like another couple books written. Told you I don’t want too much. I think a paying editing job would be nice too.

Thank you so much for having me. You’re always fun! Everyone keep writing out there, you never know; life is so unexpected that you could end up in a new career by accident!

* * * *

To purchase Divine Turmoil from its publisher, Lyrical Press, visit www.lyricalpress.com/divine_turmoil.

For more information on Rebecca Rose, visit her Web site, www.authorrebeccarose.com.