Interview: Rachel L. Demeter, author of A KINDLED WINTER

*What would you be doing right now if you were not an author?

Honestly, I’ve always been a writer—so this one’s a toughie! Probably a screenwriter or a philosophy professor. But writing truly is my life’s blood, my passion, and my greatest obsession. It has always been and always will be. I’ve been writing before I physically learned to write. As a child, one of my favorite pastimes was imagining stories and characters while my mom would record them for me, Now, at the age of twenty-seven, my passion for creating dynamic worlds is stronger than ever before!

*5 years ago: what were you doing?

Attending film school full time while writing my first novel, The Frost of Springtime!

*Do you have a certain writing ritual?

I’m seriously an organizational freak—at least during the brainstorming and plotting phases! I plan my days out months in advance, and draw up detailed plot outlines and character sketches before ever beginning a new story. Though, I can certainly veer away from ritual and become a “pantser” when the manuscript calls for it. Once I’m immersed in the “writing phase,” the outline becomes more of a road map than a strict guideline. I follow the basic course, but will take side trips, travel into unexpected territories, meet new people along the way, etc.

I track my progress by word count. When I’m “in the zone,” I’ll easily knock out 3,000+ words per day. Other times, when I’m distracted or suffering from the dreaded writer’s block (cringe), I’ll manage about 500-1,000 words. So, it varies greatly—but I try to set a minimum word count each day.

Alternatively, some days I’ll concentrate on research, plotting, developing the characters, or just brainstorming new scene concepts. I prefer a mixed bag!  

Starting January 1^st, I’ll be implementing a Motivational Writing Calendar into my process. All writers should check it out—it’s awesome and really spices up a stale routine.

* Is there a message in A Kindled Winter that you’d like readers to leave with?

Never lose hope or abandon faith in yourself. Life is full of wonderful and often unexpected surprises—but we first must be open to receiving them. :-)

*Ever fangirled over another author? Who was it?

I’ve been known to fawn over the likes of Stephen King, George R. R. Martin, J.K. Rowling, Lisa Kleypas and Gaelen Foley.

*Is there an author you'd like to meet?

All of the above authors! Oh, please?

*Biggest writing pet peeve?

Hmm … maybe when authors try too hard to make their characters witty or “punny?”

* Do you read other's reviews of your books?

I do, with caution! I tend to skim the negative reviews (just to see if there’s any helpful criticism), since I’m a touch overly sensitive. Sensitive + Edgy Writing Style = not an ideal mix …

Fun Five:

1. I began my college career as a philosophy major (with an emphasis in metaphysics), but changed to film and media arts (specifically, screenwriting) about halfway through. Even though I’m primarily a novelist now, film school deepened my passion for crafting fiction tenfold. It taught me to concentrate on plotting, dynamic characters, and effective pacing, as well as the importance of visual storytelling. I wouldn’t trade my college education for anything in the world.

2. My love affair with darker stories and characters began when I was a child. I loved Gothic tales (The Phantom of the Opera, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, etc.)—and the villains in Disney movies were often my favorite characters!

3. During college I wrote an edgy TV pilot entitled the Red Light District, which was chiefly based on a porn studio and actor. As part of my research, I spent a day at an actual porn shoot. And yes … I got to see and hear everything. While sitting only feet away. The experience was truly eye-opening and one of a kind—and the actor and actress were some of the nicest, most interesting individuals I’ve ever met.

4. I have an entire kitchen drawer dedicated to gum!

Behold the infamous gum drawer:

5. Aside from writing, some of my other hobbies include: playing the violin, singing (soprano), health and fitness, cooking, softball (pitcher), animals, and video games (yes, I’m a bit of a dork at heart).

Fav Color

Blue!

Fictional Character you'd like to spend the day with?

I love this question! Tyrion Lannister, from Game of Thrones.

Fav food

I’m going to cheat and provide you with a rather diverse list. French fries, yellow squash, broccoli, baby carrots, donuts, chunky almond butter, tuna, avocados, and chocolate, chocolate … and then some more chocolate.

Fav song and/or singer

I honestly can’t pick a favorite. I enjoy almost every musical genre! Though, for writing, I get my creative juices flowing with instrumentals and film/videogame soundtracks. I choose pieces that complement the mood I’m trying to accomplish. For example, if I’m writing a horror scene, I’ll listen to something spooky. If I’m writing an action scene, however, I’ll op for something more fast-paced—something that will get my blood pumping and adrenaline charged. 

Guilty pleasure

MMORPG videogames … specifically, World of Warcraft. Go Alliance! 

Rachel L. Demeter lives in the beautiful hills of Anaheim, California with Teddy, her goofy lowland sheepdog, and her high school sweetheart of eleven years. She enjoys writing poignant romances that challenge the reader's emotions and explore the redeeming power of love.

Imagining dynamic worlds and characters has been Rachel's passion for longer than she can remember. Before learning how to read or write, she would dictate stories while her mother would record them for her. She holds a special affinity for the tortured hero and unconventional romances. Whether crafting the protagonist or antagonist, she ensures every character is given a soul.

Her dream is to move readers and leave an emotional impact through her words.

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“Christmas, my child, is love in action. Every time we love, every time we give, it’s Christmas.” — Dale Evans

A week before Christmas, Jeseca Reed sets off for Blue River, Oregon—her childhood home and a vault of tender memories. However, fate takes an unexpected turn when she’s left stranded in the mountains’ vast, untamed wilderness. Desperate and alone, she seeks shelter at a cottage and finds herself in the arms of a mysterious stranger.

Dr. David Drake was once a renowned cardiovascular surgeon. But a devastating tragedy has left him scarred both inside and out, unable to use his hands to operate again. For the past five years, his Blue River cottage has been his sole escape—a safe haven where he can shut out the world, bury himself in his grief, and reunite with his son’s memory.

Together they are summer and winter. Fire and ice. And yet a poignant connection forms between them. Jeseca awakens David and thaws his heart with a romance hot enough to melt snow. But before David and Jeseca can fully embrace each other, they must wade through darkness and confront the ghosts of their pasts …

Equal parts steamy and heartfelt, A Kindled Winter brings the spirit of the holidays to life with a passionate story of second chances and healing love.

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