I am so happy to have Rosanna Rae with us today to chat about her new book, APRIL'S MAN. Welcome Rosanna!April's Man is a family drama and contemporary romance centered around three sisters. There was a little bit of sibling rivalry. Do you think siblings harbor resentments toward one another, even into adulthood? Is it worse between sisters as opposed to brothers?
I have three sisters and a brother, so I know whereof I speak! I do think that all siblings, whether male or female, tend to harbor some resentment towards each other, but it usually remains suppressed unless something brings it to the surface. I would say that the same is true of all long-term relationships.
Scott and Jim were both nice guys in their own way. Both, however, were running from their true feelings. Do you think men find it more difficult to face their true feelings and be honest with themselves?
Yes, I do think men find it more difficult to face their true feelings and be honest with themselves. They aren't usually as introspective as women.
What there a little favoritism toward April from Mrs. Carter?
Yes, Mrs. Carter did favour April somewhat, but that is often the case where good looks are concerned. People generally feel more well-disposed toward someone who looks attractive. But, the blinkers do come off eventually, when the true colours are revealed. It's something that bothers me with regard to romantic relationships also, but it's only human nature to be immediately drawn towards a 'looker'. Also, it's important to remember that good-looking people are not always self-centered and spoilt; and good looks are not an instant passport to happiness, either.
Who are your top five favorite authors? Top five favorite books?
Currently Nora Roberts is my favorite author, and I also enjoy the works of Marian Keyes and Tilly Bagshawe. During my younger years, I enjoyed reading anything by Evelyn Anthony. And Charlotte Bonte's "Jane Eyre" was the novel that made me what to become a writer.
What are you reading now?
At the moment I'm reading a non-fiction book called "Unbelievable!": The Bizarre World of Coincidences' by Jenny Compton. It is a series of short anecdotes about inter-connected facts, people and circumstances and is interesting and amusing, but it also makes you wonder about life and whether or not events occur randomly. Generally speaking, I'm a believer in the mysterious workings of fate.
Where can readers contact you? Where can they buy your books?
Readers can contact me via my website: www.rosanna-rae-novels.com and my Facebook page.
My email address is: rosanna.rea.author.gmail.com. I haven't had very many sales of my books or feedback regarding them, as it's very difficult to get your own book noticed because there are so many on the market. Readers in any country can order them from Amazon and US readers can also order them from any branch of Waterstone's. I think it might be expensive for UK readers to order them via Waterstone's, as they would have to be shipped from the US. I'm a relatively unknown name, and I now self-publish my titles, so the bookshops don't hold a stock of my novels.
What is your favorite: dessert? beverage? season? place to read? place to write?
Tiramisu is my favorite dessert, coffee is my favorite drink, autumn is my favorite season because it's crisp and clear and beautiful; in bed is where I most enjoy reading, and I usually do my writing at my computer desk in the hall. I do it when the house is quiet and I have time to think, whatever time of day that might be.
What are you working on now?
I am currently writing me fifth novel, entitled "Lola's Money", but I'm only on Chapter 4 of the first draft, so it will be a while before it's published, if I ever get it finished. Sometimes writing can feel like trying to climb a mountain, and at other times it can be an escape from the pressures of life, just like reading; it can also be exhilarating and very satisfying.
How long does it usually take you to finish a novel?
It usually takes me a couple of years to complete a novel. I don't write all the time. I actually used to have more time for writing when I was out working, because I tended to write during the commute- and sometimes wrote when I was actually at work, during the very quiet spells. However, now that I'm home most of the time, I'm busy doing housework, decorating, shopping, etc.
Do you have a favorite quote you would like to share?
One quote that springs to mind is: " You learn something new everyday, whether you want to or not!" No idea who wrote it, but it amuses me. It reminds me not to take anything too seriously, including myself and my writing. I try to simply get on with life and not swell on things too much, although I don't always manage to do that. My family mean more to me than anything else, but becoming a successful writer is really important to me, too.
Thanks so much Rosanna for stopping by today! It's been fun chatting with you!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
I was born in 1952. I am originally from the Lanarkshire area but have now lived in Livingston for more than thirty years. I am married with three grown-up sons.
Some years ago I studied Psychology, Sociology and Criminology with the Open University and was awarded a B.A. in 1990.
I have always wanted to write fiction; so I took a writing course with The Writers Bureau some years ago. Whilst practicing writing synopses, I wrote a description of a story that had been in my mind for years, I then went straight into writing it up as my first novel.
Melrose Books published my debut novel, which is entitled Living a Lie. This was published under my own name of Elizabeth Scott. I have now self-published it as a paperback with the title of Lynsey's Secret, under my pen name of Rosanna Rae. My second novel was published by Austin & Macauley on 28th April 2011 and is entitled Jo's Dilemma. My third novel, 'Karen's Affair', was published in 2011 and my fourth, entitled 'April's Man', came out earlier this year. All of these books are available as paperbacks and Ebooks on Amazon.com.
