Author Scoop! ~ Interview with Rachelle Rea Cobb
When you go through my biography, one of what you’ll discover about me is that I’m the author
of contemporary Romance/suspense, To Die Once. What you may not know is that I had two editors who worked with me. Rachelle was one of them! She’s one of the sweetest people I know, and she, among others, made my publishing journey a lot easier. I can’t thank her enough for that! Rachelle is the author of the Steadfast Love series. If you’re shopping for something new in the historical romance division, the three books in this series will color your day.
That being said, it is my pleasure to interview Rachelle and present our chat below!
Miranda ~ Hello Rachelle! Delighted to have you visit TBAP today. Please tell us a bit about yourself.
Rachelle: Hi Miranda! Thank you so much for having me! Okay, so me in a nutshell: I’m a novelist, newlywed, and freelance editor. I wrote the Steadfast Love series during college and the third book in the series released in April. Also that month, I got engaged to a man with the same name as my fictional hero. In June, I married him! Some fun facts about me: I’m a homeschool grad, an Oreo addict, and I drive a pick-up truck.
Miranda ~ How did you become a Christian? Tell us your story!
Rachelle: I was raised in a Christian family, and I accepted Christ as my Lord and Savior when I was quite young. Then I was twelve, I started having daily quiet times with a girl’s teen Bible. I fell in love with Jesus and haven’t looked back since!
Miranda ~ The Steadfast Love series is your first published work. What inspired you to write it and, what message did you hope to pass across to your readers?
Rachelle: The first book was inspired by a song; thus, sounds feature predominantly throughout the series (can’t tell that from the titles, right?). After the first book was completed, I knew there would be another. Then another. Through this series, I hope that readers see that there is always hope to be had in Christ.
Miranda ~ White Fire Publishing is the house you chose and approached to publish your book. What—about White Fire—inspired you to choose them, and, how did it happen?
Rachelle: I love Roseanna White’s books and the relational, caring way she blogs on Go Teen Writers. I first “met” her through those two avenues, and when I learned she and her husband founded and run WhiteFire, I was immediately drawn to that publisher. Seeing the quality of the books they publish sealed the deal for me. I am so grateful for the thoughtful expertise and quality editing they invested in my series throughout the publishing process. My stories are better for the ones who read them first.
Miranda ~ In your own opinion, why should a Christian with a talent for stories write fiction—what do you believe they can offer the world?
Rachelle: Jesus told stories, so I’d say that speaks pretty highly of storytelling right there! In my own life, I can certainly speak for the fact that stories have made a world of difference. Teaching me lessons I might not have otherwise learned (or learned the hard way!). Taking me places I never otherwise would have seen. Stories are important, special, and powerful.
Miranda ~ How would you describe your author voice and, why do you write the way you do? Is there a principle behind your type of writing?
Rachelle: Hmm, answering this question hopefully doesn’t make me sound prideful! I’ve been told I have a lyrical, poetic writing voice—and I’ll claim that in a heartbeat. No principle, just the fact that I try to infuse hope and truth into every sentence through the Spirit’s leading. I never want my stories to come across as preachy, but rather real and inspiring.
Miranda ~ Who are the people/authors that have inspired you the most? Why?
Rachelle: This could be such a long list! As for historical and contemporary reads go, I greatly enjoy the writings of Roseanna M. White, Joanne Bischof, Sara Ella, Joy Palmer, and Stephanie Morrill. Their stories have shaped me. When I’m looking for nonfiction, I enjoy Gary Thomas and Natasha Metzler. Their (true) stories have shaped me, too. Check them out! :)
Miranda ~ What should we expect from you in the future? Are you working on any project now?
Rachelle: Yep! It’s Top Secret right now, though. Sorry.
