11/1: Q&A with Rachel Tsoumbakos

[Ingrid, Just another writer.]

To find more about the book Vikings and its author, click the image above


Rachel Tsoumbakos is a stay home mother of two. Her main passions are writing, reading and organic gardening. Rachel lives with her husband, two kids, three cats and herd of chickens in the hills surrounding Melbourne, Australia. When she is not tending to her organic veggie garden, she is working on her cardio as she trains for the zombie apocalypse.

*What was your inspiration for Vikings: The Truth About Lagertha And Ragnar?

I currently write TV articles for the Inquisitr. One of the shows I cover is History Channel's 'Vikings.' Over the course of the last two years I have learned a great deal about the Viking sagas as a result of this. Since of the most asked questions I get from fans of the show is "How accurate is the TV series compared to the real sagas?" I decided it was a question worth answering.

*Why do you think people will enjoy Vikings: The Truth About Lagertha And Ragnar?

Obviously, fans of History Channel's 'Vikings' will enjoy this new book thanks to the historical component of the book lining up with some of the characters in the TV show. However, for those who are also fans of historical fiction or historical romance, the fictional retelling of Lagertha and Ragnar's saga will also appeal.

*What tips do you have for authors that are new to the publishing process?

Learn everything you can about the publishing process. Read every blog and article you can find and immerse yourself in the industry. Also, learn the rules in regard to how to behave as an author. Too often on the internet I see authors behaving badly and it is a sure fire way to lose not only readers, but potential contacts within the publishing industry.

*Did you self-publish your story, or was it professionally published?

I self-publish. I much prefer the freedom it allows in regard to not only the story development, but the creative aspects of book design and formatting.

*What is some advice that you have for young, aspiring writers?

As I said previously, read everything you can about the industry. Keep writing and ask people to read your work and give honest critiques on it. If you don't like what you hear, thank them politely and learn why people are making these criticisms. Remember, these people are readers and it is a great opportunity to learn and grow within the craft by listening to them.

*Did you ever picture yourself as a published author?

Yes. But I have to force myself. After all, if I don't believe in myself, who will?

*Was writing always your passion, or did you ever have a different career in mind?

Writing was always my passion. However, I followed several 'real' jobs before I developed enough confidence in myself.

*What author/story do you look up to and use for ideas/inspiration?

My taste and inspiration is varied; from Stephen King to Marion Zimmer Bradley, Traci Harding, and Jackie French. As for inspiration, that is harder to pinpoint. All I can say is that I know an idea when it presents itself to me and then I research it like crazy to help the story develop.

*What do you find to be the most difficult part of the writing process?

It is hard work. Writing the first draft is the easy part, I can do that in a month. It will then take a year of edits and rewrites to get it to publication.

*Can we expect some new works from you in the future?

Absolutely! Vikings: The Truth About Lagertha And Ragnar is the first book in the Viking Secrets series as I plan to bring more of the Viking sagas to life. In fact, next month I will start writing Aslaug and Ragnar's story.


Thank you, Rachel, for letting us interview you, and thank you everyone for reading! If you want to help out a fellow member, click on her book image for Vikings: The Truth About Lagertha And Ragnar and check it out!