Interview with Rachel Schieffelbein

Today I'm chatting with Rachel Schieffelbein, author of Secondary Characters, a young adult novella.

SECONDARY CHARACTERS

by Rachel Schieffelbein

Synopsis:

When Mabel's best friend, Amber, drags her along on a double date she finds herself falling for Lance, the obnoxious class clown whom she swore she'd have no interest in. The only problem is, she's not sure if she's really the girl Lance is into, or if, like every other guy she knows, it's really Amber he's after. One thing is clear, if Mabel wants to be the lead in her own love story, she needs to start acting like it.

Please help me welcome Rachel.

Cherie: Tell us about your novella, Secondary Characters, in your own words.

Rachel: It’s the story of Mabel, a girl who feels like the side-kick for her best friend, Amber. She’s gotten it in her head that Amber’s the star of the show, so when she falls for Lance she’s worried that it’s really Amber he’s interested in.

Cherie:  I think Mabel’s insecurity is one lot of girls will be able to relate. Can you tell us what is your writing process is like?

Rachel:  I have four little kids, so I write in small bursts when there are quiet moments. J Then I revise, revise, revise. I have some wonderful critique partners, without whom my writing would stink.

Cherie:  I bet your kids keep you busy! And I agree, great critique partners are wonderful to have. Where did you get the idea for your novel?

Rachel:  I heard a song from a musical titled, Secondary Characters. It’s about two people who take over the stage while the leads are busy elsewhere. It got me thinking about what it would be like to feel like a secondary character in your own life.

Cherie:  That’s so interesting, and you came up with a great story. What was your favorite (or most difficult) chapter to write?

Rachel:  The novella has dual points of view, and writing from Lance’s POV was both fun and challenging. I had to try and think like a teenage boy. Fortunately my husband’s mentality is not that different from a teenage boy’s, that helped. ;)

Cherie:  Too funny! I always want to know more about great characters. Can you share with us something about Lance that we don’t learn about him from reading the book?

Rachel:  Lance is a music lover. He listens to music to energize himself, or to calm down, help himself think, whatever. There’s a song for every mood. J

Cherie:  Nice! What are you working on now?

Rachel:  I’m working on another YA novella that is set at a horse show. I’ve shown Arabian horses for many years and the big Youth Nationals show that takes place every summer seemed like a perfect setting for a young adult story.

Cherie:  That’s sounds intriguing. Now that we know about your book and you as a writer, I have some fun questions for you. Do you believe in love at first sight?

Rachel:  Sort of. I’m not sure you can call it love right away, but certainly the beginning of it. I knew my husband would be the person I’d marry after three days. I know that sounds nuts, but I just knew. We’ve been married almost ten years now.

Cherie:  Congrats! Who are you drawn to the good guy or the bad guy?

Rachel:  I go for the good guy. They can still be exciting and fun, and they will treat you right.

Cherie:  If you had all the money and time in the world, where would your dream vacation be?

Rachel:  I want to go to England and see the town my grandparents lived in before they moved to the US.

Cherie:  Favorite movie or television show?

Rachel:  Favorite movie ever is The Princess Bride.  For TV shows, I pretty much only watch comedies. I love Big Bang Theory, Parks and Recreation, and Modern Family.

Cherie:  What book are you the most excited to read?

Rachel:  Cassie Mae’s How to Date a Nerd. It’s such a fun premise and everything I’ve read by her has been amazing.

Thanks for being with us today!

If can find Secondary Character’s on Amazon or Barnes & Noble.