Rachael Thomas

Thank you to Marie Dry for inviting me to join The Blog Tour. Her debut novel, Alien Mine, will be available soon. Find out more about Marie at www.mariedry.comAlso, thanks to Judith Arnopp, who invited me last month, when I was deep in the writing cave! Her latest release, The kiss of the Concubine, is available now. Find out more about Judith at www.juditharnopp.comMy Writing ProcessWhat am I working on?I have almost finished my second book, which will submitted next week to my editor.How does my story differ from others of its genre?Over the last seven years, as I've chased my dream of publication, one bit of advice has stuck. To write my story. By using my voice and telling the story my way is how it differs.Why do I write?This is a question I asked myself after my last rejection. And the answer - I write because I have to. I can't imagine a life where I don't write and how else am I going to deal with those characters who fill my head, clamouring to tell me their story?How does my writing process work?I have always had to fit writing in around a family and life on a busy farm. Basically I write when I can. I'd prefer to write first thing in the morning, but will always grasp every opportunity. I'm also lucky that I have a lovely room in which to write. Often I have the company of my dog, Tara.My debut book, A Deal Before the Altar, will be available later this year. More information can be found on my website: www.rachaelthomas.co.ukNext week, the following authors will be participating.Julie Heslington, a fellow member of The Write Romantics and member of RNA. Visit Julie's blog.Sue Moules, a poet and fellow member of my local writing group. Her latest book The Moth Box is available now. Visit Sue's blog.Joanne Dannon, a member of Romance Writers of Australia. We met online when we became critique partners. Visit Joanne's blog.