Since entering ‘So You Think You Can Write’ last year I’ve been lucky to get to know some fabulous writers and I’d like to share some of their stories with you.

Rachael Thomas was one of the Top 10 finalists in So You Think You Can Write 2013. Her debut novel ‘A Deal Before the Altar’ will be released in on October 1st in the Harlequin Presents imprint.

‘Georgina Henshaw will do anything to ensure her younger sister’s happiness—even marry the darkly enigmatic Santos Ramirez! She has just one condition: she’ll wear his ring, but she’ll never share his bed!’

Hi Rachael, first I’d like to congratulate you on your success in So You Think You Can Write. I loved your entry and can’t wait to read the book!

Do you have actors/celebrities in mind when you write your characters?
I always have a visual reference of my characters and once I ‘see’ them in my mind I go in search of the perfect picture of actors or celebrities to adorn my writing room wall.

Did you know how the book was going to end when you started writing it?
Obviously I knew the ending was going to be the ‘happy-ever-after’ Harlequin Presents are famous for, but I didn’t know exactly how my characters would arrive at that point. It’s such fun seeing it evolve on the page as I write.

What are you working on at the moment?
I have just started a brand new story and am really excited about where it is going to take me and getting to know my new characters Nikos and Serena.

Where were you when you got the call and how did you celebrate?
When I go the call, it was a wild and windy day and I was about to meet a writing friend for lunch. As I was all but blown along the street, my phone rang and I couldn’t believe it when it was an editor from Mills and Boon. I’d just sent revisions of my competition story in and thought the call may be to discuss those, so was really taken aback when she told me they’d like to buy my book!
After that, my friend and I had lunch, but we were so excited anyone else in the small seaside restaurant must have thought we were mad. I had so many messages on my phone the battery gave up in protest, so when I did get home I had lots of text messages, tweets and Facebook messages to catch up on and of course I opened a bottle of champagne!

Which period in history would you most like to visit?
I love history and have spent many happy hours in grand houses and castles. Despite the luxury of stately homes, it’s the lure of history within the thick castle walls which forever draw me. If I had to pick one period in history it would be the Tudor years.

Is there a song or image that sums up your characters or plot?
I don’t think there is one single song or image that would do that. I have lots of images on my wall and different songs will represent different parts of the story.

Rachael, thanks for talking to me and good luck with your next project.

Thanks Elisabeth for inviting me here and for such great questions.

You can find Rachael on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/rachaelthomasromancewriter?fref=ts