Author Q&A with Rachel Hobbs

​Rachel Hobbs’ debut novel SHADOW-STAINED is the first in a dark fantasy series for adults, inspired by her dark and peculiar experiences with narcolepsy and parasomnia. She’s since subjugated her demons, and writes under the tenuous guise that they work for her.

​Fuelled by an unhealthy amount of coffee, she writes about hard-boiled monsters with soft centres and things that go bump in the night. The Stones of Power series continues with SOUL-STRUNG (out TODAY), the second instalment in a monstrous four book series.

1. How do you approach starting a new book?

Before I write a single word, I like to get all the key scenes nailed down scene card style. To me, this means a basic play by play of what I expect to go down in the scene. For my most recent novel, I took inspiration from The Story Grid, plotting out what the book calls the five most important scenes of each act. Once I have those, I can fill in the blanks with what I already know, and still leave plenty of white space for the characters to surprise me along the way! From there, I like to start at the beginning and write my way to the end, like a reader would. It’s a discovery process for me too, as a lot of what I write is subconscious. I surprise myself all the time!

 

2. How do you choose your book’s title(s)?

Once I have a complete first draft, I have to have a title. But finding that right one is hard! I’m writing a series, so I need my titles to all have a sort of pattern or theme. This does limit my options quite a bit, but it also gives me a specific space to work in. So for example, if book one is a two word title, book two will also be a two word title. Book one has some nice alliteration going on, so book two ideally will too. I also need it to have real meaning, so if it reflects the current main struggle of my characters or an overall theme, then we’re golden!

 

3. How do you handle criticism?

I think it’s important to take criticism with a pinch of salt. On the one hand, what you’re reading is most likely one person’s opinion of your work, not a hard fact. On the other, you can learn a thing or two from a little constructive criticism. I’m the kind of author who likes to read every review of my book, both the good and the bad. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, of course. And while a bad review can sometimes feel like a personal attack, the chances are it’s really not. If I can learn something from a fair criticism, then I’ll take it on board for the next book. If I don’t agree, then I’ll move on. It’s really as simple as that. And on those days where I’m feeling extra soft, I’ll allow myself to wallow for one day only. Life’s too short, and you’ll never please everyone.

 

4. Describe your perfect character to me

My perfect character is the sort of antisocial rogue who’s questionable methods and willingness to get their hands dirty makes everyone around them want to keep a healthy distance. Are they a good guy? Are they a villain? They certainly have a big mouth. You question their morality throughout the book as they dance back and forth across that line in the sand. But at their very core they are unwavering in their commitment to what they feel is right. Does that make them a hero or a villain, then? You may honestly never know. But they are sure as hell fun to read and write about!

 

This or That Questions…

Short books or Long books:

Long books.

Romance or Fantasy:

Both? Okay, fantasy.

Bright book covers or Muted book covers:

Muted and dramatic.

Ebooks, Paperbacks or Audiobooks:

I have more ebooks than anything else.

Writing in the Morning or Evening:

Morning.

Character Driven or Plot Driven:

Character driven, every time.