Thursday, September 24, 2015

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!! by Rachel Brimble

Roses and Readers, please welcome Rachel Brimble as my special guest today. I normally post on the 24th, but I asked Rachel to fill in for me. I'm sure you'll enjoy!



Today, I wanted to utilize my visit to the Roses Of Prose to say a big thank you to all my author friends and readers who have supported me and my work throughout the last ten years. Time goes by, successes and failures happen––I would’ve given up on my dreams a long time ago if it weren’t for the tens of people I have met online and in person.

Over the last decade, I’ve written countless short stories (in the formative years!), seventeen books and two novellas, all of which are either published or contracted –all my wonderful author friends both sides of the Atlantic have played a massive part in my success!

Knowing there are people out there to support you in your dreams means everything for a feeling of inner strength and belief. It’s human nature to doubt what you are thinking or doing, and worrying people will laugh or put you down. When you meet people who cheer you on, love and admire your work, and most of all, share your struggles, it gives an incredible sense of excitement and optimism.
 
Writers are introverts and happy in their own company, which all too often provides far too much surrounding silence allowing that horrible voice in your head to shout loud and clear, “give up!” “You’re not good enough!” “This story is your worst yet!”

My advice to aspiring writers? Fill your head with your stories, not your ‘internal editor’. Keep writing. Never EVER give up and believe in your dreams, ALWAYS! Ten years ago, I was first published and then 2011 brought me an agent, 2012 contracts with Harlequin Superromance and Kensington.

Yes, I am living a dream I never thought would happen. Am I still shy? Yes. Am I still a teeny bit scared ongoing success could mean having to stand up in public one day, YES!!! Terrified, would probably be a better description of how I feel about public speaking!

I am happy. I’m loving my work, but more than anything, love my writer friends and readers so much. Mix up your social circle, reach out through social mediums such as Twitter and Facebook and surround yourself with optimistic, supportive and fun people. You will be amazed how quickly you realize your fears are echoed and conquered every day.

Stand tall and know you are no better or worse than others out there. Let yourself grow and shine until you feel as though your star is in reach – because it is!

Rachel’s latest release is HER HOMETOWN REDEMPTION, book 5 in her ongoing Harlequin Superromance Templeton Cove series (although all the stories can be read stand-alone). Here is the blurb & buy links – happy reading!
Blurb:
She's back to right her wrongs 

When Tanya Todd returns to Templeton Cove, she knows better than to expect a warm welcome. She burned a few bridges on her way out of town, and making amends won't be easy. First on her list is the man whose heart she carelessly shattered, Liam Browne. 

Seeing the successful criminal lawyer after all these years, Tanya is interested in more than just Liam's forgiveness. As they work together to bring the man who hurt her sister to justice, the attraction between them sizzles. Suddenly Tanya's second chance could include a future with Liam…if she can prove she's changed.




Bio:
Rachel lives with her husband and two teenage daughters in a small town near Bath in the UK. After having several novels published by small US presses, she secured agent representation in 2011. Since 2013, she has had five books published by Harlequin Superromance (Templeton Cove Stories) and three Victorian romances by eKensington/Lyrical.

Rachel is a member of the Romantic Novelists Association and Romance Writers of America, and was selected to mentor the Superromance finalist of So You Think You Can Write 2014 contest.

When she isn’t writing, you’ll find Rachel with her head in a book or walking the beautiful English countryside with her family. Her dream place to live is Bourton-on-the-Water in South West England.

She likes nothing more than connecting and chatting with her readers and fellow romance writers. Rachel would love to hear from you!

Links:

10 comments:

Margo Hoornstra said...

Welcome, Rachel. A great story that spawned some more great stories. As your fellow Class of 85er from way back when, I can certainly relate to the encouragement and support our on-line and in person friends and readers provide. Congratulations on living your own personal dream.

Jannine Gallant said...

Congrats, Rachel, and best of luck with sales! I sooo appreciate my writer friends (who for a while there might have been my only readers!). I think I spend way more time with them than my in-person pals!

Diane Burton said...

Welcome, Rachel. Best wishes for many sales.

Rachel Brimble said...

Hello, ladies! So sorry for being so late checking in - it's been 'accounts day'...yuck!! Thanks much for your good wishes - I'd be nothing without my writer friends!

Glad to be here :)

Vonnie Davis ~ Romance Author said...

I think so many writers share your inner fears and insecurities. I know I do. Every book I write I think is my worst one yet. Our online writer friends are precious gifts. Wishing you mountains of success. Hugs.
V.

Leah St. James said...

I'm so sorry to be late to respond...even though it's normal for me! Wonderful message, Rachel. So happy for you for your success. Like you, I'm so grateful for my many writer friends.

Rachel Brimble said...

Well, you know you've been one of my girls for...I don't know how many years now. You're one of the best - love ya! 😘😘

Rachel Brimble said...

Thanks, Leah - I know none of us can do this writing thing alone. It's hard enough anyway, but without support? No way, no how! 😊

Rolynn Anderson said...

Rachel, so nice to see you here. I've been following your work for some time. Seems like many of us got our first book out there around 2011, but you've mushed forward with amazing speed and success. Congrats...you deserve it. And thanks for the pep talk!

Rachel Brimble said...

Hi Rolynn!

The WIld Rose Press published my first book back in 2007 so it's been a long journey but 2012 was definitely the year things started to move forward! I am so fortunate to be doing what I love and getting paid for it - isn't that everyone's dream??

Rachel x