Chissick Chat with Elaine R. Chissick and Rachel Coverdale
Today, I’m saying hello to a very excited Rachel Coverdale, children’s author and all round lovely person who has recently conquered her technofear! Welcome to my blog. Please can you introduce yourself and tell us a little about yourself and your books?
Hi Elaine, thank you for this interview. I write children’s books from toddlers to teens. I’ve been creating stories since I was old enough to think, most of them I told to my little brother. As an adult, children’s stories still constantly form in my head so I thought it was about time I wrote them down. It was only as I began to collate them that I realised all my stories involve nature and animals. I’m beginning to realise that I’m an old hippy. This is a shock as I thought I was a young rock chick!
What, or who, inspires you?
I’m inspired by so many authors of so many different and diverse genres. I love the magic woven into The Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton, I’m inspired by the ability to maintain thrill and fear in Mr Mumbles by Barry Hutchison. Now all I have to do is capture those essences …
Do you enjoy reading the same genre as the one you write in?
Yes, I’m someone who gets bored easily, I like life to change constantly, so I do the same with my reading. I’ll read a toddler book to my grandchildren, then go home and read a murder mystery. Once I’ve finished that I’ll read a YA, then I’ll pick up a classic. Variety is the spice of life!
Has any of your research taken you to an unusual place?
Usually my research takes me straight into the countryside which I love, however I was taken to an unusual place on the internet when I researched badger baiting. Not a place I wish to return to and I was a bit worried that my search history would make me look like I was wanting to take part! It was a horrible experience because I didn’t want to read what was written or see any pictures, but neither did I want to do a disservice to the wonderful men and women who protect these enigmatic creatures.
What are you working on at the moment?
I have completed my three toddler books and with your help I am definitely going to beat my techno-fear and upload them onto Amazon. My main book which is aimed at pre-teens/teens is almost finished and I’m hoping to have it published later this year or early next year.
What are your future writing plans?
I have another toddler book that is bashing on the inside of my skull, demanding to be written. Also there is a YA book that’s making appearances when I try to get to sleep on a night, so I had better put pen to paper on that too.
Is there anything you don’t like about writing/being an author?
Apart from the poverty? No I don’t think there is. I absolutely love seeing my ideas form into a story and find it extremely therapeutic. I really wish I’d started many years ago.
Quick Fire Questions …
Tea or coffee? Black coffee
Sweet snack or savoury snack? Sugary, sugary sweetness
Real book or ebook? Real
Cinema or DVD? DVD – I don’t like to be a tearful soggy mess in public
Cat or dog? Dog
Weepie or action movie? Action
And to Finish, What is your favourite …
Food? Almost all
Drink? Fresh orange juice
Movie? Overboard
Book? Rebecca
Colour? Blue
Saying/Proverb? Live well, laugh often, love much
Song? Bohemian Rhapsody
Pudding/dessert? Lemon and meringue pie
Thanks for stopping by, Rachel. Wishing you all the luck in the world with your books.
Elaine R. Chissick ~ Wife, mother, and step-mother with a passion for writing. I have three books out on Kindle at the moment and two in paperback. One is a true story and the other two are fiction novels. I am currently working on a few new projects. I’m also one of the authors who contributed to the charity book, “Look 4 Books Medley of Short Stories”
I have an eclectic taste in music, I like to cook, and I think that my cat has the most fabulous green eyes I have ever seen.
For more information, check out my website: elainechissick.wix.com/chissickchat
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