Hi Rachel, welcome to TBR's- to start please tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hi, my name is Rachel Coker and I’m sixteen years old. Oh, and I’m a writer. (That seems kind of important to mention) If you met me in real life, hopefully you’d think I was funny and nice, but you’d also realize that I am opinionated and free spirited. I write a lot, and take pictures, and have epic dreams that I always forget to record, which is a shame because I’d probably make a lot of money selling the plots to movie producers.
What inspired you to write your debut Interrupted?
When I was thirteen or so, I had an uncle pass away from a brain tumor. It had a really profound effect on me, watching my two cousins go through the loss of a parent. For almost a year, I had this concept in my head for a story about a girl whose mother dies of the same reasons. I knew that she would respond with a lot of the same emotions I felt: anger, confusion, and regret. But I wanted her to grow stronger in the end because of it, just like I did. So even though Allie’s story is way different than mine, I guess it was sort of autobiographical in a way.
How does it feel to be a published author at such a young age?
It’s overwhelming and it’s stressful and it’s so, so wonderful. All of the support I’ve been given has been amazing. Before I started my blog and my story got out there, I had no idea how many other teenagers there are like me out in the world. Hearing from other young people who dream of being published has not only made me realize how blessed I am, but inspired me to continue writing and work even harder.
That is awesome...its wonderful to see young authors writing for young readers. How do think YA readers will respond to your novel?
Well, hopefully most of them will like it. I just pray that there is something in there that the reader can connect to, and that he or she can grow closer to God because of it.
Now some fun questions:
If you could pick a song that fit the mood of your book, what would it be and why?
Wow, that’s a hard question. There is a piano piece entitled “The Heart Asks Pleasure First” from a movie called “The Piano” that fits Interrupted well, I think. In the book, Allie is obsessed with the poetry of Emily Dickinson, and “The heart asks pleasure first” is one of the last poems she reads her mother before she passes away. It was ironic when I found the song with such a haunting melody and similar title, because it fits the book so, so well. Go and listen to it while you’re reading Interrupted. I swear it will sound like a soundtrack.
What are you reading right now?
I just checked out from the library Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None” due to my cousin’s recommendation. Then I’ll probably re-read “Gone With the Wind” for the millionth time.
Its pretty bad that out of all the books Ive read, Gone with the Wind is one I haven't gotten to yet.....(Gasp!) I have seen the movie though, does that count?
On the topic of movies, what was the last great movie you saw?
Hmm, hard because there aren’t too many great movies I’ve seen lately. Usually I see one great movie a year, and then all others pale in comparison. But I just saw “A Beautiful Mind” the other night and it made me tear up a little. The acting was brilliant.
Oh I agree, Russell Crow was amazing in that movie. Before you go Can you share any future projects with us?
I just submitted the manuscript to my next book to Zondervan. It’s not a sequel, but I think it’s an equally meaningful story. Hopefully, it’ll be signed and due for release soon!
Thanks so much Rachel for stopping by today. Touching the hearts of teens with moving story's gets you an A+! Wishing you the best of luck with your novel and tons of success in your writing career.
Rachel's Novel just released from Zondervan, grab your copy today!
Interrupted by Rachel Coker
February 14, 2012 by Zondervan
Can love really heal all things? If Sam Carroll hadn't shown up, she might have been able to get to her mother in time. Instead, Allie Everly finds herself at a funeral, mourning the loss of her beloved mother. She is dealt another blow when, a few hours later, she is sent from Tennessee to Maine to become the daughter of Miss Beatrice Lovell, a prim woman with a faith Allie cannot accept.
Poetry and letters written to her mother become the only things keeping Allie's heart from hardening completely. But then Sam arrives for the summer, and with him comes many confusing emotions, both toward him and the people around her. As World War II looms, Allie will be forced to decide whether hanging on to the past is worth losing her chance to be loved.
Find out more about Rachel on Goodreads~Web
Wow, only 16 and published already? That's amazing, well done Rachel! A Beautiful Mind is one of my favorite movies, I love Russell Crowe:) Give me him in that or Gladiator any day! Thanks so much for the interview ladies!
ReplyDeleteA. WOW! *high five* You go girl!
ReplyDeleteB. I loooove The Piano score. It's amazing. Like no other. Awesome choice.
C. Best of luck!
Hi, Tina. I don't usually look for YA books, but I just had to stop and congratulate Rachel on what she has accomplished at such a young age. Well done, Rachel! Don't let anyone or anything get in your way. Life has its ways of doing just that!
ReplyDeleteWishing you every success!
-Jimmy
http://jamesgarciajr.blogspot.com/