Chissick Chat, part eleven, with 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