Studio CarryOnHarry in talks with Rebecca Conaty Bruce book author. Today in this interview session she is about to introduce her new book to us and shares her journey as an author. She is also going to share her writing process and things that go around building her plot and characters. Some tips for new authors are also gonna be shared as well.
Interview with Rebecca Conaty Bruce Book Author
Rebecca is a retired Respiratory Therapist after twenty seven years of hospital work. She now lives her life writing historical fiction and crime series from her home in Florida, where she retired with her husband John. Writing novels with strong female heroines and about the places she has visited is what works best for her. Growing up, Rebecca spent her early childhood in Texas before moving to Florida. She has traveled extensively throughout Europe and hopes to travel again soon. She and her husband bought an RV a few years back and traveled visiting many states for inspiration and to expand her knowledge. Rebecca has five novels already published and is working on number six with no plans to stop writing any time soon.
How much does your life influences your story telling and the characters that you bring to life ?
I always seem to include a piece of my life in my writing. Sometimes it is places I have traveled to, places I have lived or even some life experiences. I wrote my first novel Irish Bones after traveling to Ireland several times. My crime series Esther Valentine Chronicles, relates to my time living in Texas.
Title Of Your New Release
Irish Bones Series was released in 2020, Esther Valentine Chronicles released in 2021
What is the central theme of book ?
Irish Bones is about a young girl who always felt different growing up on a rural farm. On her father’s death bed he whispered to her “You have Irish Bones” . This sends Lovina on a search finding her Irish granddad still alive living in New York. He tells Lovina about all the troubles growing up in Ireland and sends Lovina on a mission. The book begins with Lovina reflecting back on how she came to this point in her life and what she had to do to make things right. The story unfolds as each character tells their story in their point of view and own words. There is a lovely twist at the end.
Where did the idea came from ? How much did you tweak it ? Your Initial planning and analysis of final stuff ?
While visiting Ireland and it’s rich history I decided to search for my Irish Roots. This led me to an old thatched cottage. As I walked inside the story came to me. It played over and over in my head like a mini series until I finally sat down to write it. Esther Valentine chronicles came to me in the same way I suppose while traveling in our RV my husband and I visited my old childhood home in Texas. I decided to break that up into smaller books for easier read. I research places, restaurants and old crimes so my books are considered historical fiction for the time and place in the story.
How much are you playing in the book as one of your characters ? Do you ever hide behind shades of your characters ?
With Irish Bones I am more like Lovina who is searching for her Irish past. In my latest series Esther Valentine…I am definitely Esther in many ways. Growing up in the seventies woman were just emerging into their abilities to work and play beside their male counterparts. I wanted to write about women learning to find their way.
what is difficult to write Goodness Of Character / Evil Intentions. What do you enjoy most out of developing them ?
I enjoy writing about strong female characters who accomplish goals even in the tough times. I pull feelings from my own life experiences. Mainly the tough “have no fear” attitude. (I am sure my children would attest to that).
Do you structure the flow of story in beginning itself or you improvise ? In your idea what is good to have before you hit a road block ?
Truthfully, my stories come to me in dreams and play over and over like a movie. I improvise for filler and details when I need to describe my characters but the story line is already in my head from beginning to end.
How many books have you written and how different is new book ? Difference is in which specific area ?
I have seven published books. Irish Bones Series is a two book series. Esther Valentine Chronicles is a five book series with one more on the way. Both series have strong female characters. Both series have women who might not have fit into the cookie cutter mold of society, but have risen up from hard times to finally come into their own power and strengths. You are what you make yourself into.
Which Character do you like most and why . Any real life inspiration ? Do you ever wish to meet this character in real life ?
This is a hard question. I love both Lovina and Esther Valentine equally. There is a lot of me in both strong female lead characters. I did not grow up with a silver spoon but I was not going to live my life by other’s opinions of who I should be, do, or become. I imagine I have already met all the strong women in my book in my head.
Why will you recommend this book to readers ?
My novels are very different. Irish Bones isa 500 page novel written in a unique way with each Character’s point of view as they reflect back on their lives and how they overcame obstacles and still managed to stay strong and have a good family life. It is historical fiction. True Irish history is woven into the fictional characters. Including famine, civil war, murder, pubs and the influenza outbreak of 1918. It is a great book to learn about some Irish history as well as the strong proud Irish people who lived through it. It is raw, bold and does not mince words about the evils piled on the Irish.
My recommendation would be to adults who have a interest in Ireland history and strong honest characters. The Esther Valentine Chronicles, is a five book series all around 200 pages. It is about a strong female sleuth that tried to fit in by attending the mostly male police academy, taking karate classes and arms training. However, she was left unsatisfied as her male counterparts made her feel less than qualified. Esther decides to try her hand at solving cold cases after a long time friend and mentor encourages her and Esther finally found her stride. Esther is a private detective in her home state of Texas.
Even though it has some gritty crimes, this crime series is easily digestible by young adults and older. My recommendation would be easy books to take on vacation or if you love to see a female take charge and grow into a strong independent character. Esther does eventually find her love interest so there is a slight romance side to the books. “No one commits a crime without leaving something behind” is her motto.
Have you already started working on next book ? What is on your mind for it ?
I am currently working on two books. One will be the final book in the Esther Valentine Chronicles, book six. The other novel is a totally different genre. I have an idea about a young adult fantasy fiction for teens and older that includes several life lessons of overcoming and strength of ones own character. It seems to be a continuing theme in all my books. I have three daughters and my wish was always that they would grow up strong and independent. You can add other people to your life, but not until you have made a life for yourself first.
Any good tips you would like to share for new aspiring authors apart from saying just start the book ?
Advice for other writers: If that book has been swirling around in your mind forever, write it down. If you feel you can contribute something to the world out of your own experiences then write it down. Writing a book is similar to writing that “dear diary” as a young child then graduating to a Journal then a novel. It is quite an exhilarating feeling to accomplish your goal, so just keep writing, and never give up. Even if it takes you twenty years to finish , just keep going. Finish it. Publish it. Someone will love it.
How did you hear about CarryOnHarry ? Any message for Studio ? Any Suggestion that we can make it better ?
I belong to several author groups on Facebook, goodreads, allauthor, instagram, Linkedin and twitter. I read an offer for an interview and responded. I have done this before on twitter and had good response. If you don’t put your books out there they cannot sell or reach an audience. I will say this format is interesting and the questions are detailed and enjoyable. The only suggestion is to make it more known, put it out there. Every bit of advertising in any form is helpful.
Author Philip La Croix, known for his gripping debut novel “The Best Laid Traps,” shares insights into his writing process, character development, and future aspirations. La Croix’s remarkable ability to overcome writer’s block and his unique experiences have contributed to the creation of captivating narratives that resonate with readers worldwide.
When it comes to finding ideas and developing characters, La Croix’s creative process is driven by random thoughts that pop into his head. Whether it be for a new story or a revelation in an existing one, these musings spark his imagination. La Croix describes the experience as being hypnotized, where he loses track of time, and the events unfold vividly in his mind. He believes that writing is more about observing and documenting these events rather than creating them from scratch. As the story progresses, characters take on a life of their own, and La Croix transitions from being the driver to a passenger on the speeding bullet train of storytelling.
Writer’s block can be a formidable challenge for any author, but La Croix tackles it head-on. He emphasizes the importance of pushing past the block instead of succumbing to the temptation of taking time off. Even if it means employing a temporary fix or going back to fix an area later, he believes it is crucial to keep the story moving forward. La Croix advises fellow writers to avoid waiting for a deus ex machina and to persevere in order to maintain the momentum and bring their stories to fruition.
La Croix’s writing journey is not confined to a specific type of character or book. Although he begins with a particular vision for his characters, he allows them to evolve organically. Sometimes, characters surprise him and deviate from his initial plans, ultimately playing pivotal roles in the narrative. As for the genre of his future works, La Croix demonstrates versatility and a willingness to explore various genres, ranging from action-adventure and dark fantasy to sci-fi and dramas. He even delved into writing a full-length fan-fiction novel based on characters from “The Hunger Games” universe, hoping to garner recognition or permission from Suzanne Collins herself.
Currently, La Croix is immersed in the creation of his latest novel, which reimagines L. Frank Baum’s “The Wizard of Oz” universe. Set years after the original story’s conclusion, the novel takes a darker turn, with Glinda trapping Dorothy in stasis while she battles a mysterious gloom that engulfs the land of Oz. Dorothy eventually breaks free and embarks on a journey to restore balance. With elements reminiscent of “Shutter Island,” this tale promises numerous unexpected twists and a mind-blowing conclusion.
Philip La Croix’s ability to overcome writer’s block, adapt to evolving characters, and explore diverse genres highlights his resilience and commitment to storytelling. As readers eagerly await his upcoming works, La Croix continues to captivate audiences with his imaginative narratives and the unbridled passion that drives his writing.
Stay Tuned for an interview Session with Author here on Studio Carry On Harry
I am a school student who was passionate about writing since childhood until the overwhelming passion turned me to an author from a writer. I also take keen interest in quizzing and martial arts.
Title Of Your New Release
The Evergreen Emotion
How much does your life reflects in your poetry ?
Well, I won’t insist on saying that all the poetries I write reflects my life but definitely some poems have a essence of my life.
What is the central Emotional theme of your poetry book ?
The central theme of my book is itself emotion especially the untold emotions which lie deep within us but we never exhibit in front of the world.
Any personal expressions of life behind the book ? Someone/Something that inspired
Yes there are quite a few poems which are totally inspired from my personal life.
Have you already started working on next book ? What is on your mind for it ?
Yes currently I am working on a book in my mind. Alike the previous book this book also aims to bring untold stories but in the form of a story and not a poem. The next book will also be embedded with some important values which would definitely add to reader’s interest. Though the story would be a fictional one but it would end up teaching some lesson and values like a non fictional book does. So I personally prefer calling my a fictionalized nonfiction.
Some Bits from book chapter you would like to share as curtain raiser for reader to know about what they are going to get from it ?
The Evergreen Emotion speaks about a diversity of topics from love to loss or being it family relations or socially important topics. Most importantly it gives you a new view point to look on life. There are poems such as ‘The flow’ which supports my statement.
How did you hear about CarryOnHarry ? Any message for Studio ?
When it comes to finding ideas and developing characters, La Croix’s creative process is driven by random thoughts that pop into his head. Whether it be for a new story or a revelation in an existing one, these musings spark his imagination. La Croix describes the experience as being hypnotized, where he loses track of time, and the events unfold vividly in his mind. He believes that writing is more about observing and documenting these events rather than creating them from scratch. As the story progresses, characters take on a life of their own, and La Croix transitions from being the driver to a passenger on the speeding bullet train of storytelling.
I am a school student who was passionate about writing since childhood until the overwhelming passion turned me to an author from a writer. I also take keen interest in quizzing and martial arts.
