Author: rachellepaigecampbell

On the playlist

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I wrote the first drafts for both Anchored in the Bay and Tiny Island Summer over a nine week period in late summer 2014. It’s funny to think back and remember how–after years of circling the ideas and plots–everything came together. I listened to Cary Brothers’ album Under Control non-stop for two and a half months. While writing Tidal Patterns this past July, Fitz & the Tantrums were heavy in the rotation.

I returned to the True North series in October, ready to finish out the stories that I’ve been dreaming up. And the instant I started writing, I had to return to Cary Brothers. I kind of figured I’d switch to something else, but couldn’t. To me, his voice and sound perfectly captures the tone of the novels.

If you’re looking for the perfect soundtrack for my books, now you know.

#NaNoWriMo15

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I didn’t quite make the 50k threshold. But that’s okay. I never seem to hit the goal in November. For whatever reason, July (a very busy month for me) is my best of the NaNoWriMo months.

NaNoWriMo came at the exact moment I needed it most. I had grand plans to finish a book a month starting in October. But the contest definitely affected me. I found myself distracted and unable to focus. By the end of October I’d barely managed 50% of a first draft.

When November 1st came, I barreled ahead and finished the rest of that book, wrote a quick (and needs to be edited!) epilogue for Tidal Patterns (more news on when to read that in a bit), and got started on my fun, between the books book for True North.

The last two weeks have been back to back sickness here. Between nursing my kids (and my dog!), cooking and cleaning for the holiday, finishing up my holiday shopping and Christmas cards, and decorating my house for Christmas, I’ve been otherwise occupied.

But that’s okay. NaNoWriMo has gotten me back into the rhythm of writing EVERY DAY. And I’ve learned my lesson that I have to write at least 100 words a day to keep myself on track.

I still have big plans for the New Year and am excited to announce that I did submit Tidal Patterns  to Harlequin for their consideration. So, I count this November a success.

 

Thankful

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This has been an amazing year for me. Besides my wonderful family and good health, I’ve really pushed myself to take a chance on getting my career off the ground. Every time I’ve encountered an obstacle or a challenge, I’ve forced myself to meet it and rise to the occasion.

I’m so excited for the progress I’m seeing and thrilled that you’ve taken this journey with me. The ideas keep coming and the words are flowing. I’ve finished On the Rocks, Eric’s story (True North Book 3), and am nearing the end of the novella Off the Dock, (True North 3.5). I’ll be sending these off to my editor and will be posting links for pre-order after the new year. Now I’m thinking and dreaming and starting work on Across the Lake (True North Book 4), the conclusion of the series.

Also, a huge thanks for following along with me during #sytycw15, Harlequin’s annual contest. Making the top 55 (the first round as selected by editors) was thrilling. Getting to the top 25, with YOUR help, flabbergasting. I could not be here, writing and learning and improving my craft to tell these stories, without the help and support of so many people. I am blessed that I have never heard a negative comment from anyone I have opened up to about this little passion project of mine. Thank you!

Anchored in the Bay (True North Book 1)

Tiny Island Summer (True North Book 2)