Today we talk about Full Circle, a book by R.J. Raine published with our publishing house Europe Books.
Europe Books had the pleasure of interviewing the author, R.J. Raine, to get to know her better, where she found the inspiration to write her book Full Circle, as well as how she defines her Writing style.
Below you can find our interview. Take a seat and enjoy your reading!!!
- Where did you find the inspiration to write your book?
The idea for this book was first formed in my late teen years. Like most teenagers, I had always dreamed of meeting a celebrity, but often wondered what their lives must be like behind the cameras. I am personally rather reclusive and I imagine it must be difficult to live a normal life and raise children under constant scrutiny. I have also always been a hopeless romantic, and since I come from a broken family and never really experienced what true love in a marriage must be like, I never knew what a real happy ending was. But I could always dream. Having a good imagination allows one to make those dreams into a reality, even if only for 400 pages, and hopefully my readers could also live that dream and find escape in my stories.
- What are the crucial themes of your work?
I like to focus on reality rather than fantasy. I write stories that are relatable and I create situations that could actually happen to you, the average person. I am a huge fan of a strong, driven woman and you may notice that all my female characters are determined and stubborn, though with a capacity for love that is the foundation of who they are. They are fiercely protective mothers who always put the wellbeing of their children first. I like my themes to be believable, my characters strong and relatable and I tend to focus on issues that are of real consequence in reality, including taboo subjects like domestic abuse, teenage pregnancy, drug abuse and mental illness. I do, of course, also subscribe to the idea of a White Knight in my stories. What woman wouldn’t want to be saved by a handsome hero?
- What do you want to communicate to readers with this work?
The main point of this story is to show readers, especially women, that you should never allow anyone to dictate how you choose to live your life. You should always be unapologetically yourself and stick to your chosen path without feeling guilty about who you may disappoint in the process. Strength doesn’t come from the people we choose to surround ourselves with, it comes from within us. At the same time, it is also okay to dream and to go after what you want, be it a career, a relationship or simply a life goal. The people who are supposed to be in your life will remain with you regardless of what challenges life may throw your way. This story shows us that what is meant to be for us will always be.
- How would you define your Writing style?
As much as I have a strong grasp of the English language, I prefer to keep my writing style simple and easy to read. I prefer not to confuse readers with words that require a dictionary to decipher, or rambling paragraphs that you need to reread just to be sure you didn’t miss something. I am a huge reader myself, sometimes completing four to five books a week, and I personally find that less is more. Just tell the story and don’t try to overthink every sentence in the hopes of impressing the reader with your literary prowess. A story should be told in the most straightforward and relatable way if it is going to be easily followed and enjoyed. That said, I do like to go into detail when describing my characters’ physical and emotional attributes. I also think it is important to create a foundation for your story, a backstory of sorts, so that readers have a clear understanding of who my characters are and why they behave the way they do. I can also be cruel sometimes and drag out my happy endings, just to keep readers on a cliffhanger, but I always deliver in the end.
- Are you planning to write more books? Can you tell us something about it?
At present I have six completed manuscripts in addition to this one. They all contain different storylines and all contain combined genres, which is my preferred writing style. There are two which follow a slightly similar theme in terms of a lead character who exists in the limelight, with supporting characters who are the antithesis of famous. Very different story lines to “Full Circle” though. I am also working on my third manuscript in a series of five, which focus on a Motorcycle Club, though nothing like what the movies portray them to be. The characters are fiercely loyal and honorable and as much as they try to maintain their businesses on the straight and narrow, they unwittingly get pulled into solving crimes and saving women in distress. The loveable characters are some of my personal favorites, which is why one book turned into five.
Europe Books thanks the author, R.J. Raine, once again for taking the time and answering our questions. We are really pleased to have walked alongside her on the editorial path that led to the publication of her book Full Circle. We wish her the best of luck for her future works.
To you, my readers, may this book let you reflect on the importance of being always yourself, listen to the strength and the power you have within, never give up dreaming and pursuing your goals, surround yourself with people who can be of great support in your life and whom you can always count on.
So, my dear reader, all I have to say is to enjoy your reading!
Your editor!