Q&A with Rebecca Raisin

Thanks for having me here today, Simona!

1.    You’re newest book is called Secrets at Maple Syrup Farm, what is it about?

Lucy’s running from her past, and after a promise to her mother, seeking out a new life, a different direction. She’s a painter, and wants to travel the world but has limited funds. She stumbles across The Maple Syrup Farm, and its gorgeously gruff owner, Clay, who pegs her for a city slicker. Lucy can’t work out enigmatic Clay, but bides her time, until she saves enough to move on. When they find a stack of old journals, both of their lives are irrevocably changed. Would you keep a secret that big? Lucy has to decide whether to tell Clay what she knows, and risk losing the man who’s stolen her heart.

2.    It’s set in Ashford, a place your readers know well, can you tell us more about it?

Ashford is a small town in Connecticut, and somehow without much thought, the stories just evolved, all being set in the same location. I think it was mainly due to the fact I couldn’t bear never writing about CeeCee and Lil, again! I love those girls! So Secrets at Maple Syrup Farm is linked, by the town, or by friendships, but is a stand-alone. It was great fun exploring some new characters who are also both new to the tight knit community of Ashford.

3.    What is the inspiration behind called Secrets at the Maple Syrup Farm?

The inspiration for this one came from a conversation with a guy called Graham who reads all my books. He’d looked up the real Ashford on Google Earth, and we were discussing what that town had as opposed to my fictional town. There were a few farms, and bigger rural type properties. That inspired me to think of something to write about on the outskirts of town. So then we got to talking about types of farms, and I thought of maple syrup because it’s such a lovely product to cook with, and the majestic trees are so hauntingly beautiful, and that was it!

4.    Can you tell us more about the main character(s)?

Lucy’s a total sweetheart, who after a recently painful past, wants to escape, discover who she is and what the world has to offer her.

         Clay’s gruff and rugged, with a huge chip on his shoulder, but there’s a lot more to him than meets the eye!

5.    How did you come up with the title of the book?

I thought about the journals and the secrets inside, which allude to a few things in the book, and it came from that.

6.    Imagine Secrets at Maple Syrup Farm would be turned into a movie, whom would you cast for the main characters?

Channing Tatum as Clay (SWOON!) And Jennifer Lawrence as Lucy :)

7.    What do you like most about being a writer?

Great question! All of it! I love when I’m so buried in a book that it encroaches into my real life…I’ve been calling Ashley Clay for weeks now by accident! I adore the writing and reading community, and how I’ve made real friendships with people I’ve never met – but will soon!

8.    When you are reading a book, what are you looking for in an author?

It depends on the style, or genre, but I love flowery, metaphorical writing. Or characters that you want to know more about, and be friends with. I love romantic comedy, and real life situations that you can relate to.

9.    Chocolate or vanilla? Chocolate!

10. Silver or gold? Gold.

11. Cats or dogs? Cats :)

12. Sunrise or sunset? Sunset

13. Classic or modern? Modern

14. Call or text? Text

15. Picnic or nice restaurant? Picnic

16. Bright colors or neutral tones? Bright colours

17. Detailed or abstract? Abstract

About the author

I’m a full time writer from Perth, Australia. Love trying any genre of writing purely to see if I can do it! My debut novella Christmas at the Gingerbread Cafe was published in December 2013 by Carina UK and was an Amazon bestseller in romantic comedy. I’d love to connect with you!

Rebecca on Twitter: @jaxandwillsmum

Website: http://rebeccaraisin.wordpress.com