1. Introduce yourself; who are you and what types of books do you write?
Hello! I’m Rachel Corsini. I’m a New York City ELA teacher for students who are under-credited and over-age, coffee addict, ballerina, and love to crochet plush toys. I write women’s fiction with heavy romance.
2. What are your books about?
My books revolve around the Millennial female experience in life, love, and friendships. I think it’s a very dear perspective for me, because I’m a Millennial myself and I’ve seen and experienced a lot of the struggles that many of my main characters are going through. Women in their thirties is definitely the target market for my stories.
3. What was the inspiration behind writing your first book?
The inspiration for my first book is heavily inspired by my own life. I was going through a very difficult emotional time and I channeled all of that energy into Daniela, the MC from Sushi and Sea Lions. I used her story to help me cope. She’s very much like me, though not an entire self-insert.
4. What did you learn while writing your second book?
I’m currently in the process of writing my second book. If I have learned anything it’s that no two books are written the same way. The way the second book is shaping up or being drafted is far different than the way Sushi and Sea Lions was. I’m also dealing with heavier subject matter and am trying to find a balance.
5. What is the most rewarding part of being an author?
For me, it’s having people discover my writing and enjoy the story. It’s that simple.
6. What elements do you think make for a good story?
Drama. A character you can root for. A little bit of humor. And, for me, a happy ending. That’s not to say there aren’t many good stories that have horrible endings, I just prefer a happy one these days.
7. What is the hardest part of being an author for you?
Finishing a draft, ha! I’m not kidding. I am always on the struggle bus when it comes to the first draft. Once that draft is done, I can focus on the editing and really get the story where I want it.
8. What is your current writing project?
My current project is a standalone connected to Sushi and Sea Lions. It’s about Daniela’s best friend Tricia. They are polar opposite characters so that’s been interesting to write. Tricia is more pragmatic and logical in her thinking. She enjoys lists which is departure from Daniela who kind of wings it.
9. What is the best writing advice you’ve ever received?
Write what you know. I didn’t realize how valuable this was until I actually finished a novel. There is a lot of wisdom in that. That’s not to say you can’t explore the unknown but a think a piece of you is in everything you write so a connection is necessary to feel real and authentic to a reader.
10. Where can readers discover more about you and your books?
You can find me on pretty much any social media platform with the handle @madameraerae and you can find Sushi and Sea Lions here: https://books2read.com/u/bONod9