Spying out the Scottish Castle with Author Olivia Rae

Rip the plaid from yer looms, my readers! We've a castle to spy out. Or in this case, a new author! Olivia Rae has ceased from wandering long enough to chat at my stone fireplace, though the hearth is cold given it's blistering summer (wink), with turkey legs in hand. Her books have the most fascinating backstory, much more interesting that my lame opening, ha! So let's not dilly about, let's dive in!

PT: Olivia Rae, welcome to the Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction. My first thought is motivation. Can you share with the readers your motivation or reason for writing? Throw in  why you write this genre and why?

OR: I love to tell stories. In fact, I started verbally telling stories even before I started writing them. I decided to write Christian fiction because I could share my faith and the love of Christ along with telling a good story. I have always loved history, so writing historical novels seemed a great way to share the knowledge I have gained from studying different times in history.

 

PT: That’s a great reason to write! So do you have a Bible truth that is your mantra for your books?

OR: Though all my books carry a different Biblical message (i.e. A lie is never the answer; man can plan, but God directs). All my books share that salvation that is found through Jesus Christ.

 

PT: Despite the chaos of last year, did you have anything special or moving that occurred/memories made/ rediscoveries?

OR: My children are all grown and live far from me. Usually I see them about once or twice a year. The pandemic has stretched that time into two years. My writing has kept me sane and fought back a lot of depression. I am thankful that God has allowed me to be an independent person. I am thankful for my health and that of my husband’s. I will say I have gotten closer with our church family during this time. Another wonderful blessing.

 

PT: Our church family is so important. What a great support system! Tell us a little about your devotional time.

OR: I usually do my devotions and prayer time early in the morning.  Like in the movie War Room, I have a private closet. I have a long prayer list which I divide up into ten people a day so that I can take the time to say a special prayer for each person on my list. Of course, there are always urgent prayers that need attention daily. I also do a devotion with my husband after dinner. This way I start and end the day with my Lord.

 

PT: What an inspirational plan to stay close, not only to God, but to your husband as well. I, too, love doing my devotion time first thing in the morning. So, do you write on the inside or outside? In an office or random spot? Do you need a snack or no snack? Then, give us a peek into your writing schedule.

OR: I usually write in the morning from 8:00 to noon or 9:00 to 1:00. I am usually up in our loft, which is my office. If I write 1,000 to 1,500 words a day, I think I am doing great. I try to get up every hour and walk around the house. Snack – somedays yes, and others no. Snacking is a mood thing for me. I also set a daily (Monday thru Friday) goal with three other writers. This helps me stay on track.

 

PT: That’s a great schedule! I bet you get a ton of writing done. Can you share the best place you have gone since reopening?

OR: I was able to fly to California to visit my kids.

 

PT: How do you deal with writer’s block or distractions while writing?

OR: I never understood this question until my husband retired. He isn’t the quietest fellow.  If I can’t focus because he is making noise downstairs, I will go in another room to write. One that has a door!

As far as writers block, that only happens to me when the plot isn’t flowing right. At those times I brainstorm with my critique groups. Yes, I have two groups. This always helps me to get back on track.

 

PT: Which is the most trying for you: writing, editing, promoting, or some other thing?

OR: It has to be promotion. I absolutely hate tooting my own horn. I was taught that is a prideful thing and not necessarily a good thing. I have a Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram account, but I don’t post like I should.

 

PT: I’m always curious how writers determine the looks of their characters? How do you do it?

OR: Sometimes if they are real people, history will give me their looks and names. Some character looks are determined by real historical relatives. (I.e. Father had blues eyes so son has blue eyes) Most character looks just come to me as if they are born looking a certain way in my mind.

 

PT: It’s funny how characters just come to be in our own minds, complete with their own looks. Well, tell us a little bit about your new series, The Secret of the Queens.

OR: Back in 2009, I went to England and learned about Lady Jane Grey who was queen of England for

nine days in 1553. Her life was very tragic. Her father and John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland in an attempt to grab the throne forced Jane to become queen. The coup failed and Jane was executed. She was only sixteen.  The first book in series is a “what if” Lady Jane Grey lived.

 PT: What an interesting backstory! Give a us a little bit about the second book, A Life Redeemed?

OR: A Life Redeemed is actually the story of the sister of our hero in book one. Audrey Hayes is contacted by Queen Elizabeth to uncover secrets of treason that are brewing up in Scotland. Audrey goes to Scotland where she meets a mysterious Scottish laird, who has a son of questionable heritage. A heritage that could connect him to the English throne.

 

PT: Oh,my! A Life Redeemed sounds very intriguing. Will there be another book in the Secrets of the Queens series?

OR: Yes, one more. Thomas the young boy in book two is all grown up and will be leading us all on a merry chase. Through England, Scotland, and the Malabar Coast.

 

PT: It sounds like a series our reader won’t want to miss! Now, we’re at my favorite part. Tell us five things fast about Olivia Rae that have nothing to do with writing?

OR:

I love to hike. I love our national parks.

I love to take convertible rides.

I have a wanderlust spirit though I have been married for 43 years.

I hate snow, but live in Wisconsin.

Every trip I take must have a castle or a fort or I am not going.

 

PT: Hiking, no snow and add a castle, got it! What is on the horizon for your next book?

OR: I am working on book three for my Secrets of the Queen series. After that, who knows?

PT: Olivia Rae, it was so good to have you’re here on the Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction! Here's Olivia's links so you can check out more info about her and her fabulous books:

Website:  http://www.oliviaraebooks.com

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/oliviaraebooks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oliviaraeauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliviaraebooks/

Buy Link: A Life Redeemed: https://amzn.to/2UZKlrc

Buy Link: A Life Renewed: https://amzn.to/3fg7Seb

Olivia Rae is giving away a SIGNED copy of her new book, A Life Redeemed!

Don't miss your chance. To enter the contest, leave a comment, and your email, or you may enter your email in our contact form. 

Don't forget to:

Author Bio:

Olivia Rae is an award-winning author of historical and contemporary inspirational romance. She spent her school days dreaming of knights, princesses and far away kingdoms; it made those long days in the classroom go by much faster. After becoming a teacher, she decided to breathe a little more life into her childhood stories.

 Olivia is the winner of the Angel Awards, Book Buyer’s Best Award, Southern Magic Award, New England Readers’ Choice Award, the Golden Quill Award, the American Fiction Award, and the Illumination Awards.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I hope you enjoyed this interview! Please follow Peggy Trotter and subscribe to her newsletter @https://www.peggytrotter.com/. P.S: Don't miss her new Release, The Misfit Bride.