My second summer author interview is here and I am thrilled that I got to interview the sweetest local author I know! I met Rachel at my first Cape Con in 2016 and her sunny air and bright smile made me feel at ease from the start. We chatted easily and her tender love for her students, husband, animals, and literature shone a dazzling gold and I knew right away I had made a friend.  Now, Rachel is a doll and when I am at a con in the area, she always comes to see me and we have a delight catching up.  She supports me as much as I encourage her and her love for fairy tales maybe bigger than mine!

You will love this flower as much as I do! Now, let’s meet her: Mrs. Rachel Stiber!

Author to Author Q and A

Created by: Morgan Straughan Comnick

• Where did you grow up? Did your childhood have any impact on your writing?

I grew up in a town in Southeast Missouri, the same town in which I now reside. I have lived here all my life. I spent several years of my childhood without a television; therefore, I pursued reading and writing to entertain myself.

• Tell us about the first story you ever wrote, published or not?

I wrote my first story when I was in the fifth grade. It focused on a girl who wanted a bicycle for Christmas. One of my friends illustrated it for me. My mother still has the story filed with my old schoolwork.

• What are you currently working on, writing wise?

Currently, I am working on the sequel to Elise’s Choice, a couple of short stories, and another novel that focuses on a schoolteacher in an old western town.

• What is your favorite character you have ever created and why?

Elise from Elise’s Choice is my favorite character that I have created because of her strength and compassion.

• Do you have to write in order or do your ideas just come to you and you put them in order later?

I am definitely a planner rather than a “pantser”, and I have to write everything in sequential order.

• What was your path like until you found writing?

I discovered a love for reading and writing at an early age; I told verbal stories before I could actually write. I truly don’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing something.

• How is your relationship with your publishing company?

The company who originally published Elise’s Choice closed in 2015, and returned all marketing and documents to me. Since I haven’t published anything since Elise’s Choice, I am technically self-published at this time.

• Tell us about your covers.

The publisher at the time of Elise’s Choice’s publication created the book cover after reading the novel, and I immediately loved it! It perfectly represented the protagonist, Elise.

• What inspires you to write?

Writing inspiration is everywhere: nature, photographs, artwork, quotes, people. All it takes is an open mind and observation.

• How do you get book reviews?

Most of my reviews come from beta readers and bloggers.

• What is harder: writing, editing, or marketing?

I find marketing the most difficult. I enjoy writing and editing, but I really do not enjoy marketing.

• If you could publish every book idea you’ve ever had, how many books would you have out right now?

I would probably have thousands of books out right now, and I’m not sure that would be a good thing!

• Have you ever considered co-writing a book or series with another author?

I would enjoy co-writing. I mentioned it to a friend once, but she didn’t take me up on the idea.

• What do you do to relax?

I read, work on my bullet journal, and craft.

• If you could tell your 14-year-old self one thing, what would it be?

Follow you heart without fear.

• What advice would you have for this upcoming generation?

Work hard, but slow down to appreciate the small things in life.

• Have you ever read a book that changed your outlook on life?

The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka and The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom changed my outlook on life.

• Do you have a classic piece of literature or a classic author you are fond of? How about one that is overrated?

I absolutely love Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte; I’ve read it almost twenty times. However, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen in overrated; I’ve yet to get through it once. I enjoyed the mini-series of Pride and Prejudice, though.

• Any type of music that gets your writing juices flowing?

I like listening to classical music and film scores while I write.

• If you could pick three people who are your heroes or role models, who would they be and why?

I would choose St. Francis of Assisi, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Malala Yousafzai for their compassion, strength, and courage.

• Dog or cat person?

Both; I am an all-inclusive animal person!

• What do you want to eat right now?

Ice cream; always ice cream!

• If you could be in any movie that has already been made, which one would it be?

I would like to be an Avenger!

• What is your favorite holiday or time of year?

I love Christmas, but my favorite time of year is spring.

• Anything else you would like to add?

Thank you for interviewing me! It’s been a blast!

About the Book:

Elise’s Choice

A stranger
A legend
A choice that will change Elise’s world

Elise and her best friend Anton grew up in the medieval village of Petheralm, where life, though hard, is good. When a stranger arrives in her village injured and unconscious, his handsome face and sweet demeanor captivate Elise.

However, according to ancient legend, the forest surrounding their small town is enchanted, and any stranger unworthy to enter the village would be stopped there. The village, leery of the stranger, wants nothing more than for him to leave.

Elise pays no mind to the silly legend, and is shocked to discover that he’s no ordinary peasant as everyone first thought. Before the stranger is strong enough to leave Petheralm, she is forced to make a startling choice between following her dreams and following her heart. Although Elise feels strongly that she made the correct choice, the day soon comes when she and everyone she loves must deal with the repercussions of her choice.

You can get your copy on Amazon:

About the Author:

Rachel M. Stiber lives in a small town in rural Missouri with her husband, three rambunctious cats, and a lovable dog. She has the privilege of teaching English Language Arts to seventh grade students at the local junior high. She loves to read and bake too!

Learn more about Mrs. Stiber on her website: Rachel’s Ramblings: