The Write Stuff with... Rachel Dove

Today it's my pleasure to be handing over the blog to author Rachel Dove to talk about her top tips for writing a series, book 2 in her series The Flower Shop on Foxley St. is out this Wednesday.

When I entered the Prima magazine/Mills & Boon Flirty Fiction competition in January 2015, I had no idea that in summer 2017 I would be releasing book 2 in the series, and writing the next. The Chic Boutique on Baker Street was solely about two rival store owners in a small village originally, and then it grew from there.

Writing a series for me has been like writing a diary, a recollection of events that seem real about characters I feel I actually know. It struck me as odd sometimes when authors spoke of characters doing their own thing in their books, but I totally understand that now. Some characters, like the irrepressible Agatha Taylor (nee Mayweather) never shut up. She seems like the inner voice in my head now, and I wouldn't wish her away. I have written other novels that are separate to the Westfield series, but I must admit going back to Westfield feels a little like coming home.

Here are my top 5 tips for writing a series - I hope they help other budding authors out there!

Author Interview: Rachel Dove

Earlier today Emma reviewed The Chic Boutique on Baker Street for the first part of our blog tour stop and now it's my pleasure to welcome Rachel Dove to the blog for a chat.

Can you tell us a little bit about your new book The Chic Boutique on Baker Street?
The Chic Boutique on Baker Street is about starting again, about realising what you want from life, and going for it. Sometimes, we are on a path, but it changes without us wanting it to, or being able to prevent it, and we have to roll with the punches. Ben and Amanda both had their lives planned out, but were they happy? This book explores those paths and how they alter. 

What inspired you to set this story in a rural countryside village instead of a town or city where you'd typically expect to see a boutique? 
I love the country, I like the idea of slowing down life, away from the hustle and bustle. The boutique is Amanda's input into village life, a bit of city influence, and it causes somewhat of a kerfuffle! 

The Chic Boutique on Baker Street won the Prima Flirty Fiction competition earning you a publishing deal with Mills and Boon, can you recall the exact moment you got the news that you'd won? 
Yes, I was at work! I happened to notice an email from Prima, and I had to wait till break to contact them! I hid from my students and jumped around outside the classroom, before I had to compose myself and finish teaching! Luckily, I had amazing students who didn't notice my distracted state that day! I didn't drive home, I flew home on a cloud.

If The Chic Boutique on Baker Street was to be made into a TV series, who would you like to see cast as the central characters?
I have been asked this before, but I always struggle for Amanda Perry, as the Amanda in my head is so defined. I really rate James Norton, his acting is amazing and I think he would make a fantastic Ben Evans. Amanda I would say (after great discussion over a coffee with a friend) that Felicity Jones would be a good fit. I loved her in Northanger Abbey. Agatha Mayweather would have to be the fabulous Judi Dench or Maggie Jones, and Taylor, who I love dearly as a character, I can't cast at all! He lives too firmly in my imagination I think. 

Emma's Review: The Chic Boutique on Baker Street by Rachel Dove

Reviewed by Emma Crowley

The perfect escape to the country…

Recently single and tired of the London rat race Amanda is determined to make her dreams of setting up an idyllic countryside boutique come true, and the picturesque village of West¬field is the perfect place to make a fresh start.

Local vet Ben is the golden boy of West¬field, especially to resident gossip Agatha Mayweather, who is determined to help Ben get his life back together after his wife left.

When a chance encounter outside the ‘chic boutique’ sets sparks flying between Amanda and Ben, Agatha is itching to set them up. But are Amanda and Ben really ready for romance?

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