Interview with an Author: Rose McClelland
Our September guest is Rose McClelland. Keep reading all the way through for a giveaway opportunity with her new book!
Under your Skin is Rose’s fourth novel. Her previous three novels were romantic fiction published by Crooked Cat. She has made the genre jump from “chick lit” to psychological thriller and is enjoying delving into a darker corner of her mind!
Rose has also written two short plays which were performed in the Black Box theatre in Belfast. She discusses book reviews on her You Tube channel and writes theatre reviews for her blog.
She loves nothing more than curling up with her cats and a good book. She has two rescue cats – Toots, who is ginger with an inquisitive face and Soots, who is black and hops along on his 3 legs looking ever so cute.
If you would like to purchase Rose McClelland’s book, Under Your Skin, you can find a copy here.
Tell us a little about your writing journey. Have you always wanted to be a writer?
Yes, I did! I remember at the age of 10, telling my mum that I wanted to be a writer. I was always scribbling stories in my teens. I studied English & Drama at University and then went on to do various creative writing courses. Finally, I sat down one day and started writing my first novel. Then the roller coaster journey began of trying to get an agent and a publisher!
Was there a certain point you remember where you felt empowered to call yourself a writer? Or have you always felt like you were a writer?
When I held the paperback copy of my first novel in my hands, it felt like real tangible proof that I was a writer. Even though, in reality, I had been taking my writing seriously for a good six years before that point.
“When I held the paperback copy of my first novel in my hands, it felt like real tangible proof that I was a writer.”
Where did your idea for your novel, Under Your Skin, come from?
I began working from home a few years ago. I had no idea how difficult the transition would be and how much it would affect my mental health. I missed the social interaction with my colleagues and the physical exercise. Suddenly, it was just me and the four walls. I began to wonder what it would be like if I was trapped indoors all the time, with no option to get outside. That’s when the character of Hannah came into my mind. She was trapped in a basement. Why? Who put her there?
I understand you have 3 other novels before this one. That’s impressive! Could you tell us a little about them?
Thank you! My first three novels come under the genre of romantic fiction. They have a much lighter feel with some comedy thrown in. However, I was always keen to write strong, independent female characters. By the third novel, I noticed that my genre tastes were shifting to a darker, grittier feel. I decided to try trying a psychological thriller and I’m glad I did – I loved writing it!
How was it different writing a thriller novel versus a more traditional romance novel?
In some respects, the process of writing was the same. I set myself the same targets, had similar word count goals and allocated myself the same writing session time. However, I probably spent more time on plotting and planning. And of course, I had to tap into a darker side of my mind!
“I tend to distance myself emotionally from the scene. It’s almost as if I’m in a theatre audience watching the play unfold on stage. ”
Some of the themes of Under Your Skin are pretty heavy - such as domestic violence and addiction - how did it feel to write?
There was one scene in particular that I found quite disturbing to write. However, I do tend to distance myself emotionally from the scene. It’s almost as if I’m in a theatre audience watching the play unfold on stage.
When I’m finished writing, I put the notes away and do something relaxing for the rest of the day. I can enjoy the day guilt free when I know I’ve put the work in!
Describe your writing and/or creative process.
My writing sessions are always in the morning. I’m more clear-headed and can concentrate better (after I’ve had a coffee of course!). I get up, get showered, and have a decent breakfast to fuel my brain. Then I switch my phone off to avoid any distractions. I sit at my desk and allocate myself a certain time limit, where I will focus entirely on the next chapter.
“When I start writing, I notice that there is a negative voice on one shoulder which likes to criticize every word. I have learned to ignore that voice and tell myself that this is just a first draft.”
When I start writing, I notice that there is a negative voice on one shoulder which likes to criticize every word. I have learned to ignore that voice and tell myself that this is just a first draft. That enables me to keep writing until I have achieved my word count goal.
After I’ve finished my session, I put the notes away and forget about it until the next day!
Describe your biggest writing obstacle(s) and how you overcame it.
I’ve had many rejections from agents and publishers. I’ve huffed, puffed, felt depressed for a few days/weeks and told myself that I’m giving up on writing. Then I’ve picked myself up and submitted again.
I think you have to remember that agents and publishers are completely overwhelmed by the number of submissions. You just have to keep trying and one day there will be a publisher who has an opening for a new book. In the meantime, you can keep honing your craft and doing what you love – writing!
What is the part of your published work(s) or writing process you are most proud of?
I think my first novel will always hold a special place in my heart. It was absolutely wonderful to see The Break Up Test in such a gorgeous paperback copy. I felt incredibly proud to call myself a published author.
“I think a writer is always most proud of their most recent book. It is the one that is fresh in the mind.”
However, I think a writer is always most proud of their most recent book. It is the one that is fresh in the mind. I’m currently writing my fifth book and I’m really enjoying getting to know the characters.
How do you typically promote your work and find your audience?
I think that Twitter and Instagram are the best platforms for attracting like-minded readers. It’s important to have a one click link to the book so that it’s easy for people to find you on Amazon. I schedule tweets and Instagram posts via Hootsuite and I find that really effective.
What motivates you to keep writing?
I’ve had periods where I felt too overwhelmed by the competition involved and I haven’t written a word. That actually makes me feel worse when I’m doing nothing.
“When I set myself small goals for the day and I work towards my dreams, it gives me a good feeling.”
When I set myself small goals for the day and I work towards my dreams, it gives me a good feeling. I can relax better in the evening if I know I’ve had a productive day.
What is the biggest piece of advice you would give to aspiring writers?
Ask yourself: is there one small step you could take today towards achieving your dream? Now do that one thing.
Then take a guilt-free rest knowing that you have done your best today. Keep doing that, every day.
If you would like to purchase Rose McClelland’s latest book, Under Your Skin, you can find a copy here.
If you know an author (or of an author) you would love to read an interview with, email me at rachel@capturingyourconfidence.com!