Love2Read

Today is the first day of the project Talk2Me. In this project, I will interview authors and share with you their stories.

The first author to enter the Talk2Me project is Sommer Rae. A young and powerful woman with a life story that captivates, intrigues, and inspires everyone.
I was honored to meet her and talk with her a little about her and her upcoming book that will be published this summer.

First and foremost, tell me about yourself.

My name is Sommer Rae, 28 years old. A disabled mother of three and indie author of 4 books so far. All four books can be found on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited.

Do you have any author pages, where your readers can be updated?

They can follow me on both Instagram and TikTok @sommer.rae.author. I also have a TikTok focused on mental health that I just started recently. You can find it on @itgethbetteryall.

What is your book called? And can you share a brief synopsis?

It is called Righteous Precipice.

Righteous Precipice is a fantasy/horror/romance that is preparing to release this year. It features fallen angels, demons, celestials and follows the story of a fallen angel and right-hand man of the Prince of the Underworld named Erik. Erik is thrust into an evil plot he was not expecting, centered around the young human woman, Reagan. Reagan’s life is a tragedy Erik was unprepared for, and when she can see him- everything he knows begins to change.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve been writing here and there since I was a teen, but I didn’t complete and publish a book until 2020 when I began using writing as a coping skill for mental health issues.

How old were you when you published your book and how is it called?

I was 26 and it’s called Hollow: Into the Veil, a fantasy/romance novel.

What does your family think about your writing?

My husband is very supportive, and he’s always the first to let me know when I need to take a break. My kids think it’s cool too. The first person to ever buy my book was my grandma.

Out of the books you have written, which one is your favourite?

Definitely Righteous Precipice. It has helped me work through an insane amount of trauma, and I hope it helps someone else, too.

What inspires you to write?

I like running with classic fairytales or myths and using music as further inspiration.

As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?

I wanted to be a teacher. When I was in high school I decided I wanted to be a theater teacher but changed my major at the last minute when I enrolled in college.

What is the first book that made you cry?

A court of mist and fury by Sarah J Maas.

Do you view writing as a kind of a spiritual practice?

Oh definitely. The way the words can flow like purging the body of poison is amazing.

How do you select the names of your characters?

Sometimes they tell me, other times I kinda just pluck them from existence. I rarely use a name generator unless I’ve come up with a name I need a surname for.

What do you think makes a good story?

Realistic characters. Your mc should have realistic reactions to what is happening, create doubts and everything. The more human your characters seem (even if they aren’t) the more your readers can connect with them. Give them likes and dislikes and traumas and fears. Give them quirks and give them toxic traits. We are all human. Good characters are a foundation for a great story

Does writing energizes or exhausts you?

Both at the same time. It’s like I feel better and better but more tired afterward.

If you could tell your younger self anything, what would it be?

To be my most authentic self and not care what anyone thinks or says. That it’s safe to do so.

One more question, before our farewells. What advice do you have for the aspiring writers that read this interview?

Write. Even if you don’t feel it’s good enough. Write. Even if you’re scared. Write. Write about fantasy, romance, or history. Write about yourself or someone else. Use your life experiences to fill in the blanks, and then share it with the world- because I guarantee someone out there NEEDS to read your work. Even if it’s just one person.

Many thanks to this sweet young lady, who agreed to be my “guinea pig” and be the first author to start the Talk2Me project. It was a pleasure to meet her and hear about her story. I am looking forward to reading her book and her other works. I would highly recommend you to read them too. It was a pleasure to meet her and hear about her ongoing journey.