Historical Romance Author Rie McGaha Discusses Her Newest Book "Cross The Line"

 Scribal Love Welcomes Rie McGaha




Rie McGaha is an author of romance in various sub-genres.  Her newest work Cross The Line is available from Solstice Publishing.

What is the name of your latest book?  And how did you come up with the title?

Cross The Line is a historical interracial romance set just after the American Civil War when mixed race relationships were not socially acceptable. The title came naturally from this concept because many lines are crossed in this one.

What is this book about?  And what genre is this book in?
This is the story of the daughter of a former plantation owner and a former slave. It's a historical romance but also a family saga.


Who are the main characters?  And why did you choose them?

Carrie Ann Robertson is the daughter of a former plantation owner who finds herself alone in Indian Territory, fending for herself. Noah Mosely is a former slave who ran away from the plantation and was taken in by an Indian tribe and taught how to live in the wilderness.

I love American history, especially the 1800's. This country was undergoing tremendous change during that time, had fought numerous wars, and following the Civil War came a period of time known as the Indian Wars. Knowing that many slave owners had relations with female slaves, I wondered how many other relationships between the races went on in secret. The logical place to go was between a slave owner's daughter and a slave.

What is the coolest or best part about your book?  (Any Favorite scenes, the world-building etc..
I spent about five years writing this book and it's my own personal favorite, so I think the whole thing is the best part! I actually have two favorite parts. The first is when Carrie and Noah finally acknowledge their feelings for one another and give in to them, and the second comes at the end of the book between two other characters.

Do you have a favorite character in the book?  If so, why?

I have a number of favorite characters in this story. It's chock full of actual people who lived then with my characters inserted into their lives, and some of their lives altered to fit my story, so I like them all. I suppose Carrie would be my single favorite because she is so strong and determined.


Is this book part of a series?  If so? What can we expect in future books?  

No, this one is complete within itself, so no sequel.

If not?  Are you considering expanding it?

No, I'm not. I don't particularly like writing sequels. I like my stories to all be wrapped up by the end.

If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in this book?
 
I don't think so. Of course, I could go over every book I've written and continue to edit them forever because I am never really satisfied with the finished product. I always think I could do better. But there comes a point when the story is told and that's that.
 
 

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

As far as American history goes, I did. I got to dig into a lot of areas I hadn't researched in quite some time, like Chief Quanah Parker, and a few other chiefs I wasn't really familiar with before. In fact, I kind of got lost in the research on some days and just read as much as I could get my hands on about the Civil War and Indian Wars.

Do you have a publisher?  And if so, why did you choose them?  
I am published by several different publishers. I try to choose publishers based on who they've published in the past, what genres they publish, their flexibility and their editing staff. I love being edited, and I love killer editors—the ones who will get in there and just rip a new in the story. It makes me a better writer and I enjoy that process.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?

Ann Rice and James Patterson.

What books are you reading now?  

I rarely get the chance to read anymore because I have so many other things going on but whenever James Patterson has a new Alex Cross book out, all things stop so I can read.

What are the current writing projects that you are working on?

I have a book coming out in March with eXcessica publishing called One Good Man. This is a contemporary romance set in Biloxi, Mississippi. It's about a woman named Allison, who is a big girl who thinks men only admire her brains and no one is interested in her body. When a hot and handsome playboy, who just happens to be the boss's son, begins flirting with her, she thinks he pities her and is just playing around. Allison and Stephen have the same self-image problem, just at opposite ends of the spectrum.

I'm also co-writing a paranormal/time travel with author Gracen Miller.

 
Do you write full time?  If not, do you hope to do so one day?

Well, I'm on the computer full time! :)  

I am a full time writer but that sounds like I'm pounding away on a new story all day long and I'm really not. I do spend a good portion of my time with promotions, like this interview. But I also write two monthly articles for The Pagan & The Pen; one is called The Eggshell Effect, about domestic violence, and the other is What Women Want/What Men Need, about relationships between the genders. I also have three blogs that I interview other authors on, and I'm the review coordinator/editor for The Pagan & The Pen Book Reviews. I'm also a freelance editor, and I'm currently editing a historical ten book series by Amanda A. Brooks.

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I've always written stories since I was old enough to make my letters. I was born a writer and have always wanted to be an author for as long as I can remember.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Besides the discipline to sit down and write?

Do you have any advice for other writers seeking to get published for the first time?
Research the publishers, make sure you follow their guidelines to the letter, and polish, polish, polish that manuscript.


Thank You Rie For Dropping by!  

You can find her on the web at:

Author Website: http://www.riemcgaha.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/Rie_McGaha

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RieMcGaha

My Space: www.myspace.com/novelsbyrie

You Tube: http://www.youtube.com/novelsbyriemcgaha

Yahoo Group: www.groups.yahoo.com/eroticpromo

Blog: http://riemcgaha.wordpress.com/

Sizzling Releases  http://sizzlingreleases.blogspot.com/

An Author's Tale:  http://anauthorstale.blogspot.com/

Author Offerings  http://authorofferings.blogspot.com/

Men In The Spotlight http://spotlightauthor.blogspot.com/

Manic Readers http://www.manicreaders.com/RieMcGaha/

TRS Blue http://theromancestudio.com/fm/rmcgaha.htm