Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rebecca Talley. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Rebecca thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

I have always loved to write stories. When I was young, I loved creating books. When I was very young, my mother self-published a book of poetry and I illustrated it. Though I enjoyed drawing, my heart was in creating worlds with words. I love to create realistic characters, give them an obstacle to overcome, and watch how the story unfolds.

I have focused on writing romances because I believe everyone deserves a happily-ever-after. My niche is writing clean and wholesome romance, which means I focus on building a relationship between the characters that culminates in kissing, but nothing more. Although I have written stories about heavy topics, I don’t include any graphic scenes, My readers want to enjoy a fun, uplifting story about two people falling in love, so that’s what I focus on.

I want to write stories that uplift and inspire while also dealing with difficult topics. One of my books is about a woman who discovers she’s pregnant with a baby with Down syndrome and her struggle with the diagnosis. I wanted to present that story in an uplifting way.

I also write purely fun stories that readers can enjoy while sitting on the beach or next to the pool. I try to include funny scenes and witty banter between characters.

I decided to write uplifting and inspirational romances because real life is hard enough, and when I read books, I want to immerse myself in something fun and flirty. When I finish the last page, I want to be smiling. That’s how I want my readers to feel as well. I want them to finish my books with a smile. During the course of the story, I want them to swoon and laugh and feel good and forget their troubles for a little while.

When I first began writing, there wasn’t a big market for clean and wholesome romance, but over the years it has developed into a category on Amazon thanks to many other authors who also write clean and wholesome romance.

I’ve had my books traditionally published as well as indie published. I think there are pros and cons to both. I see myself as a hybrid author and would like to publish more books traditionally while also self-publishing other books.

For those who dream of writing a novel, go for it! I just keep dreaming and writing!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My brand is clean and wholesome romance. I know there are readers who enjoy the fun and flirty banter of characters who are getting to know each other without the bedroom scenes.

I like to create realistic, compelling characters who aren’t necessarily looking for love, but find it in unexpected ways. I have characters who found love at a high school reunion, on a cruise ship, while getting a car towed, at a snowed-in airport, while taking a loved one to speech therapy, and while working on an advertising campaign.

I like to think of my books as a way for readers to escape the dishes, laundry, work projects, and cleaning the house for a little while. I want readers to feel like these characters are real people who are trying to navigate life.. Many of my books are based on my own personal experiences and what I learned from them.

I want readers to feel good when they read my books, but also see the world a little differently.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

My most rewarding aspect is when a reader reaches out to tell me how my book impacted their life. I love to hear from readers and how they felt about the book I wrote. It’s so rewarding to have a story that’s been in my head and heart finally make it to the page and then have it uplift someone else.

I have a son with Down syndrome and I’ve written stories about my experience in hopes that others will see people with special needs in. a more positive light. Writing a story with characters dealing with a Down syndrome diagnosis has been both cathartic and enlightening. I’ve had numerous conversations with readers about Down syndrome and I hope my books have helped dispel stereotypes.

Being an author is hard, exhausting, disappointing, terrifying, and challenging, but I love it. Being able to share stories and ideas with readers who enjoy them is amazing. Seeing my stories in print is awesome. The difference between being a published and unpublished author is persistence and I’ve learned that I am very persistent.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

If you are a published author, you are resilient. This business is fraught with rejection, rejection, rejection. It takes a lot of resilience to continue to submit a book to agents or publishers after receiving rejection after rejection.

It also takes a lot of resilience to keep writing after reading reviews of books I’ve poured my heart and soul into. Reviewers can be harsh. When I published my first book, I was devastated by a review. I decided I wasn’t ever going to write again. That lasted for a few days. I picked myself up and started writing again. I’ve since published over a dozen novels.

I am currently trying to find an agent for a middle grade novel about a girl who befriends a boy with Down syndrome and how it changes her. I have submitted this book to agents and publishers and have received rejections, but I keep submitting it because I believe so much in this story and how transformative it could be for those who read it. I’m passionate about helping others learn that people with Down syndrome have hopes, dreams, and talents. They can be valuable friends and make life better. It has taken resilience and courage for me to keep submitting this story.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.rebeccatalley.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rebeccatalleyauthor
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebeccatalleyauthor

Image Credits

Malae Talley photo credit