Passion For Fantasy Led Rawlings to Debut Novel

Aberdeen resident Rachel Rawlings says her love of science and fantasy literature began when she was a child.

Eventually it grew into a passion for writing short stories. It is that same passion that has led Rawlings to publish her first novel, “The Morrigna: A Maurin Kincaide Novel.”

Although Rawlings spends most of her days working alongside her mother at , the Havre de Grace beauty shop in which they are partners, she finds time for writing fantasy tales. Patch caught up with the new author to talk about her recent success.

Patch: What is it that inspired you to write?
RR: I am inspired by both mythology and true historical events. I have an encyclopedia of mythical monsters and creatures from different cultures and religions that I love just flipping through. I’ve gotten a lot of ideas from that book. Music is also a huge inspiration for me.   

Patch: What part of your work are you most proud of and why?
RR: Definitely my first novel. I began and then stopped a few different stories, but this was the first I was passionate enough about to take to the end. It’s a feeling of accomplishment.

Patch: Where can people purchase your novel?
RR: The Morrigna is available in print at Amazon, in e-reader format for 99 cents for the Kindle and the Nook and can also be special ordered through most major book retailers.

Patch: Who has helped you most in getting your first novel completed and published?
RR: My husband, Matthew, and my best friend have been a huge help. They’ve read and re-read my novel, offering honest feedback. They’re also great sounding boards for my ideas and help with research when I can’t find what I’m looking for.

Patch: Can you describe what you love most about writing?
RR: I love words! Writing is an escape for me. It’s like you can create an entire world with just a few great sentences and take so many people there with you. Fantasy is especially fun because I can really step outside of the box. If it doesn’t apply in real life, it doesn’t really matter in fantasy writing, as long as it fits into the world you’ve created and is believable by the reader. Almost anything goes!

Patch: Do you have another novel in store for readers?
RR: I have a lot in store for my heroine Maurin Kincaide. I’m currently working on Witch Hunt, which is the second book in The Maurin Kincaide Series, with book three already mapped out in my head. I love the characters and world I have created for them to live in and I’m hoping the adventures will continue for a long time.