The Heart of the Story: A Character-Driven Debut Novel with Author Rachel Stone
- The Heart of the Story: A Character-Driven Debut Novel with Author Rachel Stone Teri M Brown 36:00
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Rachel Stone, author of the book, The Blue Iris, her debut novel. She writes stories about hope and redemption, often set against vibrant Canadian backdrops. Her writing placed first in the 2022 OBOA Writing Contest and has appeared in international literary and visual arts magazines, journals and blogs. Rachel holds degrees in psychology and industrial relations, and once worked seven summers at a flower market. She lives near Toronto with her family, and on weekends you’ll find her along the shore of Georgian Bay, belting nineties pop rock off-key from her paddleboard.
In my book review of The Blue Iris, I stated that I love great character development, and Rachel Stone did not disappoint. I immediately fell in love with Tessa, a young woman haunted by her past and struggling to find her “big” in life. I enjoyed how Tessa was like all of us – bold sometimes and timid at others, sure of herself and doubtful, ready to tackle life and wanting to hide under the covers. Because she was so real, I connected with her immediately.
However, Rachel did more than create one great character. She created a host of characters and provided them with their own points of view in the story. I gasped at her future in-laws, wondered at her fiancé, rooted for Luke, cried over Sam and Charlie, shook my head over Tony, and ached for Darryl. I hated to finish the last page knowing that these lives would no longer be part of mine.
Rachel Stone did an amazing job on her first novel. I can’t wait to see what she brings to the table next.
You can follow Author Rachel Stone:
Website: www.rachelstoneauthor.com
LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/rachelstoneauthor
Instagram: @racheystone
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100030081772132
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/96565236-rachel-stone
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com
FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor
IG: @terimbrown_author
X: @terimbrown1
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