Welcome to BookEnds, Rochelle Weinstein!
- By: admin | Date: Apr 21 2017
I couldn’t be more thrilled to welcome women’s fiction author Rochelle Weinstein to the BookEnds team!
I haven’t shared this with Rochelle before, but the night I read her submission I’d just traveled home from a family funeral in Pennsylvania. I was physically and emotionally exhausted, but I was so excited to see her manuscript had arrived, that I started reading immediately. And I read and read and read and ended up finishing the book late that night. I was completely invested in those characters, and I knew that given what a long day I’d had, the fact that I hadn’t been able to put it down meant that this book was truly something special.
Rochelle had previously written three other women’s fiction novels. She successfully self-published WHAT WE LEAVE BEHIND and THE MOURNING AFTER and then released WHERE WE FALL with Lake Union Publishing. So while she was mulling over my offer, I went back and downloaded one of her previous books and again found myself up until the wee hours of the morning. She gave me two unputdownable reads in the space of a week, so I was elated when she accepted my offer of representation!
Now, I’m very happy to introduce Rochelle to all of you!
Tell us a bit about your writing process. Where do you write, and how often?
I write every day while the kids are at school. I tend to get distracted and restless at times and need to change my environment throughout the day meaning I can often write on multiple computers in multiple rooms upstairs and downstairs. It’s almost like exercising.
What do you love about writing women’s fiction?
The universal appeal—touching women’s lives with my words. I write with a lot of heart so many of the stories touch me deeply, on a personal level, and if I can share the wisdom with readers it’s most worthwhile.
What book do you wish you had written, and why?
Fifty Shades…Ha….I wish I had written A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara. The book was both beautiful and haunting. I cried myself to sleep upon completion and still think about Jude. That’s the mark you want to leave on readers.
If you’re not reading or writing, what would we catch you doing?
Spending time with my family and our two dogs. Hiking, pilates, yoga, long walks, mindless TV, shuttling between lacrosse and track meets, lazing on the beach, and creating plots in my head while participating in these activities.
Do you belong to any writing organizations?
RWA and WFWA
Where can readers find you on the web and social media?
Twitter: @rochwein
Instagram: @rochwein
What’s the last book you read?
I Liked My Life, Abby Fabiaschi
If money were no object, what would be your dream writing location?
Wherever my family is nearby.
What’s your favorite quote about reading or writing?
“If you love someone, set them free. If you hate someone, set them free. Basically set everyone free and read books. People are irritating.”
What’s your favorite piece of writing advice you’ve received?
Never Give Up.
Write your query before you sit down to write your book.
Plotter or pantster?
A little of both. My characters always take me places I could never dream possible.
Synopses, love them or hate ‘em?
Despise.
Do you have a writing playlist or a vision board? If so, what’s on them?
Vision Board. Pictures of famous people who resemble my characters.
Do you get inspiration from any TV shows or movies? If so, which ones?
Any art form that moves me to tears –music, movies, and film—inspire me.
Drink of choice when writing? When not writing?
I have never had coffee in my life! I drink water and wine. There’s no in between!
What excites you most about joining the BookEnds family?
As an avid book reader and later author, I have always cherished reading the acknowledgments, hoping that one day I might be able to thank my own agent with as much enthusiasm and gratitude. Through all those words of praise, I knew exactly what I was looking for in an agent/author relationship, and I found it in BookEnds and Kim. I’ll be excited to let the team know of my thankfulness when I pen those acknowledgements.
What advice would you give to other authors in the query trenches?
There are many ways to see your work in print. Be creative and wise when querying. Do your research, and most importantly, have a professionally polished ms. It is the greatest investment you’ll ever make and one that will help in the ultimate marketing of your book.
If you could meet any author, living or dead, who would you want to meet and why?
Judy Blume and/or Danielle Steele. I devoured their books as a child and in many ways, they raised me.
I feel so privileged to have you on my team, Rochelle!! — Kim
It’s fascinating you were self-published first, Rochelle. I’ve heard a lot of stories about why you shouldn’t self-publish if you want to eventually be traditionally published, so nice to see there are some successful transition stories out there!
Thank you. I encourage all writers to seek the best fit for them and their work. There are so many ways to get your books out there, don’t give up simply because one door has been closed to you. For me, self-publishing provided a platform with relevant sales that became instrumental in my acquiring a traditional book deal. Think outside the box, know your end goal, and you can make it happen.