Please give a warm welcome to author Rachelle Bonifay

Tell us a bit about yourself…

I am a Southern girl through and through. I have lived my whole life in Alabama and at this point don’t have plans to leave. I am still teaching during the days and hopping to use the summer to knock out several first draft projects. I have two dogs: Gracie, a yorkie mix, and Luna, a Coton de Tulear/Havanese mix. When I’m not writing or reading I enjoy spending time outside: swimming, hiking, or gardening.  

Have you always wanted to become an author?

I have been writing stories since high school but never thought what I wrote was worth sharing. Luckily the MDL ladies are helping me see otherwise. 

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

Last November, one of the girls from the Silver Springs neighborhood set up a fanfiction challenge for National Novel Writing Month. I decided to join and have fun creating stories again. When the Moonlit Falls competition opened, I honestly didn’t plan to apply. One of the women in charge reached out to ask if I was planning on submitting anything because she had read my fanfiction. (Thanks Dolly!) After looking for some photo inspiration, I found a girl who had a story to be told and decided to shoot my shot. Luckily it worked in my favor this time. 

What are you working on now?

I am getting the final edits of Moonlit Garnet finished as well as working on Briar’s story for the Fearless anthology (MF contemporary Romance) and want to finish All for Being Normal (PNR MF romance) this summer. 

Do you have any quirks while working?

I love to watch crime shows or medical shows while I’m writing. I can’t watch trivia shows or I forget to write and just answer all the questions. 

What are your hopes for the future?

I’m hoping to be able to publish multiple books a year and to one day publish a co-write with a more established author. 

Do you have any advice for new authors about the publishing world?

Ask all the questions. Every author I’ve reached out to has been more than willing to help recommend editors and proofers and to explain the process. I’ve also had some offer their groups to find alpha, beta, and arc readers. So don’t let the fact that they are established intimidate you, they remember what it’s like to be just starting out. 

Do you have anything to say to your followers?

Thank you so much for coming on this journey with me and supporting me in this new adventure even if it leaves me feeling like a stress muffin stuck in a corner some days!