I like to actually be immersed into the world I’m building and live in the minds of my characters.
Raine Fielder – 28 March 2026
The Back Flap
When Kia Matthews’ mother dies and her father moves them all the way across the country, from Seattle to the small new England island of Buccaneer Bay, she doesn’t know what to expect. Nothing could have prepared her for what she finds, a new tattoo, a two hundred year old journal, horror she could have never dreamed of and a reminder that true love never ends.
About the book
What is the book about?
This book is about a young girl, Kia who is dealing with the grief of losing her mother. Her dad moves her to a new town on a small island in New England. She’s an outsider by nature but even more so because she’s new. She meets a guy who is also an outsider and then she learns about the legend of the pirate witch. Intrigued by this she steals a journal from the local museum and that sets her on her journey. Alternatively, in another timeline, we see things from the POV of another young woman who is writing in a journal in the 1700s but you’ll have to read it to find out where that goes.
When did you start writing the book?
I had an inkling (pun intended) for a long time but I started seriously writing it about a year ago.
How long did it take you to write it?
Overall about a year after I actually started.
Where did you get the idea from?
Well, the first idea was simply “tattoos come to life”… but that was very small and vague. I was watching a pirate documentary on Netflix and got really interested in that. I always have been into pirates. And one night after watching that I just remembered a name I loved “Arabella”. For some reason that name opened up the flood gates and what went from a simple horror YA became so much deeper and meaningful. It was amazing.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
Yes, there are always some struggles but at the end of it all, all the words look like words and I can’t even remember which things were difficult.
What came easily?
I guess the beginning, like I said when I thought of that name, “Arabella” a floodgate opened and everything to do with the backstory of the ink and the lore, that just happened all at once, I just knew all of it, all at once.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
For this book in particular, they are all fictious. I rarely borrow from people that I know. There could be little similarities but that’s just how people work anyway.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
I was always a major reader and I’m positive that I’ve been influenced by a lot of writers. But I don’t like to try and mimic style or things like that, I have always written in my own voice I think. I don’t have one genre that I stay in as a writer or a reader so I’m not sure I could point to one specific author for that kind of inspiration. I did grow up obsessed with Anne Rice and her descriptions. I feel like I’ve traveled the world because of how well she could bring you into a place.
Do you have a target reader?
I don’t think about who might read the stories as I write them. Just because I don’t write thinking about how “I’m a writer”. I like to actually be immersed into the world I’m building and live in the minds of my characters. Afterwards, when a book is done, I usually can tell what types of readers would like each book based on genre, but I would never limit my work to one type of audience. I hope anyone would love this book.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
I do write several different genres and forms. I write poetry, short stories and novels. So it really depends on what I’m writing. Poetry just happens, I barely edit that. Short stories are a frenzy. I plot out longer works with outlines and depending on genre it gets pretty tedious but thrilling. If it’s a romance I sort of go more on drive than plotting it out. But if there is a mystery or something I really like to get it all figured out before I start writing.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
Like I said, it depends on genre. My mysteries are figured out before I start writing it. A lot of my stuff is vaguely planned. Romances are just me going on instinct, just letting the story carry me away.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I actually do both. I won’t stop myself from editing in the middle of writing but I don’t really consider that a “first edit” either.
Did you hire a professional editor?
I haven’t hired one yet so far but I wouldn’t be against it, I have my husband help with editing for now.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
Absolutely, I listen to a lot of music. One song I use for almost all fight scenes is Seven Nation Army by the White Stripes. It’s perfect for that vibe. But that’s what I go on for each book, a vibe. I make playlists for each book and have them available for listening on my Spotify and Youtube channels. I actually do recommend readers listen to them while reading each book. There’s something special about having a soundtrack to set the mood.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
I submit stuff to agents but not necessarily every book I write. I have one that I’m keeping private and shopping out right now but most of them I self- publish.
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
I self publish, with my first book I researched a lot and heard what a lot of other authors had to say and decided that self publishing was the best for me at the time. Once I did it, I couldn’t stop.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
I have done all my covers myself.
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
I’m trying to figure it out. I don’t know if any of us really know the best path for marketing. I think a lot of it is right time-right place sort of thing. I’m hoping that each thing I work towards is getting me closer to making it. But finishing books feels like success to me already.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
This might be controversial but I’ve seen so many people us AI or something to make books. I don’t understand that at all. If you want to make money this is the last thing you want to do for easy money. If you’re not in 100% with your whole heart because of love for the craft, I don’t know why you would do it.
About You
Where did you grow up?
A small town in West Virginia
Where do you live now?
That same small town in West Virginia
What would you like readers to know about you?
I would rather remain in the shadows, a mysterious figure under a fedora like Carmen Sandiego
What are you working on now?
If anyone is familiar with my work, or if not. I have a series called Invictus. It will be in four parts. I’m working on the fourth book now and it will be the last in the series. Also, I decided to start a series of short murder mysteries, something like Sherlock (the original short stories) but with a female whodunit writer being the amateur detective. They are all probably going to be less than 10,000 words so I can do them on the side while I write my novel.
End of Interview:
For more from Raine Fielder visit her website, and follow her on Facebook and Twitter.
Get your copy of Skin Deep from Amazon US or Amazon UK.
