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Rebecca Graves (Yelland) is a California native living on the east coast. Her experience includes 30 years as a Human Resources professional, and later, as an Indie Author/Graphic Designer. Although her early life primarily focused on singing/songwriting/guitar playing and performing with a local rock band, she took the plunge in 2016 to writing novels. Since then, she has published two historical fiction novels and one book of short stories. Her future focus will be on exploring new genres for publication.
On a personal note, she is the mother of two adult sons, one daughter and a lovable black cat named Montag. She loves visiting the National Parks, and is an avid Disney fan. She is hoping to return to the beautiful West Coast in the near future to be near her beloved Redwoods. Sooner than later would be preferred!
Rebecca is also the creator of blackcatgraphicdesign.com, offering a wide variety of available services to assist indie authors with the self-publishing process and marketing.
There is something about Dancing at Midnight that feels so intensely personal, almost as if one must have lived at least part of this story in order to have told it with such honesty and feeling. What inspired you to share this story as your debut novel?
Dancing at Midnight IS a deeply personal story. It was originally a therapeutic attempt to understand the actions of my estranged and narcisstic mother who was diagnosed with dementia. After her death, I had so many questions she could no longer answer – and no other living relatives available for more information. But as I wrote, my “understanding her” turned to bitterness. Despite knowing bits and pieces of her past, I realized as a mother myself, that the abuse she inflicted on me and my siblings was inexcusable. So I decided to soften the character of June to be more likeable, and I gave Carolyn the answers and healing I would never receive. In the process, I became both Carolyn and later June as some mental issues related to my current family situation.
Which character was the driving force behind the story? Did you first see the story from Carolyn’s viewpoint or June’s? How do you think that influenced your perspective?
At first, the primary focus was on Carolyn. But as the story continued, I became obsessed with defining the experiences of June, and how she became the misunderstood and emotionally absent mother that she was to Carolyn. As a mother and a daughter myself, both characters influenced my perspective. By the end, it was mostly June rather than Carolyn.
As someone who has struggled with family relationships, I loved how you approached this concept of family and walking away from toxic relationships. What does family mean to you?
Family is a funny thing. Like Carolyn, I had a wonderful father. But the damage my mother caused created an irreparable division between me and my three brothers. As I’ve grown older, I’ve realized that family is not always biological. And it is often best for your mental, physical and emotional health to remove yourself from such toxic relationships. True family is the group of people who support and love you unconditionally. The ones who listen and help when you need them. The ones who validate and appreciate the person you are. No matter how that is defined.
There is a sequel to Dancing at Midnight that I have not yet read. What can readers expect to find in The Other Side of Midnight?
Without giving away any spoilers, you will be happy to see a lot of closure with the other characters along with Carolyn and her quest to heal the past.
What do you find to be the most challenging part of the writing process, and how do you overcome it?
The middle! I always know the beginning and the end. But it’s often difficult to find a clear path through the story. I had a lot of events in mind. However, it was a struggle at times to make the story flow without a lot of filler to move it along.
This is the reason my books are not big word counts. I write what I write. And when it’s done it’s done. I don’t go for big page counts if I have nothing else to say.
For those who don’t know, you are also the owner of Black Cat Graphic Design. What came first? Rebecca Graves, indie author, or, Rebecca Graves, graphic designer?
Indie author came first. My business came about as I learned all the ropes of being an indie author. I originally published under my real name of Rebecca Yelland. Unfortunately, a series of troll attacks caused me to change to a pen name. But my friends knew me as Rebecca. So I only changed my last name to Graves. Sound familiar from my book? (aka Carolyn Graves)
Where do I begin? I had to learn so much as a new author. Through the frustrating and difficult process of learning how to format, market, create book covers, etc., I surprisingly became quite skilled in these areas and was able to help other indie authors.
My services include:
• Graphic Ads
• Social Media Covers
• Bookmarks
• Book Trailers
• Logos
• KDP Formatting
• WIX Website Design
• Book Cover Design
And whatever new service a client needs!
What current project are you working on? What can we expect to see from you next?
I have 3 WIP’s gathering dust on my computer. I’ve been too focused with the graphic side to focus on writing. However, I do have a gothic suspense I’d like to finish before the end of the year. Of course, I’ve been saying that for the past 4 years!
What advice do you have for other indie authors?
1. Write the story in your heart, not what’s currently marketable.
2. Be open to ALL feedback – both good AND bad. It’s how you grow as a writer.
3. Don’t rush the publishing process. Carefully choose your cover and get professional editing if possible.
4. Remember that not everyone will like your book. And that’s okay!
5. Sales are a marathon, not a race. Be patient for your readers to grow.
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