Welcome to our clubhouse, RCorsini,

RCorsini: Thank you ladies!

Please make yourself comfortable on our comfy couch while we have this nice chat!

R.C.: Looks comfy! Thanks!

(After author sits down)

Millennial Team: Congratulations again on winning in the Millennial Awards last year. We'd like to ask you a few questions about you and your story  𝐒𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐒𝐞𝐚 𝐋𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬! 😀

So let us start, shall we? Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

R.C.: Hi! I'm Rachel. I'm a dedicated cat guardian, former ballet dancer and English teacher living in New York City (born and raised).

M.T.: Wow, ballet dancer 🩰, you must be really talented.  And who doesn't love cats?😻 Thank you also for helping prepare children of a new generation for the road ahead in life!

R.C.: Thank you. I try my best everyday.

M.T.: So, what inspired you to write this story?

R.C.: It was inspired by my own life. I went through a break up that wasn't a break up just like Daniela and was so devastated that I needed to channel my emotions into something. It had been a long time since I wrote anything and I threw my hands up and said, why not? Every character is pretty much inspired by someone I know/have known in my life. Where they live is based on where I live, the places they go are places I've been (for the most part). I really drew all the inspiration I could from things that I knew.

M.T.: We hope that helped you feel better.

R.C.: Yes, it did.

M.T.: What was your hardest scene to write (if any) ? If there wasn't one, what was your favorite one and why?

R.C.: Oh man, the hardest scene to write was the breakup! (I know spoilers, right?) Because I had spent all his time cultivating their relationship and building up the lie that ultimately separates Dany and Vincent so it had to be good. Not just good, great. In order for it to be believable it had to sting, like this:

"That only exists in books and movies, Daniela. This is real life, not some fairy-tale where true love conquers everything. I told you. You knew how I felt about this. I don't really believe in it anymore. Why would I let myself go through that all over again? It's just stupid."

Conversely my favorite scene to write was their day at the aquarium with the kids. There is a wonderful moment there where Vincent finds real happiness, and Dany witnesses it. It was a long time coming and it's really a sweet moment. It's also when she realizes that she has a crush on him, which is pretty cute.

"I smiled as Vinny lifted his head glancing at the circular aquarium. Just as he did a great white shark swam its way overhead and he smiled. He smiled in this deep-set warm way that revealed he did in fact have dimples. It was the first time I'd seen them. So that's what he looked like with a real smile? Who knew sharks could make a grown man smile like that? It was endearing and beautiful."

M.T: Thank you for sharing that.
Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

R.C.: I actually love this question. My advice is to write, that simple. The more you practice anything the better you get at it. It takes time, persistence, and patience. Nothing happens overnight. If you don't work toward something you'll never get there. Also, take constructive criticism from others. I don't mean coming from left field stuff like this character sucks, change them, but more along the lines of if someone tells you you're not showing enough detail, or a character's actions don't fit the development of that character. People usually only spend time on things they see potential in, so when they leave comments like that it's because they see potential in your writing. Another thing is, don't worry so much about the trajectory of others. Everyone has their own timeline. Relax. You'll get to wherever you're going. Create your own story.

M.T.:  We love that last line as it is original. "Create your own story" and yes, "Relax." Writing is not a competition.
Is there anything else that you'd like to say to your readers and fans. Would you like to tag anyone as well?

R.C.: I really just want to thank them. I never thought my book would get this kind of attention. I've been on Wattpad for a year now and I have seen a lot of steady growth. The community is amazing and I really appreciate my readers who take the time to comment on my work and even fall in love with my characters. It's humbling and wonderful. I want to shout out my biggest supporters; @sunshinebandito, @aliastummas1, @lilly_berry, @passmetheadobo, and @nykkybee.

MT: And thank you for sharing your thoughts with us!

R.C.: It was my pleasure.

That was the marvelous interview with @RCorsini . We wish her the best in her future writing endeavors!