Interview with Author Rachel Hauck

Rachel Hauck

T4JYM: Rachel, welcome! We love your books, especially the princess ones. Meet Me at the Starlight was also fun. ’80s nostalgia is in. But you have a new book coming out. What can we expect in The Sands of Sea Blue Beach?

RH: It’s so good to be here! After working in youth ministry for twenty years, teens are still my favorite people. Yes, I have a new beach read. Sands takes place forty years after Starlight. The north Florida town, Sea Blue Beach, has grown and there’s a trouble afoot.

But the story focuses on Emery Quinn and Caleb Ransom who fell in love at sixteen during her family vacation. Life had different plans for them. They meet again sixteen years later and soon realize their love never died. I had a blast with this one because we see their teen romance in this beach town and again as adults.  It’s a story of love, second chances and forgiveness.

T4JYM: What comes next? Are you working on something new?

RH: I wrote a royal series called True Blue Royals a few years ago —the Royal Blues visit Sea Blue Beach by the way — but stopped after book two. I decided to finish book three. So I’m back in the royal world.

T4JYM: I see on your website that you have a movie that was based on one of your books. How involved were you with the process?

RH: A book-to-movie was on my Impossible List. God is the God of the impossible! I was not involved in the movie at all except for two days on set where I joined ninety extras in the ballroom. My husband and I are clearly seen over Prince Nathaniel’s shoulder while talking with his mother. We’re also in the background during his dance with Susanna.

T4JYM: Please describe your writing process for our readers – from the spark of an idea through writing it, editing, and finally to publishing.

RH: Ideas are everywhere. The hard part is deciding which ones really have merit. Since I’m a working writer, I don’t have the luxury of writer’s block. Once I get an idea I think has bones, I work the Susan May Warren’s Story Equation to develop the characters—what will they learn on the journey? Or what will they do in the end they can’t do in the beginning? The plot forms out of the character arc. Of course, things can change. I rewrite a lot. After a few months of fast drafting, I start over. I can write a semi-decent hundred thousand word novel in five months. 😊 Then comes the editor’s notes, more rewriting, then more edits and proofing. Finally! To you readers! Books aren’t written they are rewritten.

T4JYM: How many rejections have you faced over the time you have been writing and submitting works?

RH: I was blessed to have a simple start. Only five rejections in the early days. I had a publishers “pass” on an idea but another publisher picked up. As difficult as rejection is, it’s a must in our business. It makes an author get to work, dig in and learn the craft. It teaches humility so difficult revision letters, or a critical review don’t crush the soul. Authors must be teachable.

T4JYM: Of all your books and characters, do you have a favorite? Any that stand out in your heart more than others?

RH: I pour my heart and soul into the characters, so I love them all. However, years ago while writing Softly and Tenderly with Sara Evans, the character Beryl impacted me deeply. She felt so real. While thinking of her next scene one night, I started crying. My husband said, “What’s wrong?” I said, “Beryl—” Well, you’ll have to read the book to find out what happened. (wink!) No spoilers.

T4JYM: Who has been your biggest advocate and supporter in your journey to success?

RH: My father always told me I was a writer. “You’re a writer. Be a writer, Rachel.” My mother has always been in my corner but it’s the love and support of my beloved husband that keeps me on this crazy journey. He has never wavered.

T4JYM: How involved are you in your local church and community?

RH: I’m the worship leader at our church so I’m involved a lot with worship and prayer.

T4JYM: Let’s do something fun and NOT book related. What is your favorite: Food? Drink? Color? TV show? Musician/Band? Hobby? Movie?

RH: This is fun! Food? French fries. Drink? Diet Coke. Color? It must be blue because I have a lot of it in my closet. TV show? Anything clever and moving, or witty. Hobby? I’ve recently started horse riding lessons, That’s been great fun!

T4JYM: Will you share a short testimony of how you became a Christian?

RH: I love this question. My dad was in seminary and the youth pastor at a local church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. During a Sunday School lesson, the teacher told us about Jesus. I don’t remember her name or face. I don’t remember what she said. I just knew I needed Jesus in my heart. The God of the universe revealed Himself to me a month before my seventh birthday. I knew I was a sinner. I knew the Cross redeemed me. God bless that Sunday school teacher. I went home and ask my mom how to get Jesus in my heart. She explained the Gospel again and that night we prayed at the altar. I remember begging Him to forgive me while also telling him I believed and wanted Him in my heart. Makes me teary-eyed thinking about it. Thank you, Jesus, for redeeming me!

T4JYM: I see you offer various recommended resources for aspiring authors, which is awesome. What advice would you give to someone interested in publishing their work?

RH: Learn the craft. Read widely but read the genre of books you want to write. Writing is a long haul game. Give yourself years if not decades to “make it.” Don’t quit. Brave the blank page. Buy the Story Equation by Susan May Warren. Attend conferences. Networking is almost as key as your talent and skill. Hone your voice. Voice is “you” on the page. Often voice attracts an editor or agent first.

T4JYM: What advice would you give to the youth of this world?

RH: Develop your Secret Place with God. No amount of “doing” things for Him replaces “being” with Him. David wrote in Psalm 139, “Your formed me in the secret place.” In context, he was talking about his birth, but the concept applies to our spiritual birth as well. We are formed in Him in the secret place. There is power in the secret place. Pray daily. Read your Bible daily. Talk to God about what you read. Reject the lies and psychology of the world. God’s Word trumps it all. Determine He loves you, wants a relationship with you and will sustain you all the days of your life. Right now, at whatever age you are, you have a purpose! Your purpose is to be in a real relationship with Jesus. You are His favorite one! Out of that everything else flows.

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