USA Today best-selling author Rachel Hauck loves to talk about dreams — and help others follow theirs. She was American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) 2013 Mentor of the Year.
For quite a while now, Rachel has been pursuing her own dream to write stories, and been very successful at it. She’s hit several bestseller lists, is a RITA Finalist, a Christy Award Finalist, a Carol Award Winner, and a Maggie Award of Excellence recipient. Romantic Times magazine picked her latest release, The Wedding Chapel, as its 2015 Inspirational Novel of the Year.
Rachel, a former President of ACFW and current member of the Executive Board, and her husband live in central Florida, sharing their home with a dog named Miss Independent and a cat named Hepzibah.
Let’s talk about The Wedding Chapel (Zondervan, November 2015). Please tell us about it.
Thanks for having me! The Wedding Chapel is a love story saga about a sixty-year-old wedding chapel and the man who built it, his true love, and the next generation who find themselves in the chapel’s shadow.
It’s the story of Jimmy and Collet, set in the late ’40s-early ‘50s, and Jack and Taylor, in contemporary time.
Are there any special challenges in writing a “slip time” story?
I love writing slip time, simultaneously looking at the past and the present. It’s really fun to go back and forth. It keeps the story moving for me during the draft stage.
The challenge of slip time is tying the two story lines together. I have to discover how the lives and stories of the characters intersect.
Great novels almost always have a plot twist that makes the story even better. Have you ever experienced a real life “plot twist” that made your life better?
I’ve had a few “plot twists.” One of the main ones was years ago after college. I was trying to find my first “professional” job and nothing was working. So I said to the Lord, “I’m done looking. You put me where You want me.” That night a friend from junior college, one I’d not seen in years, called with a possible job opportunity. A month later I was on my way to a new career and life.
Several times I’ve surrendered my will and want to the Lord, and He brought a “plot twist” into my life. All for the good!
Those who “create” usually tap into a personal “toolbox” of elements to define their style. For example, a painter might use color, light, and/or shadows in a certain way to “sign” his work. A musician might use syncopation, key changes, and/or vocal intonation to set herself apart. What two or three elements most define who you are as a storyteller?
What a great observation. I really love words, the balance of phrases, the poetry that can be found in prose. I try to add symbolism and metaphors. I also weave in a supernatural theme.
Stories and/or parables are an integral part of both the Old and New Testaments. Is there a Bible story, parable, or passage that has been particularly important to you and/or describes your personal journey of faith?
I love the beauty and symbolism of Song of Solomon. Unpacking the language as it relates to the Bride of Christ and Jesus the Great Bridegroom has been key to my understanding of the love of the Lord in a deep, personal way.
The beginning of a new year is a time when we set new goals. If you knew you couldn’t fail, what new goal or dream would you pursue this year?
Oh, wow, splendid question. I think I’m pursuing what I want to pursue – writing books. It’s always been a dream and the Lord has really blessed me and opened doors for me. I think I’ll keep chasing this dream!
Thanks, Rachel! It’s great to have you back at Divine Detour.
Thanks so much! Great to be here.
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Hey! I LOVE your site! Very beautiful. Thanks for having me!
Rachel
Thanks, Rachel! I enjoyed your inspiring interview.