Interview with the Multi-Talented and Award-Winning Rachel Hauck!

 

I had the privilege of meeting Rachel Hauck about twelve years ago at an ACFW conference. I always admired her love for the Lord and her enthusiasm for writing. We got to sit down in a rare moment a few months ago and chat about all things writing, growing older, and how the message of a book can change the heart of a life. 

When I really got interested in Rachel's work was when she'd started writing royal romance. She's definitely written a library-full since then! One of her passions is helping fresh voices develop their skills. She recently collaborated with Carrie Padgett, who won a writing submission to earn the privilege of writing with Rachel! The result is their Heart's Bend Novel One Fine Day.

The sequel, You'll Be Mine is another collaboration won by Mandy Boerma. The generosity of Rachel's soul comes through not in just her writing but her life. Anyone getting to meet her or work with her is certain to be blessed. 

You can find a list of all her books here: Rachel's Books.

One book that Rachel suggested to me on the craft of writing is Susan May Warren's most recent: The Story Equation. I bought it immediately as soon Rachel showed it to me. You won't be disappointed! I could really see how this book puts all the best of Susan's writing workshops in one concise package. Be sure to add it to your library! 

It was exciting for me to get to visit with such a talented and anointed author like Rachel. Her openness and willingness to be vulnerable are precious traits I've long admired and appreciated in her. She expressed to me that she is learning to embrace change. She and I area about the same age, so we had some giggles about the surprises of getting older, and how some of our priorities have changed. Things like sleep, good food, and proper shoes. But most importantly, Rachel says she has grown to understand the depth of God's love as never before.

Not that she wasn't aware of it in the past.

But now, she really knows. 

It's true what they say. Some things just get better with time. Rachel's life and work are two such things.

Psalm 37:23-24 

“The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in him; though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with his hand.”

Karla Akins is an author and teacher. You can take writing lessons from Karla on Outschool and TakeLessons. Follow on Instagram.

Carol Underhill Serves Others Through Words and Actions

 How about a warm welcome for this week's guest. I'm delighted to introduce you to Carol Underhill as she shares about her life and her Christmas novellas.

About Carol Underhill

Carol Underhill, lives in rural Michigan. She is mom to three adult children and a spoiled black Lab. Her household also includes several rescued cats. Carol enjoys quiet mornings and spending time with her family.

Carol writes sweet and Christian romance. She rewards herself for meeting her writing deadlines with a cup of Mackinac Island Fudge-flavored coffee.

Carol likes music of all kinds. She has a playlist for every mood. She enjoys finding new authors on Kindle and binge-reading all their books.

Connect with Carol at: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

SW: Welcome to the Diamond Mine, Carol. We’re grateful to have you this week and look forward to getting to know you. I always like to start with a couple book- and writer-themed would you rather questions.

So...would you rather write in a rooftop garden surrounded by city noises — or in a quiet studio with cows as your neighbors?

CU: I’d do better in a quiet studio in farm country, where I can shut myself off from the world and focus on my writing.

SW: It's hard to get away from distractions, isn't it?

Would you rather read a book with no page numbers or no chapter numbers?

CU: No page numbers, definitely. I like the way a new chapter takes you to a new scene or someone else’s thoughts.

SW: With the invention of e-readers many of us are already reading without page numbers, too.

Alright, that’s enough of the would you rathers. Tell us a little about you—family, hobbies, day job, or whatever you’d like to share that’s not in your bio.

CU: I work as a homemaker aide for the elderly as part of a nonprofit agency. I don’t get paid as much as other cleaning jobs might pay, but I like to be in service to individuals who have very few people in their lives.

I also write curriculum for children’s church and lead the class. It’s very fulfilling and fun.

I’ve been very open about my battle with depression and anxiety. I’ve shared my journey of the past few years on my blog. I also promote other Christian authors’ books. I have a blog series called Pet Tails about rescued cats and dogs and I’m always looking for new stories for it.

My blog is on my website: authorcarolunderhill.com

SW: I love that you're serving others in everything you mentioned.

Switching gears, what are three books on your current tbr?

CU: Lauraine Snelling’s series: Under Northern Skies. 

Rising Seas by Edie James. 

Grace that’s Greater Still by Michelle Massaro

SW: What does your writing space look like?

CU: It’s a desk in my living room that faces a blank wall, not very exciting. I have a calendar hanging beside it and a plaque that reads: “Write the book you want to read.” My drawers are filled with half-finished writing projects.

SW: If it makes you feel better, I do most of my writing on my couch.

Would you share with us a little about your road to publication?

CU: Certainly. I self-published a historical Christian fiction series beginning in 2007. By 2015 I had six books published in the series. I mostly sold them locally. 

I continued to write and submit stories to publishers but didn’t find any success.

In June 2019 I started writing a Christmas story that had been in my mind for a while. Then I found out on Twitter that Anaiah Press was looking for Christmas novellas. I finished mine and sent it in. They sent me a contract and published it in 2019. 

Since then, I have had a second holiday novella and a full-length contemporary romance published by Anaiah Press.

SW: What drew you to writing romance?

CU: I have my own fairy tale story, so it feels natural for me to write romance. I especially like to write about people who’ve lost their spouse and find love again.

SW: There's something timeless about falling in love at any stage in life, isn't there?

Tell us more about your latest release.

CU: My first novella, Angelica’s Christmas Wish, is about a widow who moves to Chicago for a fresh start. When she sees a car careening towards a little girl, she jumps in to save the child. She ends up in the hospital where she meets the child’s grateful father. They weren’t looking for romance, but it seems God brought them together for a reason. The daughter, Angelica, is precocious and entertaining. 

The sequel, Serena’s New Year’s Wish, was published in 2021.

 

SW: Readers, you can find out more about that sequel below.

How can we pray for you?

CU: I have a few book ideas rolling around in my mind, but I’m easily distracted. It seems I always have something more pressing to do than to sit at my desk and write. Prayers that I start giving equal time to writing fiction that I do for other projects would be appreciated. 

SW: Oh, how I can relate to that. We will be praying for you.

Thank you for visiting with us this week. It's been a pleasure chatting with you.

About the Book

When Serena Cole came to Chicago for a fresh start, she never imagined she’d save a little girl from getting hit by a car, or that her new boss would turn out to be the little girl’s father. Now, Serena must decide if she can work for the man she’s quickly falling in love with. Her heart has plenty of room for Mark and his daughter, but she wants more than he’s willing to give, and that could very well be a dealbreaker for her.

Mark Harper never wanted a second chance at love—until Serena came into his life. He’s certain she’s the one, but when she asks for the one thing he can’t give her, he’s not so certain of their future. Can he let go of his fear and give Serena the one thing she wants above all else, or will his inability to budge drive her away forever?

Amazon | Goodreads

Give Carol a warm Diamond Mine welcome in the comments and tell us when you like to start digging into the Christmas reads.