Welcome to Rachael
By Jeff Salter
Can’t recall exactly when Rachael and I “met” — though we’d worked across the aisle from each other during at least one Vacation Bible School. [I think we’ve since established that my youngest grandchild was in some of her classes.] Anyhow, I was delighted to learn that both Rachael and I had been invited to participate in an Open House for our newly relocated and refurbished church library.
As two of the published authors in our congregation, we shared the single counter in the new facility and engaged a steady stream of well-wishers and purchasers. I must say, Rachael is a terrific and gracious table-mate and I would gladly share author space with her any day.
A big surprise to both of us was that Pastor French Harmon called us up during the service and proceeded to ask us each a few questions. [He also interviewed the church librarian, Mary Jane Morrow.] Despite the shock of having to answer questions in front of the entire congregation – and the TV cameras – Rachael and I both agreed it was better to be surprised than to have known beforehand and spent the previous night being nervous!
Well, that was back on Oct. 25, so Rachael was the natural choice to appear as my Guest Fox at this earliest opportunity. Therefore, without further ado (from me), here’s Rachael to answer a few questions about her writing and tell us about her newly released children’s book.
Questions:
What was the inspiration behind your book?
RA: I had the initial idea because of my little boy. He loved trains, cars and planes. It struck me one day that there wasn’t as much reading material for his age about boats. Growing up on the lake and being married to my husband who loves to fish, it seemed like a natural fit for my first book.
Is there a spiritual element to your book?
RA: Absolutely! While I obviously want to entertain children by reading the story, more importantly I want to impact them morally. All of the characters in the book have a biblical influence. This is more than a book to me, it is a ministry.
What has been the most unexpected blessing you’ve experienced because of writing your book?
RA: The support of my community. The local libraries, schools and stores have welcomed me with open arms. They have been the best cheerleaders as I chase after this dream.
What is the biggest hurdle you’ve had to jump as a writer?
RA: There have definitely been hurdles throughout this process. As a first time author, I have learned a lot! Originally, it was finding the confidence to move past being vulnerable. While that is still a challenge, currently my biggest hurdle is finding the time to write. With all of the other responsibilities I have, it is important that I keep writing a top priority.
When you receive rejection, what keeps you going?
RA: Seeing the bigger picture. When you feel called to something, God doesn’t promise us it will be easy. We have to offer our little mustard seed of faith, work hard and then allow him to do the rest.
Give us at least one example of someone who has contacted you and expressed how much your writing meant to them.
RA: Almost everywhere I go to read Fisk, I meet a person that says that they’ve also had the dream to write a book, but never have. Giving people courage and hope adds another special component to this writing journey. There is also a little boy from church who asks to read Fisk every night before bed and every time he sees me, he asks for another book in the series. That kind of encouragement is priceless!
So will you write another?
RA: Yes! I would love for Fisk’s Fishing Adventures to become a series. I also have an idea for a book series inspired by my daughter. I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to continue doing something I love that I pray will someday have an impact on others.
Fisk’s Fishing Adventures: The Best Catch
Fully expecting to return home with the heaviest catch of his life, Fisk the fishing boat is deterred by a storm that adds a few unexpected twists to his typical day. Fisk’s best friend Simon, David the Dinghy and Timothy the Tugboat all need his help. In order to tow them home Fisk must make a choice — will the best catch be the fish or the friendships?
Set sail with Fisk and his friends on an adventure that teaches valuable lessons of loyalty, perseverance and respect for authority all while learning about boating, geography and navigation.
Buy Link:
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Author Bio:
Rachael Adams is married to her husband Bryan. Together they have two children, Will and Kate. She spends her days playing and investing in the lives of her children. Rachael’s passions in life are faith, family and serving in her community. Her husband Bryan was the first to introduce her to fishing and boating nearly a decade ago where they currently reside in the lake town of Somerset, Kentucky.
Questions:
Got any questions or comments for Rachael?
[JLS #253]
Welcome, Rachael, to 4F1H ! Hope you’re able to send a lot of friends and readers our way today.
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Thank you Jeff! I am honored you asked me to be a part of this creative collaboration!
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We’ve had a LOT of visitors (129) and views (148) — but I’m not seeing a lot of comments.
It’s okay to say a word or two, folks. Just tell Rachael how proud you are of her.
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As of noon, we’ve had 164 visitors & 195 views. But so far, they’re not terribly talkative. That’s okay, folks. Comments are not required, but it would be nice to leave some mark of your presence here. For example, you could click on the “LIKE” button, which is right below the blog content and right above my own biographical paragraph.
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Wonderful interview. It’s nice to “meet” you Rachael. Fisk’s Fishing Adventures sounds like a great book. Best of luck!
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Thanks, Jenn. This is Rachael’s first published book. Many more to come!
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I saw that. And its sounds as if she’s got an award-winning series. 🙂
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Thank you for your kind words and encouragement Jenn!
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Welcome, Rachael! I agree, as an avid reader of children’s books, that there are few boaty stories out there.(I about went nuts reading Scruffy the Tugboat to my sons and grandson!)
I am so happy to ‘meet’ you here and wish you all the best!
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I enjoyed Scruffy also — one of my favorite of the Little Golden Books.
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Thank you for the warm welcome Tonnette. It doesn’t get much better than the Golden books does it?!
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Sorry I’m so late to chime in, but it’s been a hectic week. Welcome, Rachel! Cute book. How awesome that you took your family interest and turned it into a story. I’m sure your son will always treasure it. And I’m sure our resident hound keeps you entertained when you share any space with him. Hope you continue the series and have much success!
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It was Rachael who was the entertaining one! And she has two precious children who were in and out during our event.
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Thank you Patricia! Leaving a positive legacy for my children is so important to me. I think as writers we are blessed to be able to impact future generations with our work.
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