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Thursday, February 26, 2026

Talkshow Thursday: Welcome Rachel Blanchard

Talkshow Thursday: 
Welcome, Rachel Blanchard

I’m thrilled to be hosting first time visitor Rachel Blanchard to my blog. I hope you’ll enjoy getting to know her as much as I did.

How did you learn how to write?

I’ve always loved creative writing assignments in school. After following my favorite authors online, I realized that by reading articles, signing up for workshop classes, and checking out books from the library, I could teach myself to write a novel. With every book that I write, I better learn to work out its issues to craft the best possible story.

How many books have you written, and which is your favorite?

I have written four books. I don’t think I can choose a favorite! But I can say what I like the most about each. My first, First in My Heart, reminds me about coming to Florida, growing up, and falling in love. My second, Finding My Heart, I published right before I went through a hard time in my life. I had no idea that the words from the ending would come back to comfort me. Even if no one else read the story, it was worth it because God used it to speak truth to my heart. My third, Cassia’s Calling, was just plain fun, from researching different aspects of the medieval period to exploring different plot twists. My fourth book, The Rancher’s Reason, was the easiest to write, and an unexpected blessing. It’s just as wonderful to remember the stage of life I was in during each book. They’ve become like beautiful time capsules on my shelf!

What questions do you ask yourself when preparing to write a new book?

The most important aspect to iron out for me is character. Who is the hero and heroine? What are they like? What are they struggling with? The story conflicts come pretty naturally from there. I like to have the starting and final image in mind, and then fill out the plot beats in-between to ensure that character development occurs naturally and in an exciting way. I try to jot down notes about whose POV the scene would work best in, as well as basic details about the setting and secondary characters. Of course, outlines must be flexible, as through the process of writing, you discover that what you originally planned might have to be modified for coherence or believability. I always tell other writers, getting started is the most important, and you can always edit later!

How did publishing your first book change your writing?

Initially, I set the intention that, as long as a few friends and family enjoyed the book, I would be satisfied! I was honestly taken aback at how vulnerable I felt after publishing my first book. The imposter syndrome kicked in greatly, and I was thankful that other authors I admired shared that they go through the same thing. I also felt proud that I had put in the work to achieve a goal, a journey that I could share with my children as they grow. I’ve learned that the beauty is in the process of improving with every book rather than in external statistics. Publishing has taught me to be confident in what my readers like and who I am instead of worrying about pleasing everyone, and to make wiser decisions regarding how to best plan my time.

What was the best money you spent as a writer?

The best money I spend is having an editor give me holistic feedback about my early draft. When you spend so much time within the manuscript, it is easy to lose sight of the big picture, and how the reader might be reacting differently to your characters and events.

How does/did your job prepare you for being a novelist?

I am an English teacher, so I constantly am exposed to classic authors in different genres: Shakespeare, Orwell, Steinbeck, and so on. The vocabulary they use to make us feel, the way they delicately weave in symbolism to change minds and hearts are such that it is impossible not to become smarter simply by continued exposure. I knew some about stylistic choices and how to break down a plot as an English major but becoming a writer has multiplied my knowledge and appreciation of pacing and other literary techniques.

What books are on your nightstand right now?

I am listening to Illuminary by Chawna Schroeder as I do the chores and reading an early reader copy of To Win a Crown by Rachel Hauck on my Kindle.

What is your next project?

I am in the early brainstorming stage with another fantasy story with Christian elements, not medieval this time, but possibly more dystopian-flavored. I am also considering trying a contemporary retelling. I find new stories tend to take on a mind of their own, so I am excited to see what I will discover next!

About The Rancher’s Reason:

Succumbing to her younger sister’s pleas for more school volunteer hours, chorus teacher and single
mom Willow Hutchins does the one thing she swore she’d never do—steps foot on the Missouri ranch run by her high school sweetheart, Ace Sterling. As Ace invests in her sister, Willow is roped into using her creative talents to save Ace’s ranch from financial disaster. But the more time they spend together, the more danger Willow is in of Ace discovering her biggest secret. He’s the father of her three-year-old daughter.

Ace wonders if he can keep his passion project alive after repeated sabotage attempts from a local developer, plus an ever-growing pile of bills. Even more confusing is the woman who once pushed him away entering his life again. Can he trust himself to be near to Willow, for the horses’ sake? Or will Ace’s last remaining dream burn up in smoke?


Photo Credits:
Author photo and book image: Courtesy Rachel Blanchard
Question Marks: Pixabay/Alexas_Fotos
Classroom: Pixabay/Kohji Asakawa
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