Meet Author Rachel Giffin

As a seasoned writing coach, Rachel specializes in helping writers of all levels develop their storytelling skills, craft compelling plots, and achieve their creative writing goals.

With a background in writing, film, and storytelling, Rachel deeply understands narrative structure, character development, and the nuances of storytelling. Rachel's experience spans multiple genres, from fiction to non-fiction, giving her a versatile edge in guiding writers through their creative journeys.

She believes that every writer has a unique voice and a story worth telling and is dedicated to providing the tools, guidance, and support needed to make that happen.

Meet Author Rachel Giffin:

Did you have an invisible friend in your childhood? If so, what was their name?

My imaginary friend growing up was Link from The Legend of Zelda. We had lots of adventures.

As I got older, he became my character—different name now, different story—but the

roots are there. My imaginary friends informed so much of my writing as a kid.

What’s the best way to tackle challenges?

Head-on. I take a rip-the-band-aid-off approach to life. A lot of people ask me how I do so much all the time, and the answer is really simple: I don’t procrastinate.

I know myself too well: if I procrastinate, there it’s never going back. I just jump into things right away, and even if it’s too soon and I’m unprepared.

Fear stops us from doing so many things, so if I have even an ounce of fear, that’s a sign to me to get moving.

If you had a soundtrack to your life, right now, what would the first five songs be?

Man of War – Radiohead

Take the Long Way Home – Supertramp

Creep – Radiohead

iAAM – Coldplay

High and Dry – Radiohead

(Literally, these are the songs that start and end my day.)

What is one kind of character (baker, ghost, strong female character) that every book you

enjoy has in it?

A really-smart-but socially disconnected character (so, me. These are the characters my

husband says are self-inserts).

It’s usually a dude, although there are some female characters as well in this role. As someone who has struggled to connect with others socially all my life, I’ve got a really loud internal world, and that is really interesting for me to write about.

There’s always a character that others call a “sociopath,” but is actually just a really smart person who has no idea how to talk to other people.

What would you tell your younger self not to care about?

The opinions of other people. I lost so much in my life because I cared way too much about

what others think. I lost my own voice because of it. Chronic people-pleasing is a disease and it will steal your joy if you let it.

Younger me needs to know that there is a place in the world for her dreams, her stories, and

her voice. Just because the path doesn’t always seem clear doesn’t mean that it isn’t there.

Forge ahead – one step at a time. The only person who can stop you is you, so don’t let her.

If your core main characters could say one thing about you, what do you think (or hope)

they would say?

They’d have mixed feelings, for sure. The mentor character would be so proud of me for

moving through the hardest stages of life. The main character would be pretty pissed about

everything I put him through. The female lead would likely find me to be annoying. (I love all

three of them, but it is what it is).

Depending on where we’re at in the story, too, there are varying levels of empathy. At the

beginning, they’d probably want to burn me at the stake. At the end, though, they’d probably

cheer for me. It’s all a matter of perspective.

What is something that you’ve learned and grown from over the last year?

It’s never too late to start over. You can rekindle your dreams at any time. If you’ve given up,

this is a sign to un-give up and try again.

You are the only person who can decide how far you go.

~ ~ ~

Want to learn more about Rachel Giffin?

Contact Info: reallyrg.com/contact

Instagram:  rachel_giffin_writes

Website: reallyrg.com

Check out her Ultimate Plotting Toolkit

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Looking forward to hearing from you soon!

All the best,

Kara