Interview with Rachel Hauck

Rachel Hauch, author of Lost in NashVegas, Georgia on her Mind, New Hampshire Weddings, and her latest: Diva NashVegas, stops to chat about her latest book, and what writing means to her.

Q: What inspired Diva NashVegas?

A: The idea to write about a singer came from a conversation with my editor, Ami McConnell. At first, I created the Diva to be a wanna-be star, but after thinking the story through, I decided she had to be an established artist, a superstar.

Q: How do you research a diva?

A: Not easy. I read a lot of bios, and spent time with Christian artist, Kim Hill. She was a blast and a great help. I loved hanging out with her. I also got some inside scoop from record producer and fellow Thomas Nelson author, Matt Bronleewe.
I talked to an entertainment lawyer and search music business forums for answer to some of my questions. The hardest detail to find was about artist and record label disputes. We all know it happens, but why? The only reason I could find was "creative differences." This answer did not cover enough detail for me. I couldn't create a legitimate scene with Aubrey and her record label President arguing over "creative differences."
Thankfully, I found a forum on the internet and a kind gentleman gave me eight detailed reason why an artist would enter into a dispute with her label. Saved the day!
I also researched foster care and television production for elements of the story. Kelly Sutton and Molly Day, a TV personality and producer respectively in Nashville were enthusiastic resources.
After that, I only had my imagination.

Q: What do you want readers to take away from the book?

A: First, a great read. I hope they can be transported into Aubrey James's world. Next, a message that life isn't always fair, but we have the power of choice in our response. God is always there for us, even when we don't feel He is.
Diva NashVegas was difficult to write. I had a few crisis, but when I finally submitted it to my editor, I wrote in my email, "I love Aubrey James." She really came to life for me in the end.
My editor loved her, too. I'm confident she'll capture readers.

Q: What is your writing day like?

A: It varies, but I try to settle down from my morning routine by noon and focus on writing. Some days it's earlier, and some later. If I'm approaching a deadline date, I completely clear my schedule and work twelve hours a day or more.
Email is my weakness. I've modified the Lord's prayer some for writers: "give us this day, our daily word count, and delivers us from email."
Seriously, I'm like an email junky. Half the time no one emails me, I just have to check and see. Secretly, I'm hoping a Broadway or Hollywood producer will email me wanting to make a movie or play out of one of my books.

Q: How long have you been writing?

A: For a long time, but not seriously until the mid-90's. Then I quit for awhile because my corp job became more demanding, then one day in 2001 the Lord began to open doors and by the end of 2002, I had my first book contract.

Q: Name your favorite TV show of all time.

A: I have no idea. Friends, I guess. Gee, do I want to admit that? I don't agree with the shows moral philosophy, but I love the comedy, the writing and friendship element of the show. Same with Cheers, or MASH. Wait, I just remembered, I love, loved, loved, The Mary Tyler Moore Show. That is my all time favorite.

Q: How did you meet your husband?

A: Actually, he was hit by a bus. I witnessed the whole thing, pulled my car over, checked his ring finger (empty) then gave him CPR.
Of course I'm making all that up. Hit by a bus? He'd be dead.
I met him at church. He was the youth and singles pastor, and the only guy who didn't wear a pocket protector or have duct tape holding his glasses together. Husband was cool, and we had a lot in common, but mostly what attracted me was his heart of David - a man after God's heart. He's a man of prayer and the Word, high integrity and after being friends for eighteen years, he's my best friend and makes me laugh.

Q: What's next for you?

A: Look for "Sweet Caroline" from Thomas Nelson March 2008. This is a story of inheritance and finding courage to do what you really want to do in life.

Q: How do you get your ideas.

A: Burn up my last brain cell thinking of something. Then I call all my friends and cry, begging for help. I pray a lot.
Seriously, I believe God has a lot of ideas and He's most kind to share them with us. I look for what is on His heart.

Q: Besides writing, what goes on in your life?

A: I'm a worship leader at my church, and with a prayer and worship ministry, Fire Dweller. Until August 2006, Husband and I were youth pastors. We handed the youth church over to a younger couple last summer, and I've been taking time to see what else God has for me. It's nice to have a light schedule for the first time in many years.
Recently, I learned of a volunteer program where I can read to children and rock babies. So, I'm going to give time to that ministry. I'm very excited.

Q: Any parting words.

A: Sure, thanks to the authors on the Diva NashVegas blog tour. Thanks to all the readers. I appreciate you. Stop by my web site and leave a blog comment or email me and I'll add your name to a drawing for a $25 gift certificate to Starbucks or Barnes & Noble. If you tell me you bought the book, I'd love it.