Page 27 - Novelist Post – J.D. Barker and more

message to authors who might feel overwhelmed, demonstra- ting Van Dyken’s authenticity as both a person and a professional.
Behind the Pen: Insights from Rachel Van Dyken
In an exclusive interview for The Reader’s House Magazine, Rachel Van Dyken opened up about her writing process, lite- rary influences, and life behind the scenes.
On her writing process: Van Dyken humorously describes it as “survival,” stating she prefers to write in near darkness and is greatly influenced by the music she listens to. In fact, she curates Spotify playlists for each book and shares them with readers to enhance their experience.
On her literary influences: Aut- hors like Julie Lessman, whom she credits with teaching her the craft of being an author, hold a special place in her heart. As a child, CS Lewis and The Chro- nicles of Narnia deeply inspired her imagination.
On her favorite contemporary writers: She’s an avid fan of La- uren Layne’s rom-coms, lauding Layne’s clever storytelling.
On balancing work and home: Van Dyken candidly shares
the challenges of managing household chaos while fulfilling publishing accomplishments, reassuring readers and fellow writers that “small victories” lead to large achievements.
What’s next for her: Van Dyken has recently ventured into screenwriting, with multiple series optioned for potential production. She credits this work with improving her storytelling structure and encourages other
writers to step into new creative fields.
What she’s reading now: To keep her creativity fresh while writing romance, she often exp- lores genres like sci-fi or alien romance, illustrating her appetite for diverse storytelling.
Readers and Reviewers Rave About Her Work
Rachel Van Dyken’s ability to blend laughter, heartbreak, and hope resonates with fans and critics alike. Her latest rom- com, Exposing the Groom, has drawn overwhelmingly positive reviews. Readers describe it as side-splittingly funny, heartwar- ming, and even cathartic. As one reviewer on Goodreads writes, “This book ranks at the top of the most hilarious books I’ve ever read!!! Rachel Van Dyken just knows how to torture your laughing muscles.”
Likewise, earlier works such as Fashion Jungle, co-authored with Vanessa Williams, and her mafia romance series prove her range as a storyteller. No matter the genre or tone, Van Dyken’s writing shines with relatability and emotional depth.
A Legacy in the Making
Rachel Van Dyken stands as
a shining example of what it means to create art that connects with readers on a profound level. Her journey, from a passionate storyteller to a widely celebrated author, is one of creativity, per- severance, and innovation. With each page she writes and each reader she touches, Van Dyken’s legacy as a literary luminary is further solidified.
Small victories lead to big ones.
– Rachel Van Dyken
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