My Transformation from Blogger to Author

By Rachel Valencourt 

I’ve always been a bit of a book nerd. Back in my journalism school days, I was convinced I’d end up as a writer. But you know how life goes—one minute you’re dreaming big, and the next, you’re just trying to juggle the work-life balance while wondering if you remembered to feed the cat. 

It took me a while to reconnect with the dreams of that young girl who practically camped out for Scholastic Book Fairs. Seriously, did anyone else plan their entire year around those magical events?

Discovering My Voice

In 2010, I decided to kick off my fabulous mom blog as a way to unleash some creative energy. Enter Fabumom, my alter ego who always knew the most fabulous products and hacks for motherhood. This blog project scratched my writing itch for a while. But it wasn’t until several years later that I truly buckled down to master the art of writing.

All those hours of blogging, whipping up short stories, and endless reading helped to lay the groundwork for my author voice. You know, the kind of voice that can reach out and grab you in the middle of your coffee-spilling, kid-chasing day.

Blogging was my creative outlet, but it was more than just a hobby. It was a way to connect with other moms, to share tips, and to have a voice in the noisy, chaotic world of parenting. Fabumom wasn’t just about the latest baby gear or clever parenting hacks; it was about finding joy in the chaos, laughing at the madness, and creating a community where moms could feel seen and heard.

Family Legacy

My love for books began before I was even born, as my mother read to me while I was still in the womb. It’s no wonder I grew up to be an avid reader and writer. Years later, this passion flourished when my spirited 90-year-old grandmother approached me about writing her life story. During a visit shortly after her recovery from a heart attack, she pointed to a box at the top of her closet.

“Grab that box up there and get ready to tell my story,” she giggled, her piercing blue eyes twinkling with the spirit of the young girl she once was. That day, I uncovered a treasure trove overflowing with notes, old photographs, and letters, capturing nearly a century of her remarkable life.

Grandma June entrusted me with these precious memories, hoping I would create a novel about her life in Washington State during the Great Depression and her time living on a Native American reservation. Fueled by her encouragement, I began interviewing her, turning her shenanigans into a nostalgic story of times gone by. I managed to complete the first few chapters, sharing them with my grandmother before she passed away.

The Birth of the Winds of Change Trilogy

After the passing of my grandmother, I channeled my love into my debut novel, Every Night Has A Dawn. The transition from blogger to novelist involved immersing myself in a world of characters and narratives far beyond ordinary experiences. My writing style matured, merging my grandmother’s notes and photos with the personal touch of my down-to-earth blogging style. This fusion enabled me to craft a novel that was recognized as a Best New Debut finalist in the American Writing Awards.

There’s nothing quite like holding your first published book in your hands. I was addicted. Once I started writing, I couldn’t stop. I decided to name this project the Winds of Change trilogy and aimed to create a narrative that went beyond the conventions of historical romance. Instead, it focuses on the profound journeys of self-discovery and ambition that characterize the evolution from maiden to queen and the intricate relationships of mothers and daughters.

Creating a Legacy

 The following year, I released my second novel, Twilight’s Hidden Truth, somewhat inspired by my mother’s life. It quickly hit number one for Love Triangle fiction on Amazon with its wild ride through the 1970s and 80s. Rooted in both my personal experiences and the historical narratives of the women of my family, this trilogy offers an intimate look at those who dared to defy societal norms in pursuit of their passions.

 My third novel, Twilight’s Brightest Star, is drawn from my own life experiences and spans the transformative decades of the 1980s and 90s, extending into the present. It examines themes of survival and revival, reflecting on the resilience required to navigate both personal challenges and broader societal shifts. As the narrative unfolds, it emphasizes the enduring influence of our ancestors on present and future generations.

A Full Circle Moment

 Recently, in a moment of serendipity, while transferring my old blog to its new home at www.RachelValencourt.com, I was stunned to find my grandmother’s email right at the top of my subscriber list. It was a poignant reminder that she had been watching over me and believing in me all along.

—

About the Author

Rachel Valencourt swapped her flight attendant wings for a typewriter and has never looked back. Now crafting stories full-time and fueled by caffeine, she indulges her wanderlust with family trips and loses herself in novels as bold as her morning espresso. Her debut, Every Night Has A Dawn, was a finalist in the American Writing Awards, highlighting her as a fresh voice in contemporary literature. 

She now resides in San Diego with her British husband, their teen daughters, and a six-toed cat, Saffy. Rachel is active on social media and has been blogging since 2010. You can follow her at @RachelValencourt on most platforms for updates and insights into her writing journey.

Twilight’s Hidden Truth: Winds of Change Book 2

Immerse yourself in a saga with all the passion of ‘Daisy Jones & The Six’ and the spirit of ‘The Outsiders.’ Welcome to Twyla Cameron’s journey through the timil 1970s and 80s. 🌟

Amidst the glitz and glamour of southern California, Twyla appears to be the perfect daughter in a perfect family. But beneath the facade, her world is falling apart. When a biker gang moves into their tranquil neighborhood, the Cameron family finds themselves in a fierce culture clash with these enigmatic outsiders. Tensions mount and Twyla’s once stable life begins to unravel, plunging her into a whirlwind of change and conflict.

To make matters worse, her brother is drafted to Vietnam, intensifying the challenges her family must face. And just when she thinks things couldn’t get any more complicated, Twyla crosses paths with the charismatic celebrity racer Caleb Silverson. Will he be the key to her happiness, or will an unexpected opportunity lure her into a life of sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll?

Narrated through Twyla’s captivating eyes, ‘Twilight’s Hidden Truth’ is a journey of love, identity, and the secrets that lurk beneath a seemingly perfect family. Will Twyla emerge from this era of daring dreams and untamed passion with her identity intact, or will the tumultuous winds of change sweep her into a new, unrecognizable life?

Discover the answer within the pages of the second installment in the Winds of Change Trilogy and prepare to be swept away into the dynamic decades of the 1970s and 80s. From the sun-kissed beaches of Mexico to the electrifying Sunset Strip, join Twyla on an epic a coming-of-age journey that promises to captivate your heart and leave you yearning for more.

BUY HERE

Tags: featured, women writers

Category: On Writing