Who are you?
Hi! I’m Rachel Lynn Solomon, a romance and YA author based in Amsterdam.
What do you write?
My books tend to feature ambitious (if occasionally a bit adrift) heroines, beta heroes, Jewish and mental health representation, and what I hope is a both honest and intimate approach to romantic relationships. Though I call my books romantic comedies, I don’t think that means they need to shy away from darker topics. Rather, they give the reader a safe space to explore something difficult with the comfort of a happily-ever-after at the end. This is especially true of Past Present Future, the sequel to Today Tonight Tomorrow, which features a main character grappling with an incarcerated parent and a new diagnosis of depression.
Where do you write?
As of one year ago, I have a dedicated office space in my apartment for the first time! It’s been very exciting to decorate, although I’m quite indecisive and still have a couple blank walls. I always write in Word, and I use Google Docs/Sheets for outlining. I have a minor stationery obsession and often track my writing progress in a notebook. I’m not ashamed to admit that if I know I can get a sticker at the end of a writing session, that really helps with my motivation!
When do you write?
I write full-time and try to keep to a 9-5 schedule as much as possible. I’m also an ardent follower of the pomodoro method: 20-30 minutes of writing, 5 minutes of stretching (or doing laundry, or walking my dog, or whatever else needs to be done around the house). My most productive hours are between 10-2 p.m., so I tend to reserve the latter part of my day for administrative tasks and promotion. With my YA and adult novels, I have some alternating deadlines, and I’m always working on whichever project is due first—I can only be in the headspace of one book at a time until I pass it back to my editor.
Why do you write?
Like a lot of YA authors, I imagine, I write for my teen self, and for current teens who may need reassurance that they’re not alone. I write to model healthy relationships, though not in a didactic way, and to empower readers to seek what they want in romantic relationships—or conversely, to see those desires reflected on the page. I grew up reading repressed heroines uncomfortable with their bodies and sexuality, and sexual autonomy and discovery are often huge themes in my books.
How do you overcome writer's block?
If I’m blocked, it’s usually because something in the book isn’t working. Brainstorming with friends is the number-one way to get the wheels turning again. If I’m still struggling, then sometimes I just need time away from the project, so I’ll switch to working on promotion for a different book. If I need a complete break, sometimes I’ll try to find inspiration in movies and TV, or I’ll unwind with an art project.
Bonus: What do you enjoy doing when not writing?
As a fairly recent Amsterdam transplant—I moved from Seattle three years ago—I love exploring the city, crafting, and travel.
My thanks to Rachel Lynn Solomon for today's interview.