> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://justincox.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Write Now With Rachel Lynn Solomon
- URL: https://justincox.com/blog/2024/05/write-now-with-rachel-lynn-solomon/
- Published: 2024-05-29T15:00:57.000Z
- Updated: 2024-05-29T15:00:57.000Z
- Description: Today's Write Now interview features Rachel Lynn Solomon, Amsterdam-based author of PAST PRESENT FUTURE and TODAY TONIGHT TOMORROW.
- Author: Justin Cox
- Tags: Interview, #rachel-lynn-solomon

## Who are you?

Hi! I’m Rachel Lynn Solomon, a romance and [YA author](http://www.rachelsolomonbooks.com/?ref=justincox.com) 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.

![](https://justincox.com/content/images/2024/01/Past-Present-Future---Cover.jpg)

Photo courtesy of Rachel Lynn Solomon

## 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.*