And it's hard to hold a candle in the cold November rain

Hi there friend.

This is coming to you on November 15th, where the past few weeks have felt like months, or maybe even years.

I’m going to share with you below the post I shared on Instagram on November 7th, two days after the election. (The dates will reflect that).

As someone who’s built their life around words, it’s been hard to come up with some over the last 36 hours.

I’m so angry. So sad. So heartbroken, not only for myself, but for everyone else out there who is even more scared than I am right now.

But along with those emotions, I also feel a resolve. A resolve to do whatever is in my control to not let these hate-filled people change me.

So I’ll be here. Writing, as a queer woman, my stories about all types of people falling in love. Crafting worlds where half a country didn’t ignore racism, sexism, xenophobia, and so many other -isms and -ias when casting their vote. And I’ll be doing everything I can to do the work to bring back that reality in our real world too.

Do I expect days where the sadness, the grief, the hopelessness will win? I do. Do I realize the privilege I have in this being where I’ve landed so shortly after the results were called? I absolutely do.

Everyone will process yesterday’s results at their own speed. Whatever time and space you need to do so, please take it. And know that you’re loved.

Kamala said yesterday: “I would often say: When we fight, we win. Sometimes the fight takes a while—that doesn’t mean we won’t win.

The important thing is: Don’t ever stop trying to make the world a better place.”

I’m here to fight. And when you’re ready, when you’re able, I hope you’ll join me.

A week later, I still feel this way. A resolve, ready to fight, and to not allow anyone to steal my joy. I hope you’re taking good care as you need to, and reaching out to lean on others.

Rachel’s Book news

I’ve seen others talk online about how hard it is to feel okay with talking about new project news, or marketing books like “normal”. I’ve also seen a lot of people saying that this is either their whole job, or a major part of their livelihood, like it is for me. It’s a huge time of year for Carry Me Through Christmas (December, November, and July are this book’s biggest months, in that order). The face people put on for the world does not show the full picture, a good lesson for me to remember as well.

Rachel’s Travels

While November has been hard, it’s also been very busy and full of travels and time spent with book people (some of my favorite people.)

The first weekend in November found me at Toledo Library’s Romance Con. The turn-out of Romance lovers for this event was just amazing. I sold out of Carry Me Through Christmas, as well as introduced the Brandt Brothers to a lot of new friends. I gave a workshop: “From Romance Reader to Author” which was a lot of fun. Anyone out there considering making the leap or that has any questions about the publishing process, please always feel free to get in touch with me. Learning from the example of others was so crucial to my process - I’d love to pay it forward at every opportunity.

Being in the midwest already lent itself conveniently with getting to see the Eras Tour again - shout out to Steph for accompanying me on this whirlwind tour of the Midwest (being a Midwest girlie herself, she was the perfect woman for the job.)

Last weekend found me a the Adult Old Town Book Fair. I sold out of all three books(!) and connected with so many local book lovers - it was a great time. And as a bonus, my friend Allie came to help me, and we had a nice time checking out Alexandria’s new Romance Bookstore and having an early (but so delicious after a long day) dinner.

Finally, I traveled back in time, to Carry Me Through Christmas’ release day, two years ago on the 10th. I can’t believe I’m 2 years into this author journey. Hoping for umpteenth more to go.

Spotify Playlist

This probably isn’t surprising, since I wrote a Christmas book, but I’m firm believer in Christmas music immediately after Halloween. This one will get a lot of use while I’m writing over the next 6 weeks.

Book Spotlight

If you’ve already read Carry Me Through Christmas and are looking for other Steamy Romance options - look no further!

If you haven’t read CMTC yet, may I humbly say, it’s the perfect time of year to pick it up. 😉

Where to See Rachel

Pre-order links for all signings can be found on the Events page of my website.

2024: I’m headed to Novel Grounds in Chesapeake, VA this weekend to do a pop-up signing for their physical store’s first birthday. I can’t wait, and am certain I’ll come back with more goodies than I should.

2025: Confirmations for 2025 events are coming in hot! I’m so excited to visit new places and see new faces next year! Tickets for Lust in the City Virginia Beach can be purchased here! Tickets for Romantically Yours Book Con are on sale now. Love & Tech tickets on sale November 1! Apollycon ticket information can be found within the Apollycon Attendee Facebook group.

Affirmation

I’ll be back with some more normal programming before you know it. Until then, be well.

Romantically Yours,

Rachel

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