Discover the transformative journey of Rachel Starr Thomson, a visionary Christian author who mastered the art of self-publishing and found harmony between her faith and literary ambitions. Learn from her experiences of igniting a lifelong passion for storytelling to navigating the complex landscape of marketing and audience building in the self-publishing realm.
Here are a few highlights from the interview:
Rachel Starr Thomson: I’m speaking from my little home in North Hickory, North Carolina. Originally, I’m from Windsor, Canada, a city interestingly directly south of Detroit. Over the last 15 years, I’ve lived in the Niagara area, so I consider myself a Niagara native now.
Deanne Welsh: You’ve written a lot of books through various writing seasons. Can you share a bit about your writing journey?
Rachel Starr Thomson: I started writing very young. My first complete book was written when I was 13, and another followed when I was 15. My passion for writing paused during my teen years after a life-changing encounter with God, which shifted my focus. I didn’t write again until I was around 18 or 19, when I began to focus on non-fiction and spiritual reflections, sharing them with a global email list.
Deanne Welsh: How have you navigated the different seasons in your writing career?
Rachel Starr Thomson: My career in writing has definitely had its ups and downs. After resuming writing, I worked on editing full-time and wrote on the side. Over the years, I’ve written, actually, around 53 books (fiction and nonfiction). These include a variety of genres: fiction, nonfiction, and even poetry. The seasons of creativity have been interspersed with quieter times, requiring a balance that respects both my spiritual journey and creative expression.
Deanne Welsh: What has been a particularly impactful book that you’ve written?
Rachel Starr Thomson: The book ‘Refiners Fire’ stretched me the most. It required deep theological exploration and personal reflection, especially around the themes of doubt and faith as seen through the life of John the Baptist. Writing it pushed me to solidify my thoughts and beliefs in a way that was deeply meaningful.
Deanne Welsh: As a prolific self-published author, what drove your decision to self-publish, and what are the pros and cons?
Rachel Starr Thomson: I started self-publishing out of necessity and curiosity. It was around 2006 or 2007, before Kindle and major e-publishing platforms were popular. I had manuscripts that I wanted to share while other works were being shopped to agents. Self-publishing allowed me quick and complete control over my work, which was incredibly liberating. However, there are times I miss the validation that comes from traditional publishing, even though I appreciate the control and immediacy of self-publishing.
Deanne Welsh: What advice do you have for writers struggling to find time or motivation to write?
Rachel Starr Thomson: For writers facing motivational challenges, I’d say recognize that not every season is for active writing. Sometimes, other areas of life need your attention. When you do find time to write, remember that short sessions can still be incredibly productive. Don’t underestimate the value of small, consistent efforts.
Deanne Welsh: How do you manage the business side of your writing career, especially marketing and audience building?
Rachel Starr Thomson: I’ve found the most success in building an audience through targeted advertising, particularly on Facebook, which helped me develop a responsive email list. My focus is on adding value through my writing rather than just increasing visibility. I believe it’s more important to connect genuinely with my audience than to constantly chase new followers on social media.
10 Key Takeaways from Rachel Starr Thompson’s Journey
Embrace Early Beginnings: Start writing as soon as you have the inclination. Early experimentation with writing can set a strong foundation for future work.
Impact of Life Changes: Be open to how significant life events can temporarily shift or permanently alter your writing focus. These changes can deepen your work and give it new direction.
Value of Non-Writing Periods: Recognize that not all periods are for active writing. Life’s demands can lead to growth and inspiration that enrich your writing when you return to it.
Spiritual Integration: For Christian writers, integrating your faith and spiritual insights into your work can enhance its depth and reach, connecting deeply with readers who share your beliefs.
Diverse Writing Interests: Don’t limit yourself to one genre. Exploring different types of writing can expand your skills and audience.
Self-Publishing Benefits: Embrace the control and immediacy of self-publishing. It allows for direct reader interaction and faster publication cycles without the gatekeeping of traditional publishing.
Challenges of Self-Publishing: Be aware of the downsides, such as missing out on the professional validation and support networks that traditional publishers offer.
Importance of Marketing: Effective marketing, especially targeted digital advertising, is crucial in building and maintaining an audience. Building a responsive email list can be more valuable than having a large social media following.
Small Writing Sessions: Utilize short, focused writing sessions to maintain momentum and productivity. Even brief periods of writing can lead to significant progress.
Sustainable Practices: Maintain a balance that keeps writing enjoyable and manageable without overwhelming other aspects of life. Sustainable practices prevent burnout and support long-term success.
Are you inspired by Rachel’s journey and eager to carve your own path in the writing world?
Connect with a community of like-minded writers by clicking here to join our exclusive Facebook group, Unstoppable Writers. Here, you’ll find an abundance of tips, resources, and support to help you navigate your writing and publishing journey.
Stay curious and keep writing my friends! Your words matter.
Deanne Welsh
CEO of Unstoppable Writers
Rachel Starr Thomson is in love with Jesus and convinced the gospel will change the world. Rachel is the author of the award-winning Chronicles of Kepos Gé, along with the Seventh World Trilogy, The Oneness Cycle, and many other books. She blogs on theology and the kingdom of God at http://www.rachelstarrthomson.com.
This blog contains Amazon affiliate links, which means that if you click and make a purchase, Amazon will give me a small percentage, which I will use to continue my ministry-work.