In Rachel Thompson’s own words: I’m a chick who writes stuff that makes you laugh. My book A Walk In The Snark hit #1 on the Kindle Motherhood list this past September (do you think they know I talk about sex? Shhh.). It’s since hit about oh, SEVEN more times. #woot! I’ve been nominated for Funniest Blog, Best Humor Writer & Redhead Who Makes A Killer Dirty Martini (okay, I made the last one up, but it’s true. Honest.).
If you listen to Rachel Thompson, and delve into what moves her, you’ll find a person who encourages deep and thoughtful discourse (and, yes, sometimes while speaking to Rachel, I do roll on the floor laughing with Kipling and Zippy, my two long coat German shepherds). Rachel is at her best while discovering what is honest and raw, and her writing life will show you this, as well.
Rachel encouraged me to write without constraint and to finally share a bit more about what reveals my own character. Today is the day I began to write about my life in a way that makes sense. How I arrived at the place I sit writing to you is a similar journey so many other people have taken. I grew up suspect of people who shared intimate details of their life too freely; I was never one of those people, or so I thought, until now. I kept introspection on a shelf where only I could reach it, and I tended to live my life only looking at the present. I wanted my self-observations and reporting of innermost thoughts to be a private infinity loop. I took a pair of scissors to that old mode of thinking and cut that loop to talk about a childhood, the way I would keep all people at a distance, girls, bullies, family members, men, women, and friends. I did not allow anyone into my sphere, and I believed this was the only good way for me to cope. Having said this, and after you read my guest post please know this: I didn’t write about a terrible childhood. I had an average, happy, middle class upbringing in the Midwest. My parents were wonderful, and tried to raise five kids under the age of six, including two sets of twins, the best way they knew how: hard work and discipline. I can’t change my past, and wouldn’t if I could; besides, I have no regrets.
If you want to find out why Kipling is channeling her inner ringbearer, Frodo, read my 1st guest post: Why The Boys Run: One Intimate Answer (click the title). Please feel free to leave comments — I am always of a curious mind and love to hear what you think.
Rachel Thompson also runs a phenomenal Social Media Business for those who need that extra special push to get their business to rise in stature across the Social Media spectrum. Her tips on how to increase your Social Media traffic are worth their weight in chocolate and vodka alone. You can Follow Rachel on Twitter @RachelintheOC and now Follow her new media business @BadRedheadMedia.
Rachel’s two eBooks are available for sale at Amazon.com, and you can hit the titles here below to purchase them. I highly recommend them. Sit back, read, and laugh.
The Mancode: Exposed by Rachel Thompson
A Walk in the Snark by Rachel Thompson
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Justin, I’m so honored by your lovely post and that you chose to write your very first guest post for me. And it’s so beautiful, touching, and heartbreaking. I can’t wait for the world to read it!
Look at that, you’re making me use exclamation marks. How do you do that?
Hugs to you, Chris, and the furry friends. See you over on my blog. Yay!
xoxo
xoxo, Rachel, and I welcome your motivational spirit here at a writer’s life. The tale is a common tale and the path I chose to take may help someone begin to follow a better life path as well.
Beautiful!
What fun to see your new Avi photo all curled up, Tonya. Very cool, and I do love the process of this exercise in answering a “call” to write. There are so many sliding doors we open, splitting pathways to choose. Life is made up of a series of choices.
Sweeeet Justin, so nice to learn more about you, eden
Eden, wow, I didn’t know what to expect after writing my story, but I am very happy to keep getting to know you as well. I was a bit anxious, I confess to that, and your words really help to calm that inner nervousness.
Thanks Eden, as always, for your wonderful support of my favorite authors. I tell my friends how awesome you are but I don’t know if they understand the full impact of THIN MINT until they interact with you. #hehe Big hugs and love.
I love the cover of “A Walk in the Snark”
Thanks Charity! This was the first time we revealed #badredhead and she’s taken on a life of her own. 🙂
I love anyone who loves the cover of “A Walk in the Snark” 🙂
It is a lovely post, though one I imagine was personal enough to be difficult to write and release. The thing that most stands out to me is that you focus on your internal struggles and socialization issues, and do not blame your family for the primary struggles and hardships of growing up. You are an amazing person, and this really shines a light on what I suspect is only a portion of your awesomeness.
Rachel what a fantastic thing you have going–what a host! Congrats!
Dee, what a kind and very insightful comment. I do not look to the past and blame my parents or siblings for anything because our big family had so many great moments (mixed in with what people readily and too easily call dysfunctional relationships) . . . To look to the past and think “Hey, I wish this had happened differently” is not owning your life. My parents raised five good kids, put us all through colleges, witnessed four marriages, and my long-term partnership, and stayed together almost 49 years (2 days shy of this landmark when my mother died). My parents are not to blame for anyone’s unhappiness or happiness as an adult, especially now that so much time has passed since I was a child. And I’m an eternal optimist so I see things in bright colors (even though many of my characters dwell in darkness). Thank you for speaking up here.
Goodness, thank you so much Dee! As I’ve developed as a writer and blogger, I’m excited when I meet someone like Justin who is able to express himself in such a heartbreakingly real way. There was no question I wanted to provide a platform for him. Of course, he has his blog here and InClassicStyle.com, but sometimes being a guest elsewhere provides a certain freedom. I’m honored he said yes and embraced the prompt so beautifully.
Thank you for your kind comments.
Thanks for introducing us, Justin! I’m looking forward to reading it!
No, I really thank you, Judy. Your own writing life is inspiring to me.