In this episode of My Simplified Life podcast, host and podcast publicist Michelle Glogovac interviews bestselling crime fiction author turned romantic fantasy writer Rachel Howzell Hall. Rachel shares her inspiring writing journey, from her early love of storytelling to breaking barriers in the publishing industry. She discusses the challenges of being a Black female author, the impact of family support, and her bold transition from crime novels to romantic fantasy books. This episode offers valuable insight into the writing process, how to navigate the world of traditional publishing, and why following your creative passion matters. Whether you're an aspiring author, book lover, or fan of genre-blending fiction, you’ll be inspired by Rachel’s resilience, authenticity, and exciting upcoming projects.

What We're Talking About

• You don't have to stick to one genre as a writer.
• Writing can be a therapeutic outlet during tough times.
• Family support is crucial in a writer's journey.
• No story is ever truly dead; it can be revisited later.
• Pursuing your passion is essential for happiness.
• Learning new writing techniques can enhance creativity.
• It's important to balance personal life with writing.
• The creative process can involve blending different genres.
• Overcoming challenges in writing can lead to growth.
• Regular people can achieve extraordinary things through writing.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background 06:22 The Journey to Becoming a Novelist 12:04 Overcoming Challenges and Finding Voice 15:58 Balancing Writing and Life 18:59 Exploring New Genres: Romantasy 23:41 Support and Partnership in Writing 27:59 Future Projects and Reflections 29:51 Breaking Genre Boundaries 29:52 The Art of Writing and Creativity

Links Mentioned

Rachel Howzell-Hall's Website

https://www.rachelhowzell.com/ 

Rachel Howzell-Hall's Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/rhowzellhall/ 

The Last One by Rachel Howzell-Hall

https://bookshop.org/a/99223/9781649374400