Spotlight on....Rachel Hauck who's Lost in NashVegas!

This week's author is more like a big sister to me, encouraging and checking up on me and offering Godly wisdom when I need it. She's served as president of ACFW off and on several times over the past four years and brought amazing worship experiences as well as memorable comical moments to our conferences. Now, you can sample some of that humor in her chic lit novels. Join me in welcoming Rachel Hauck to the spotlight!

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Hi everyone! Just want to say thanks to Tiff for having me stop by her blog today. I've known Tiff for several years now and she's a favorite face to see when we meet up at writer's conferences.

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Ditto goes for me, Rachel. :) Thanks for dropping by as part of your blog tour. It's winding down now as we head into the Thanksgiving holiday here in the States, but I hope it was fun!

And now on to the interview:

1. Nashville and Country music. The two go hand-in hand, and you've crafted a new book that combines them both into one story. Where did you get the inspiration behind this particular story?

The inspiration came out of a conversation with my agent, really. She suggested a country girl chick lit and a songwriter. I had a lot of learning to do, but it was fun.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced the character of Robin Rae? What aspects became traits that were hers and hers alone?

Since I lead worship at my church, I could relate to Robin as a singer, and have in my past struggled with irrational fear and anxiety. Unlike Robin, I never ran, but I knew the feeling.

Unlike me, Robin is a true songwriter and musician. I made up the songs for her, of course, but I think she was way better than my limited writer ability. I wanted the reader to believe poetry and songwriting lives in her soul.

3. What themes exist in Lost in NashVegas that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

The main theme is go for your dream. Don't let fear, odds, tradition or obligation stop you. Be wise, be responsible, but get a plan and go with God toward your drea.

I think one theme that wasn't too overt was how God's perfect love cast out all fear.

4. What was your most difficult part to write? Your favorite?

The hardest part was getting the songwriting industry in Nashville written with authenticiy. The easiest was just Robin herself. Once I figured her out, she was a fun character to hang out with.

5. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

My next book is Diva NashVegas due out in early May. This is the story of a country superstar and how she finds her way back to her gospel roots. I loved the character of Aubrey James. The book was incredibly hard to write, since I've never been a country diva, but Aubrey turned out to be a true friend.

The cover is up on Amazon if you want to check it out.

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Hope everyone in the States has a fantastic Thanksgiving. Don't eat too much. :) I'll be back next week to announce the winner of the free book.