Discover more about
Rachelle Dekker
and her YA novel
The Choosing
Tyndale House
**********
A book character that sticks in my mind is… Why?
The young boy from The Maze Runner, Chuck. His character was so likeable and I was rooting for him the entire time. He was funny too, I love a good funny character.
The last book that made me cry was…
Looking for Alaska by John Green. An amazing piece of work.
The last book that made me laugh out loud was…
The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty. Very funny and heart felt.
I’m completely immersed in their storytelling, whenever I read a book by…
Cassandra Clair. Girl can write! She does a very nice job of mixing romance inside action and thrill so it doesn’t feel overbearing.
The first person who encouraged me to pursue my writing was…
I had a pretty amazing English Professor in college. He may not have been the first, but he was the most influential. I had pretty much given up on writing until I took his class. He’s a big reason why I’ve come this far.
If I wasn’t a writer, I would be…
This is a loaded question you just walked into, because I don’t have a logical, practical answer. I have tried lots of practical things along the way, but I can’t imagine ever wanting to do any of those things seriously. If you asked my husband this question he’d say, “She wants to be a British spy, or a British soccer player, both of which are impossible because she isn’t British.” In short, I guess it’s a good thing writing worked out, otherwise I’d be miserable.
I write stories because…
I want to discover truth in places I believe only story can take me. It becomes a safe place to ask questions that are hard and face demons that are real.
The Choosing
Like all citizens since the Ruining, Carrington Hale knows the importance of this day. But she never expected the moment she’d spent a lifetime preparing for-her Choosing ceremony-to end in disaster. Ripped from her family, she’ll spend her days serving as a Lint, the lowest level of society. She knows it’s her duty to follow the true way of the Authority.
But as Carrington begins this nightmare, rumors of rebellion rattle her beliefs. Though the whispers contradict everything she’s been told, they resonate deep within.
Then Carrington is offered an unprecedented chance at the life she’s always dreamed of, yet she can’t shake the feeling that it may be an illusion. With a killer targeting Lints and corruption threatening the highest levels of the Authority, Carrington must uncover the truth before it destroys her
My latest novel can be described by these 5 adjectives…
Emotional, thought-provoking (is that one?), transformational, intense, and up-lifting.
My story’s spiritual theme is…
Identity, the search for worth and one’s true self. Your true name, as I like to call it, the name the Father gives you.
The most recent movie or tv show I loved was… Why?
Kingsman: The Secret Service. Like I said I really want to be a British Spy!
The story I’m currently working on is…
The sequel to The Choosing. The first draft is done, and now I’m in full editing mode.
You may not know this about me, but I…
Used to want to be a backup dancer for Britney Spears, or really any pop diva would have done. I danced most of my life, but gave it up when I went to college, because lets be honest being a backup dancer is really, REALLY hard.
I might go all fan girl if I met…
This is embarrassing, but for the sake of honesty, I’m going to have to say Taylor Swift. Haha, I really love her music.
If I could travel back in time, I’d go to…
Early 1900’s, I’d move to England and own an Abbey. I might even call it Downton.
I get lost in the music when I listen to…
Anything by Hans Zimmer, or James Dooley. Also I love me some Bethel Music.
A long held dream of mine is…
Oh, I have so many dreams! I would really love to visit Thailand and ride the elephants. I am obsessed with elephants!
Thanks Rachelle!
Relz Reviewz Extras
Visit Rachelle’s website and blog
Buy at Amazon: The Choosing or Koorong
May 21, 2015 at 7:57 am
This looks great! The Choosing caught my attention way back when it was first released for pre-order. I’m so glad it’s out! And I enjoy YA novels because I like that they can be lighter reads, in a sense. While I’m still picky about which ones I read, they are usually semi fast-paced, and overall very enjoyable! It’s also fun to place yourself in an unreal yet engaging world!
May 21, 2015 at 8:15 am
I enjoy the encouragement of YA. I am so excited for the release of THE CHOOSING!
May 21, 2015 at 8:16 am
I LOVE RACHELLE SO MUCH! i cannot wait for my book to arrive ( come on, Canadian amazon! ) from what I have seen she is just so down-to-earth and splendid. I so enjoyed this interview. And, Rachelle is amazing on social media! love her instagram and her facebook page!
i love elephants, too!
May 21, 2015 at 8:33 am
I’m my church’s librarian and I like to keep up with what’s available for all ages. This looks like a good one! Thanks for the giveaway!
May 21, 2015 at 8:41 am
I read a lot of historical fiction and memoirs that I like to switch it up every so often and read YA that have positive messages. There are many good ones out there. Would love to read this one!
May 21, 2015 at 9:27 am
This novel sounds fun!!
I thoroughly enjoy ya novels. Part of it is because they are lots of fun and part of it is because I am a librarian. I have an MLS with an emphasis in librarianship for children and young adults. YA is one of the places I love to be. 🙂
May 21, 2015 at 11:49 am
To be honest, I don’t read a lot of specifically “Young Adult” books. (Much of my reading would probably be appropriate for YA, it’s just not necessarily marketed that way.) However, seeing as I’d like to write YA, I should probably familiarize myself with the genre. Are there any solid, Christian authors writing to raise the bar for YA lit that anyone can recommend?
May 21, 2015 at 12:25 pm
I read them probably because I am a young adult. lol They are sometimes more relate-able than adult books. But I read from a variety of genres and age groups
May 21, 2015 at 3:01 pm
Great to see Rachelle on RR, Rel.
I love the premise of The Choosing – the notion of being chosen by God is something we often forget and when we allow time to meditate on it the effect can be quite breathtaking.
I’ve got The Choosing winging it’s way over the Pacific and after mid June I’m really looking forward to diving in.
I thoroughly enjoyed City of Bones – it’s such a visually powerful novel – and I’m keen to read some more of Cassandra’s work.
May 21, 2015 at 10:36 pm
I read YA novels because they are good, haha! In actuality I usually pick up a YA when I’m looking for either a fast read or something a little lighter!
Really looking forward to The Choosing! It sounds great!
May 22, 2015 at 12:24 am
I read YA because I love reading! Everything! 🙂
May 22, 2015 at 12:25 am
I am in need of a good escape!! Life has been hard for me..one income family right now. Been waiting for the book to come out but can’t afford it right now, so I’d love a chance to win it!! 🙂
May 22, 2015 at 12:28 am
I have waiting for The Choosing to be released since I first heard about it! I’m so excited! As an avid bookworm, I read from a variety of different genres. If it looks interesting to me, the genre doesn’t usually matter to me. YA fiction is usually an easy read and fast paced. However, the rule is, if it catches my attention, for example, The Choosing, I tend to check it out. 🙂
May 22, 2015 at 12:36 am
I’ve been getting to know Rachelle through her Facebook page and am really looking forward to reading The Choosing!
May 22, 2015 at 12:38 am
The truth. Love it. Blessings.
May 22, 2015 at 12:46 am
I like to read YA to keep moving forward. I can stay in the loop, be inspired by creative ideas, and have a library to encourage others with as well!
May 22, 2015 at 12:49 am
I enjoy YA because there’s usually a good blend of adventure and romance, and if they’re well done, character growth.
May 22, 2015 at 1:04 am
I love to read….and these books have great stories.
May 22, 2015 at 1:11 am
I like reading YA because a lot of the time they are adventurous and exciting.
May 22, 2015 at 1:12 am
Have enjoyed Ted Dekker’s books for so many years & am not extremely excited to read the next Dekker generation. Looking forward to read The Choosing 🙂
May 22, 2015 at 1:28 am
I read YA Novels well any novel because I love getting lost in them and feeling like the characters are a part of my life. I can not tell you how many times I have prayed for characters in books only to realize they are fiction characters. I just love reading!! Can’t wait to get my copy of THE CHOOSING!!!!
May 22, 2015 at 1:37 am
Thanks for the interview, Rel & Rachelle! My copy arrives today–I can’t wait!
May 22, 2015 at 1:52 am
I love to read all kinds of books, and I can’t wait to read this one!! 🙂
May 22, 2015 at 2:48 am
absolutely love ted dekker i have almost read all his books and im sure his talent didnt fall far from the tree which is why i cant wait to read rachelle’s book im sure it is awesomw
May 22, 2015 at 2:51 am
I love YA because of how desperate the characters usually are. They are truthful in a special way. I’m super excited about reading The Choosing because the name itself implies what this stage of life is all about: choosing how you will see yourself and what you will give yourself the potential to do. Can’t wait to read it!!
May 22, 2015 at 3:44 am
I love Ya books because even though it’s ya the books are not an insult to younger people. The deal with real to life issues wich I enjoy reading about. I have been waiting for the release of this book. I hope to have a chance to read it soon. Thank you for the opportunity !
May 22, 2015 at 3:50 am
I am super excited to read this book. It sounds like it will be well timed in my life.
May 22, 2015 at 4:44 am
Can’t wait to get this book! It will be great!!!!
May 22, 2015 at 4:44 am
How do I enter to win!?
May 22, 2015 at 5:05 am
I enjoy reading YA books because of the freshness of a new author an seeing what they bring to the writing and reading community.
May 22, 2015 at 6:29 am
I read YA because I love the world building, the young love, and especially the angst. I find them much more satisfying than boring adult novels. Thank you for the giveaway, I hope to read this book soon! It look so good.
May 22, 2015 at 6:51 am
I read YA because I still haven’t grown up…? Haha! They give me a great break from college homework. 🙂
May 22, 2015 at 7:23 am
I enjoy the young abandon of YA novels.
May 22, 2015 at 8:10 am
I love YA books because I enjoy the young love and the life issues they face and how they handle them. Plus, I’m 20, so I’m a young adult.
May 22, 2015 at 9:14 am
The whole tone is different in YA novels and the story tends to be fast-paced.
Thanks for another awesome giveaway! I’ve heard a lot of good things about this book.
May 22, 2015 at 9:59 am
i haven’t yet read a YA novel, but I am excited to get started!
May 22, 2015 at 10:29 am
My boss’s daughter is also obsessed with elephants. She hopes to move to some country on the coast of Africa, near an elephant reserve, where she can start an school and ride elephants. (Not at the same time, I imagine.) She’s 13– and I think she’ll accomplish that dream, with her dad’s direction and her own determination.
Looking forward to reading the choosing!! Gonna see if I can get my nearby library to get it, or visit Barnes and Nobles with enough frequency to read the book, as I don’t actually expect to win the giveaways I enter in. (Cellphone bill is taking priority this month, and your giveaways are too sought-after… dumb bills and popularity….)
May 22, 2015 at 10:31 am
I love YA novels because they are quite honestly less likely to be boring. And I love the adrenaline you experience along with characters, along with the lack of limitations that you sometimes see in other books.
May 22, 2015 at 10:36 am
Great interview. I am almost finished with your book. I love it.
May 22, 2015 at 10:50 am
I like the dystopian stories, so interesting and different!
May 22, 2015 at 11:02 am
I think I read YA because I’ve been reading it my whole life. Despite no longer being a teenager, I still find the stories about them the most enjoyable, fun, and exciting. I still connect to the characters in YA books, more than I have in other “adult” novels.
May 22, 2015 at 12:12 pm
I’m so excited to read this book! I love Ted Dekker so I’m excited to see who there styles resembles each other and there differences
May 22, 2015 at 12:33 pm
Reading YA started as my daughter entered her teen years and I wanted to see what appropriate books were out there for her. What I saw was extremely well written and complex stories versus so much of the fluffy romance that was available when I was a teenager.
May 22, 2015 at 12:39 pm
I don’t really have a reason of why I read YA. I just do 🙂 most of the time it’s because of the authors!
May 22, 2015 at 1:54 pm
I love reading YA because of the adventure and thought process.
May 22, 2015 at 10:00 pm
Loving the interview…getting to know Rachelle a little better (=
I originally started reading YA novels to PREread for content before allowing my children to read them. I really enjoy them as well! Thanks!
May 22, 2015 at 11:30 pm
Sometimes a YA novel is just the ticket to get me out of my reading funk and back to enjoying the reading habit!
May 23, 2015 at 1:26 am
Nice to “meet” you, Rachelle!
And Rel, I just love the quirky questions that you ask! My favorite this time around? “I might go all fan girl if I met…”
I haven’t read anything YA in a few years, but honestly after college I didn’t read ANY fiction for a few years. When I finally picked up a book, it was YA that helped me learn to once again take PLEASURE in reading, rather than constantly digging for a ‘deeper meaning’ behind every word.
May 23, 2015 at 2:48 am
I have found that YA novels actually have some of the most imaginative visuals, as well as storylines secretly written for a much older audience. I cannot wait to read The Choosing.
May 23, 2015 at 3:31 am
I read secular YA because it’s cleaner than many adult choices. I read any YA to check it for my kids. And I read Christian YA because my teen daughter got me addicted to it 🙂
May 23, 2015 at 8:30 am
I read YA novels because Im a young adult…lol
May 23, 2015 at 12:27 pm
Honestly, I think I read YA because, even though I’m 22, I still feel like I’m a 16 year old! Lol! I also really like seeing authors writing about young people who make a difference and are strong but still fallible. I think it gives not only young adults, but everyone who reads it to be inspired to be a strong person in their everyday lives as well!
May 23, 2015 at 12:35 pm
I read a variety of genres, I enjoy the easy read of the YA. I already know I’m going to love The Choosing by reading reviews! xo
May 23, 2015 at 1:04 pm
I can’t wait to pick up a copy!
May 24, 2015 at 5:43 am
I read YA when I need a change of pace. 🙂 Thanks for the giveaway!
May 25, 2015 at 1:54 am
I was looking at this for my 16 year old niece but I may have to read it first. Sounds intriguing.
May 25, 2015 at 12:35 pm
I don’t read too much YA even though I am one but I pick them up for a change a “scenery” every now and then. I’ve also been known to read a YA novel from a favorite author or simply because it sounded good.
May 26, 2015 at 4:54 am
I’m very intrigued about this book…how exciting!
May 27, 2015 at 3:08 am
would love to read your book the choosing
May 27, 2015 at 5:36 am
I enjoy YA novels more and more as the themes and topics have matured. I think there’s a part of me that enjoys them to see someone learn a valid life lesson but at an earlier stage than I did. It also reminds me that most human struggles are timeless and ageless so these stories are universal across all age group demographics.