Online for Authors Episode 9-19-24

​Restoring the Past: Uncovering a Secret in the Pond with Author Rachel Callaghan

My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Rachel Callaghan, author of the book Under Water. Rachel, novelist, award-winning essayist, ex-short story writer, and former editor of In Posse on WebDelSol, learned a thing or two about traumatic circumstances and the emotional and psychological damage they cause. Besides writing, she is now a wife, mother, serial home renovator, dog and cat owner, and former traveler who circled the globe at age 21. Dr. Callaghan’s rich life has been instrumental in shaping her fiction.

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I had the pleasure of chatting with author Rachel Callahan on my podcast. Rachel's latest book, Under Water, is a captivating saga interweaving the stories of a pre-Revolutionary house restoration and two different time periods tied together by shared traumas and the establishment of unconventional families.

During our conversation, Rachel shared fascinating insights into her creative process as a pantser writer who lets the story unfold organically. She touched on the challenges and joys of writing flawed yet relatable characters, and how she strives to portray historical figures within the context of their era rather than judging them by modern standards.

One of the most intriguing aspects we discussed was Rachel's favorite character, Letty, who seems to be quite polarizing among readers. Without giving away spoilers, Rachel expressed curiosity to hear readers' takes on Letty and what makes her so compelling, even if not always likable. She'd love to have a spoiler-filled discussion with those who've read the book to really dig into Letty's character arc!

Looking ahead, Rachel has several exciting projects in the works - a satirical locked-room mystery, a thriller set in West Virginia, and potentially a sequel to her next release. I admire how she fearlessly explores different genres while maintaining themes of found family throughout her works.

If you'd like a chance to win a signed copy of Under Water, head over to the Novels & Latte Book Club on Facebook and look for my post about the podcast. I'd also encourage you to reach out to Rachel directly on herFacebook author page to share your thoughts on the book - she genuinely values reader feedback, both positive and critical!

Purchase Under Water on Amazon:
Paperback: https://amzn.to/3ZjHlVf
​Ebook: https://amzn.to/3XiHZja

*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.