Rachel Thompson’s blog, “Rachel in the OC,” has been nominated for Funniest Blog and she as Best Humor Writer; her book “The Mancode: Exposed” earned a spot in the Amazon Top 100; and, “Broken Pieces,” her poetry memoir, earned a five-star review from the Midwest Book Review, honorable mention from the San Francisco Book Festival, and made its way to the #1 spot on Amazon’s Women’s Poetry list.
Although sexually abused as a child, Rachel channeled her pain into vast accomplishments. “Broken Pieces” details her struggles and triumphs. In addition to being an accomplished author, she is also a social media strategist and an accomplished pianist.
Margery Walshaw (MW): As a child you studied classical piano. Did you ever consider playing professionally?
Rachel Thompson (RT): I thought about it, but being in front of people and performing never felt comfortable to me. I enjoyed playing for my own enjoyment and the challenge of learning intricate songs.
MW: How does the piano, as a creative outlet, give you a sense of self and strength?
RT: I find it very grounding – to be able to read music and play notes, it’s like speaking another language, really. And I love the escapist aspect as well – anything that’s bothering me or pressures of the day just…float away.
MW: Did your eight years of piano study coincide with the incident of sexual abuse you describe in your book, “Broken Pieces”?
RT: I started playing piano when I was six-years-old, and quit around age fourteen when I got busy with high school activities like cheerleading and gymnastics. I enjoyed the physicality, and found that if I focused on that, I wasn’t as nervous when I had to perform in front of people. The abuse occurred when I was eleven and continued until I was twelve. During that time, I spent more time playing (piano). Music was a great escape – even now.
MW: How did you develop your “ear” — that ability to pick out a tune without having music in front of you?
RT: No idea! My parents noticed that I could pick out melodies when I was very young – before I even started taking lessons. Some people have that ability, some don’t. I think perhaps we’re born with it.
MW: You mentioned that you still play today and enjoy hammering out songs by the Beatles. Did you have any other musical influences growing up?
RT: I played strictly classical music growing up, and I’m grateful to have that knowledge in my repertoire. It’s not easy music to play! As for other influences, I would buy sheet music from many singer-songwriters, such as Paul Williams.
MW: Does the piano and music in general remain a creative outlet today?
RT: Now, I turn more to my writing and listening to music rather than playing it. I even have a “Broken Pieces” playlist that I created – mostly female singers (Jonatha Brooke, Poe, Fisher, Heart, Fiona Apple, Imogen Heap are just a few). I actually listen to music while I write. It helps me focus immensely.
MW: When did you start writing?
RT: On my tenth birthday I asked my folks for a desk, paper, and pencils. I was the weird kid who didn’t want dolls! I was thrilled with my cheap, brown plywood desk that scraped my skin because the edges were so rough. I didn’t care – I had a desk where I could write.
MW: “Broken Pieces” is certainly your most personal work. What inspired you to tell your story after writing “The Mancode: Exposed,” a humorous collection of stories?
RT: A sequence of events led to it. First, an old lover contacted me on Facebook. Three months later, he killed himself. It was shocking, particularly because I had spoken with him on that day.
Then, I was asked to write for a women’s site that wanted “real-life experiences.” Those stories helped me create the vision for my book.
During this same time, a friend started a site and asked guest bloggers to write letters to people – from our past, our future, famous people, family who had passed…anything. I wrote a ‘Letter To The Pedophile Next Door.’
Finally, I had been given some well-meaning, but ultimately terrible advice from a ‘known’ author, who told me to stick with humor since I’m good at it. This person said, ‘Nobody will want to read about childhood sexual abuse or suicide. Downer!’ and while I appreciated their input, I ignored it completely.
MW: You also consult with other writers on the do’s and don’ts of social media. What mistakes do you see writers make most frequently?
RT: Spamming ‘Buy my book!’ links is the most common. People who are new to a social media site, Twitter especially, need to go through the rules/guidelines to understand the do’s and don’ts – because people will call them out or block them, and they even risk being suspended. Each channel has a culture, if you will. The best advice is this: utilize social media to create relationships, not blast sell links.
Additionally, one thing won’t sell your books. It’s really a five-pronged approach to marketing our books: an optimized website, fresh blog content, interactive social media, advertising (Google AdWords, on Facebook or Goodreads, on top blogger sites, etc), and blog tours and reviews help immensely, too.
Most importantly, have a spectacular book. If you edit yourself, you’re asking for trouble. We’re too close to our work. Hire a professional, or, if money is an issue, use a crowdfunding platform like PubSlush to raise funds.
MW: As a working mother, is there a pattern to when you engage in your creative outlets (reading, writing or playing the piano)?
RT: I find that I’m most creative when I make quiet time for myself and tune everything else out – even if it’s only fifteen minutes. Earbuds in, music on, door closed, computer open. That’s my heaven.
If I get stuck, I go for a walk, take a bath, read, listen to tunes. I’m so impressed with writers and their ability to tell great stories. Not all books are amazing, but most authors at some point, have glimmers of greatness. It’s those glimmers that I find inspiring.
Rachel Thompson can be found on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, or http://badredheadmedia.com/.