Today I am thrilled to be able to share this exclusive interview.
1. How did you choose the years that the story is set in?
RH: The story idea started with the title. Kind of simple, eh? I liked The Summer of ‘77 but after I planned out the story, The Best Summer of Our Lives seemed more fitting with a broader appeal.
2. What gave you the idea to name the characters after the seasons?
RH: I’m not a huge fan of a character name and the title playing off each other, nevertheless I decided to use Summer as a name – go figure – and then one day while walking and praying, the idea to use seasonal names hit me. I thought it was corny at first. “Could I really do that?” But the more I thought about it, the more I liked it. Then I gave the motivation behind it: their seasonal names were the genesis of their relationship.
3. Were you ever a part of a group of close friends like the Four Seasons?
RH: Not exactly like the Four Seasons but as a former sorority girl I experienced their kind of camaraderie.
4. Were any of the characters based off people you knew/know?
RH: I try not to write about people I know because I wouldn’t want their interpretation of the characters to cause offense, so the Seasons are all fictional. Though I’d say each one has a piece of me and the history of my friendships.
5. My kids love going away to camp for a week every summer, and camp was an important place for the Four Seasons. Did camp play an important part in your childhood, either as a camper or counselor? If so, do you have a special memory you’d like to share?
RH: Writing this book made me wish for more summer camp experiences. I went to camp once as a girl, then on the summer youth retreat with my husband when he was a youth pastor, but nothing quite like Camp Tumbleweed. My favorite memories from the youth retreat was seeing the kids awaken to God’s love for them.
6. What themes do you hope readers will find in your story?
RH: I think hope and purpose are prevalent themes in this book. Just when Summer believes she’s really messed up her life, wasted time and talent, she learns God has her just where He wants her. Now, when she’s 38, everything falls into place.
7. Was it difficult to keep each of the points of view straight in your head with four main characters and two different timelines?
RH: I’m a rewriter, so I have a chance to figure out the characters’ distinctions. But in the beginning, it was difficult to make sure they didn’t all sound the same. I had to discover each character’s personality.
8. Did you know right away, or have an idea, how you were going to end the story?
Or did it come to you while you were writing the novel?
8. Did you know right away, or have an idea, how you were going to end the story?
Or did it come to you while you were writing the novel?
RH: Great question! I’m trying to remember, but I think I had somewhat of an idea, but working out the scenes takes much more thought and detail. I had to see where everyone was at the end of the ’77 timeline as well as the ’97 timeline. Let’s go with I was in the ballpark. ��
10. I’ve read several of your books and loved them all, and I noticed The Best Summer of Our Lives seemed to have a different feel to it than your other dual- timeline novels and your contemporary romances. What made you choose to write such a different book?
RH: Thank you for your kind words. This book doesn’t have a strong romance thread, so I think that makes it feel different. Also, to be honest, I’ve changed some in the last three years and even I sense there is something different in my writing. I hope I’m getting better and finding a deeper layer in my author voice.
11. What is your favorite genre to read? Who are some of your favorite authors?
RH: I love reading books like The Best Summer of Our Lives. I love interesting, slightly unique well-written stories.
You can learn more about Rachel Hauck and her books, one of which was even turned into a Hallmark Channel movie, on her website.
