I’d like to welcome Rachael M. Colby to the blog this week for #ThisorThatThursday!

Hardest thing about being a writer:

The hardest thing about being a writer is pushing past all the must-do-now’s that beckon to get to my desk. Then quieting their chatter and getting my head in the writing zone.

Easiest thing about being a writer:

I wasn’t aware there was anything easy about being a writer. Especially if the goal is to always learn and grow, and to pursue excellence. But it’s wonderful when inspiration strikes like lightning and I capture it right then.

Things you need for your writing sessions:

Chocolate and ice-cold fruit-flavored vitamin-enhanced water. Of most importance are prayer, God’s presence, and leading. Various Christian music to energize, inspire, or settle me as needed.

Things that hamper your writing:

It weighs on my heart when loved ones go through turbulent seasons or walk treacherous paths. I must remind myself again to place them in Jesus’ capable care in order to focus and write.

Words that describe you:

People call me an encourager. (It’s my joy to encourage faith and help writers.) Artist. Truth seeker. Poet. Problem solver. Strong-willed, passionate and unapologetic about my beliefs. Work-in-progress. Jesus lover.

Words that describe you, but you wish they didn’t:

I considered starting a support group called Overthinkers Anonymous, but since I’m also a procrastinator, that probably won’t happen.

Last best thing you ate:

Lavender blossom bittersweet chocolate bark by Ragged Coast Chocolates in Maine.

Last thing you regret eating:

Brussel sprouts.

Things you always put in your books:

Hope, redemption, encouragement, fun, harmony in diversity shown in nature and relationships. Truth, even when it’s wrapped in fiction.

For Mother’s Day, my daughter gave me a custom-designed embosser for my books. The words on it say, “Imagined with love.”

Things you never put in your books:

I do not include swearing, graphic sex, or violence in my writings. Neither do I write depictions or messages of evil being good, nor promote any behavior that is contrary to biblical standards.

Things to say to an author:

Tell them how their writing encouraged, inspired, or instructed you. Don’t quit.

Things to say to an author if you want to be fictionally killed off in their next book:

When someone says they’re a writer and you reply, “Oh. That’s a nice hobby.” Another is, “You’re just in it for recognition and the money.”

Favorite books (or genre):

I love nonfiction about inspiring lives, people who overcome obstacles, do courageous, seemingly impossible things, and change others’ lives for good. Also books that help me hone my craft and draw closer to God. I enjoy clean reads that make me laugh.

Books you wouldn’t buy:

I don’t buy books that include graphic sex or violence, crude language, or promote lifestyles contrary to biblical standards or that slander good.

Favorite things to do:

Long walks with friends on the beach. Getting lost in a book. Watching sunsets and chasing moonrises with my husband. When my grown kids are all together, I love observing their interactions, listening to their banter and laughter.

Things you’d run through a fire or eat bugs to get out of doing:

Running through fire would frizz my hair, and I work hard to tame it. I prefer 77 degrees and a light tropical breeze—and keep the fire over there. Bugs bug me out, so I’ll pass on those too. (Including when friends had a cicada party and made chocolate chip cicada cookies, salad, and stir-fry with them.)

Maybe to avoid math.

Most daring thing you’ve ever done:

I gave my grandmother’s eulogy, though the minister had denied me permission to do so before the service. That story titled “A Time to Disobey” originally published in the compilation book Mountains Moved: 45 Devotions on Bold Faith, is now also on my website here: https://tattooitonyourheart.com/2025/12/13/a-time-to-disobey/

Something you chickened out from doing:

I sidestepped speaking from a stage during my school years (though it was mandatory) and for my entire life until I started writing. In 2015, an older friend and mentor persuaded me, and trembling, I shared a poem at an event for the first time.

The funniest thing to happen to you:

My vacuum cleaner tried to scalp me. Originally published in the compilation book Chicken Soup for the Soul: Well, That Was Funny, my story titled “A Hairy Dilemma” is now available to read on my website here: https://tattooitonyourheart.com/2026/03/27/a-hairy-dilemma/

The most embarrassing thing to happen to you:

There’s no way I’m sharing that. But I suggest you let your husband watch your kid at church and go to the bathroom by yourself.

Besides writing, what’s the most creative thing you’ve done:

I’ve painted custom scenes of people’s favorite places on the one-to two-inch wooden frames of antique windows. I also scrimshaw on antique ivory piano keys (engraving artwork in ink) to make bookmarks.

A project that didn’t quite turn out the way you planned it:

When my $70 batch of soap cracked and fell out of the mold in several pieces rather than a solid block. But I redeemed it. But that’s another story.

My favorite book as a child:

The Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis.

A book I’ve read more than once:

The Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis when I was nine years old, at 21, and in my 40s.

About Rachael:

Rachael M. Colby has a heart for reconciliation and a passion to uplift those who serve in tough places. She writes to connect cultures’ questions with Christianity’s answers, inspire faith, and motivate.

She’s a multi-genre, award-winning writer, Cecil Murphey protégé, Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild member, speaker, editor, and the author of Tropical Dreams.

Rachael’s work has appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul, on The Write Conversation, BRMCWC Blog, online publications, compilation books, and the Oak Ridger newspaper.

This Jamaican-born wife and mom resides in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, runs on chocolate and a lotta “Help me, Jesus,” and blogs at TattooItOnYourHeart.com.