Interview and excerpt - Lost in Nashvegas by Rachel Hauck

Captain’s Log, Stardate 11.06.2006

Today I’m joined by ACFW President and chick-lit author Rachel Hauck!

Rachel's latest chick-lit novel is Lost in NashVegas.

Last week, I stocked groceries in Freedom, Alabama. This week, I live in Nashville, Tennessee, about to take the stage at the famous Bluebird Cafe.

Sounds fantastic, doesn't it? Only one problem, I 've got stage fright.

But after years of being ruled by fear and hiding from my dream, I confronted my limited reality and left home. Forget the hometown hunk who wants to make me queen of his doublewide. Forget Momma's doubt-inspiring tirade. I can make it in Music City...can't I?

So I took a leap of faith, gathered my old guitar, my notebook full of songs, and packed up my '69 Chevy pickup. Look out NashVegas!

With the help of some new friends, especially handsome Lee Rivers, my dream is about to find the light of day. But as I face my first night at the Bluebird Cafe, I realize...I might just do what comes naturally. Look for the nearest exit, and run!

Read an excerpt on Amazon.com.



And now, here’s Rachel!

How'd you come up with the idea for Lost in Nashvegas?

My agent suggested a country girl chick lit story about a songwriter. I knew nothing about songwriting so I had a lot of research to do, but once I got into it, I found it to be a fascinating life. I wish I knew how to write songs!

The NashVegas theme came from my wonderful publisher, WestBow Press. It's a fun and unique way to make Nashville a character in the story.

You led GREAT worship at the ACFW conference in September. Have you always been a worship leader? How did you get into that?

Another God story in my life. Don't you love the God stories. I've been leading worship for six years. I'd been on the team as a singer for six, but took a three year break between singing and leading.

I never pursued stage worship. I was happy worshipping in the congregation. But I sang a duet, once, for a wedding and the right people heard me and invited me to be on the worship team. In fact, I was terrified to be up there.

For Lost In NashVegas, my heroine is afraid to sing in front of people. I pulled from my own experiences.

During my sabbatical from the team in '99, my husband and I were in NY for a youth rally. During one of the evening sessions, I had this overwhelming desire to lead worship. I felt like, "I can do this!"

I had no idea how I'd ever be a worship leader. Our church had two fabulous men covering our Saturday night and Sunday morning services. One being the senior pastor. At the time, I didn't play an instrument and knew very little about music.

I gave it to God. Never thought about it again. Only He could make it happen. Six months later, our senior pastor announced he was joining the staff at the International House of Prayer in Kansas City and I was tapped to be a replacement worship leader. Just like that.

It's was such a great lesson in trusting the Lord's perfect timing. And, since then, I've even learned to play the keyboard.

What's it like being a pastor's wife? Are people shocked that you write chick-lit?

People who know me are not shocked by what I do or write. I'm pretty transparent and independent. Writing chick lit fits with my personality.

As for being a pastor's wife, my husband and I don't hold much to titles or tradition. We believe I should do the things God's called me to do, not the church or the people.

I don't view myself as anyone special because my husband is on staff at the church. I view myself as special because Jesus is madly in love with me.

Being a pastor is a function, a job. One to be honored, for sure, but a man or woman's true calling is to be a lover of Jesus. I get my identity from Him, not being married to a pastor. To be honest, I don't think much about it.

If I weren't married to a pastor, I would still be doing all the things I'm doing now.

Finish this sentence: Writing a novel is like...

... giving birth to a twelve pound baby without an epidural.

Who's your favorite musical performer and will he/she appear in any of your books?

Good question. Right now, I'd have to say Keith Urban is my favorite musical performer and yes, he appeared in Lost In NashVegas.

I'm also a big fan of Kim Hill who helped me out a lot with Diva NashVegas, my next book.

If you were a musical instrument, what would you be and why?

A drum. Power, authority, keeps the whole band together. :)

As you know (or maybe you don't) I am addicted to food. And you've been all over the world! (I'm so jealous) What's your favorite ethnic foods and why? (Make me drool, Rach!)

Oh, good question. I'd have to say the food we've had in Guatemala was fabulous. Fresh, garlic tinted guacamole, homemade tortillas, hot re-fried beans. Roasted meat, fresh fruit drink. Yum!

Oh, in Australia they had the best homemade bread. Damper bread or something like that and the hotel restaurant would serve it hot. Oh my. I still think of that warm bread with melting butter.

In Ireland, I visited our distributors home and his wife served authentic fish and chips. I love fried things.

Thanks for the interview Camy!

Camy here: Thanks so much for joining us, Rachel! I can't wait to read Lost in Nashvegas!