Meet Rochelle Weinstein, the USA Today bestselling author of This is Not How it Ends and get to know more about her latest book, When We Let Go – A moving novel of family and forgiveness and of hope and healing.
“Every one of Rochelle Weinstein’s novels is compulsively readable—but When We Let Go takes her enviable talent to the next level. Insightful, exacting, and brimming with empathy, this story of second chances is Weinstein at her very best.” —Camille Pagán, bestselling author of Everything Must Go
Welcome, Rochelle and thank you for taking the time to share your book and sharing some of your advice and wisdom on the writing process with us today!
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your published book (s).
Hi! And thanks for having me here. I’m the author of six women’s fiction novels, and my latest, WHEN WE LET GO, released May 17th. This moving story of letting in and letting go follows Avery and Elle as they journey through forgiveness and acceptance, first love and second chances, all while becoming unexpected allies. A former music industry executive, I split my time between sunny South Florida and the mountains of North Carolina (where WWLG takes place). My hubby (we call him Bear) and I have been married 25 years and have twin sons who just graduated college.
Tell us about the genre you like to write, and how is it similar / different from other women fiction genres?
My women’s fiction novels are layered with emotional depth. I’m told they require tissues! Because I’m an observer of human behavior, my own and those around me, I enjoy capturing feelings and emotions and fictionalizing them in a relatable, relevant way.
What are some of the biggest challenges authors of older protagonists face today?
Hmmmm, great question. If you’re an author wishing to grow your fanbase, perhaps appealing to a broader, younger audience is tricky. I truly believe if you write a good story—no matter the age of the characters—you’ll find a way into reader’s hearts. I’m a huge reader from YA to adult fiction and believe a good read is ageless.
Given the ongoing popularity of chick lit, where do you see light-hearted fiction for older readers ten years from now?
When you connect with readers and have a strong, meaningful brand, your readers will grow with you. Again, I stand by my belief that good writing, good stories, and feel-good content doesn’t discriminate.
When did it dawn on you that you wanted to be a writer?
I was always a private journal writer and loved crafting short stories that never saw the light of day. When I turned thirty, I wrote my first novel, and there was no turning back.
Do you have a day job other than being a writer?
CEO of The Weinstein Family, professional dog walker, Foodie in search of the world’s best nachos!
What are some things that inspire you to write?
Nature—from beautiful beaches to mountain ranges, flowers and trees, gorgeous scenery, as well as music, the people around me, the experiences I’ve lived and witnessed.
What is your typical writing routine like?
My writing has changed as my family has grown and evolved. Once it was centered around naps and carpool, but now that I’m an empty nester, I try to write every day, leaving weekends to refresh and recharge. I just finished the first draft of my seventh book, and I relied on an accountability partner which was super beneficial. Having a detailed synopsis helped. I wrote the book in five months!
What kind of message do your book (s) convey to readers?
My books offer insights of self-discovery. Letting go, letting in, hope and healing, forgiveness and acceptance of ourselves and others. Also, that love is possible when you love yourself.
Does your book (s) incorporate certain aspects of your own life (and / or that of others)?
Absolutely! We write what we know, witness, experience, etc.
Who are some of your favorite authors and why?
I gravitate toward BOOKS across multiple genres. My most recent favorite reads are The Paper Palace, The People We Keep, and Lucky. The common denominator: books that make me feel something—in the gut.
Any advice you’d like to give for aspiring writers over 40?
Don’t give up! I wrote my first book at 30 and it wasn’t published until I was 42. I was rejected across the board by agents and publishing houses, so I self-published. That book went on to hit the USA Today Bestseller list. Finally got the agent and the pub deal, but what if I had given up? There are so many paths to publishing today, and no two are alike. Know your goals, manage expectations, stop making excuses and JUST WRITE.
You can find out more about Rochelle here:
