Dark and light are a part of life, but how is that reflected in fiction? Author Rachel D. Lyne is here today to tell us how it works into her stories, how she lets go of perfectionist tendencies, and what she's working on next. Check it out! Rachel, you have an eclectic repertoire of artistic abilities! Do you tend to prefer one medium over another? Music, design, writing?

It is true that I love all forms of art and connect with them on varying levels. I wouldn’t, however, say I “prefer” one medium over another, but I would suggest that each medium has its own “season.” I used to believe I was a “Jill (instead of Jack – ha!) of all trades, master of none,” but what’s helped encourage me is that I don’t have to master one to feel like I’m using God’s gifts. I can enjoy all forms of creativity in undulating seasons for what God’s already prepared in advance. Thinking of it this way alleviates my perfectionistic tendencies.  Why did you choose to write fantasy-style fiction over another style?

Our human imaginations are God-given and boundless. The greatest story ever told of light vs. dark has already been written – that’s the Gospel. My aim is to REFLECT that story of light vs. dark. So many stories in the Bible already seem like they’re fantasy! Turning water into wine, a donkey talking, angels coming down to greet humans, giants, and so much more. My aim in fantasy is to use the creative ability God has given each of us to tell similar fantastical stories that point to the true Light.

Thinking of all of your characters, is one more like you than another? How so?

All of my protagonists embody a piece of me. Not one fully encompasses who I am. Rather, they each mirror a side of me that has overcome hardship through trials. I relate to and respect each main character I create, and, therefore, it’s impossible to have favorites!

What is one of the hardest parts for you of creating a fictional world?

By far, the hardest part of creating a fictional world is including antagonists and “evil” characters in my worlds. I own such a hope that anyone can be saved, that it’s hard for me to imagine someone with intrinsic harmful tendencies. What’s helped me through this is understanding that no one is fully light or fully dark. We all have varying ingredients of both by design. I also took half a dozen counseling classes in college, which helped me discover how even from birth we are influenced by traumas, neglect, and so much more, that form our mental connections, emotional building blocks, and speech, actions, and tendencies.

Can you give us a sneak peek at what you're working on next?

Absolutely! After the 10/30/25 release of the second book in The Tales of Rizalia Series, “Blind Eye,” I plan on releasing the second edition of my faith-based nonfiction, “The Apple – A Woman’s Battle Plan: Overcoming Forbidden Fruit in Marriage” on 1/1/26. In addition, I have two projects I’ll be working on after The Apple’s release:
* Book 3 in The Tales of Rizalia Series (title is not yet announced ;))
* A 365-day devotional book written not just by me, but any followers, friends, and family who’d like to participate for FREE. Inquiries to Rachel.d.lyne@gmail.com

Last but not least, please leave us with one interesting fact about yourself that very few people know.

I absolutely love the Japanese culture – the language, art, landscape, music, video games (yes, you read that right!), and especially its people. We had 4 exchange students from Japan and my dream is to visit them and their beautiful country someday. 

This all sounds amazing, Rachel. Thanks so much for joining us today.
Readers, keep scrolling to find out more about her Rizalia series and how to follow Rachel.
The Tales of Rizalia Series is a fantasy-steeped, faith-based romantasy series for Young Adults. The island of Rizalia is home to a generational curse born from lost love. From the curse, peaceful countries have been devastated by the wind power that the Clustoian Generals possess. In this series (loosely based on the Fruit of the Spirit and with timeless themes of light vs. dark), readers will be transported to Rizalia through the eyes of various women and men who seek to put an end to the generals' destruction. Pure Heart and Blind Eye are the first two in the series, set ten years apart through the eyes of differing heroines. Rachel D. Lyne is a published fiction & nonfiction faith-based author, educator, and homeschool curriculum editor. She is also an inspirational public speaker for women, youth, and writer groups. Lyne holds degrees in Business from HACC and in Biblical Studies (Biblical Counseling concentration) from Cornerstone College & Seminary. After 25+ combined years of employment in various church administrative and ministry roles, Lyne is currently a homeschooling mother of two and a wife of over 19 years. Her mission through written and spoken word is to "spread hope one word at a time."

https://linktr.ee/rdlyne