Meet Rachel.
A dynamic Australian writer with a penchant for adventure and a passion for storytelling.
Originally from Essex, England, Rachel has made Melbourne her home since 2007, where she manages two successful businesses and raises her family.
Rachel's love affair with literature began as a little girl with a vivid imagination. Her overflowing bookshelf stands as a testament to this, encasing a wealth of worlds and adventures within their well-loved pages.
An eclectic reader, Rachel embraces a wide range of genres as long as they boast solid characters and an emotional drive that pulls her through the story. She has a particular fondness for fast-paced thrillers, especially those with clever twists that manage to surprise even her discerning eye.
Rachel's love affair with literature began as a little girl with a vivid imagination. Her overflowing bookshelf stands as a testament to this, encasing a wealth of worlds and adventures within their well-loved pages.
An eclectic reader, Rachel embraces a wide range of genres as long as they boast solid characters and an emotional drive that pulls her through the story. She has a particular fondness for fast-paced thrillers, especially those with clever twists that manage to surprise even her discerning eye.
In 2019, Rachel began her journey as an Australian writer and started carving a niche for herself in the world of speculative fiction. Rachel's debut manuscript, 'When He Wakes', reflects her storytelling prowess with its intricate narrative set over two timelines. Rachel weaves a story that captivates readers with its depth, emotion, and the unmistakable touch of her unique voice.
Read the synopsis and first 10,000 words from Rachel’s current manuscript...
When He WakesHoning her Craft.
Rachel Clark approaches her writing with an unwavering dedication to continuous improvement. A perpetual student at heart, Rachel's love for learning is reflected in her tireless efforts to refine her writing skills. She has completed many courses and studies that have played instrumental roles in shaping her as an author. From delving into the nuances of character development to mastering the art of crafting compelling narratives, Rachel embraces every opportunity to expand her skills.
Her commitment to honing her craft is not merely a pursuit of knowledge but a testament to her genuine passion for the written word. Through this ongoing journey of self-discovery and skill enhancement, Rachel Clark is a shining example of an Australian female author who understands that the path to mastery is paved with a perpetual thirst for knowledge and a willingness to evolve.
Her commitment to honing her craft is not merely a pursuit of knowledge but a testament to her genuine passion for the written word. Through this ongoing journey of self-discovery and skill enhancement, Rachel Clark is a shining example of an Australian female author who understands that the path to mastery is paved with a perpetual thirst for knowledge and a willingness to evolve.
Writing courses and studies
Novel Writing Course
Australian Writer's Centre
When Rachel decided to follow her dreams and work on her first full manuscript, she wanted to make sure she had the foundations for writing compelling fiction. She booked in with the Australian Writer's Centre, to ensure her writing techniques were at their best, completing Creative Writing Stage 1, followed by Novel Writing Essentials.
McIntosh MasterClass
With Fiona McIntosh
Once Rachel hit 30,000 words in her first draft, she went looking for a mentor to understand the industry further. She found one with Fiona McIntosh, the best-selling Australian author who hosts a selective annual MasterClass and was mentored herself by Bryce Courtenay. Fiona's generosity and advice has been invaluable.
Selective Edit & Pitch
Curtis Brown Creative
To cap off her study in all things creative writing, once Rachel had completed her first draft, she went looking for guidance on how best to edit her story into a publisher-ready offering. The selective and advanced course by Curtis Brown Creative provided a clear and concise process on how to assess, evaluate and revise a manuscript into perfection!
Becoming an Australian writer
Rachel's journey into writing began as a little girl with a vivid imagination and dreams of publishing her own stories. As any aspiring writer would attest, Rachel's bookshelf is the place she's most happy, surrounded by stories from all the authors she admires, and the knowledge that she, too, could achieve this one day. Through study, dedication and enjoyment of the journey, along with some adventures across the world in between, Rachel is proud to have completed her first novel.
1982
Rachel Clark was born in Essex, England, the third of four sisters.
She unveiled her aptitude for storytelling with her first book—an intriguing graveyard murder mystery.
Age 13
After School
Rachel pursued higher education, obtaining a Degree in International Marketing from Bournemouth University in England.
She embarked on a 6-week solo-venture, hiking the majestic Rockies in Canada.
Post Uni
Career Woman
While working at the New York Times in London, she crossed paths with an Australian arborist, Brendon.
Rachel explored Egypt with Brendon, fuelling her adventurous spirit before a life-changing move to Australia.
2007
Educational Pursuit
She studied graphic design and website development to further her skillset.
Rachel and Brendon tied the knot and travelled to the Greek Islands for an adventurous honeymoon, where Rachel wrote the first chapter of When He Wakes.
2009
2010
After completing her degree, Rachel launched her website design business, Rachel Jane Design.
Rachel began to immerse herself in the world of literature with short-story competitions and writing festivals.
Focus on Writing
Family Time
She became a storyteller of a different kind with the birth of her two wonderful boys —narrating novels at bedtime.
The family traveled to Finland to see the enchanting Northern Lights, igniting a love of adventure in the two young boys.
2019
When He Wakes
With the boys at school, Rachel found the time to focus on her own dreams again. She picked up When He Wakes where she left off and dedicated her mornings to writing.
Rachel participated in Fiona McIntosh's selective writing MasterClass, where she found invaluable support and a wonderful writing group of fellow aspiring authors.
2021
2024
Whilst juggling life, children, house and running two companies, she completes her first novel When He Wakes at 104,000 words. What an achievement!
From a young mystery writer in England to a seasoned storyteller in Australia, Rachel Clark's journey to becoming an Australian author is a testament to her diverse experiences and love of stories.
Favourite Books.
Like any devoted writer, Rachel's epic 'to-be-read' pile sprawls across her bedside table, her office desk and forms towering stacks on her bookshelf. Whenever Rachel has a spare moment, you'll inevitably catch her immersed in a novel. Among her cherished favourites are…
Migrations, Charlotte McConaghy -
The Time Traveler’s Wife, Audrey Niffeneger –
Rebecca, Daphne du Maurier –
The Shining, Stephen King –
Circe, Madeline Miller –
Birdsong, Sebastian Faulks –
The Wife and the Widow, Christian White –
The Time Traveler’s Wife, Audrey Niffeneger –
Rebecca, Daphne du Maurier –
The Shining, Stephen King –
Circe, Madeline Miller –
Birdsong, Sebastian Faulks –
The Wife and the Widow, Christian White –
– Migrations, Charlotte McConaghy
– The Time Traveler’s Wife, Audrey Niffeneger
– Rebecca, Daphne du Maurier
– The Shining, Stephen King
– Circe, Madeline Miller
– Birdsong, Sebastian Faulks
– The Wife and the Widow, Christian White
– The Time Traveler’s Wife, Audrey Niffeneger
– Rebecca, Daphne du Maurier
– The Shining, Stephen King
– Circe, Madeline Miller
– Birdsong, Sebastian Faulks
– The Wife and the Widow, Christian White