Rachel (R.L.) Toalson
@racheltoalson.bsky.social
author of books for kids & teens | THE FIRST MAGNIFICENT SUMMER | up next: THE UNFORGETTABLE LETA “LIGHTNING” LAUREL (MG) + LOVE, SIVVY (YA) | wife | mom | runner
www.racheltoalson.com
www.racheltoalson.com
Pinned
I've been waiting more than a year to announce the sale of this book. I'm massively proud of this one, which shows a real and candid picture of what it's like being a teenager from a lower-income family (with no money for college) in small-town, rural Texas, where opportunities aren't easy to find.
Happy birthday to Sylvia Plath, who would have been 93 today!
In honor of Plath, whose poetry I've loved since I was a teen, I cosplayed as a brunette Plath for “Sylvia Plath’s Guide to Celebrating Your Birthday.”
▶️ youtu.be/STKsC8Uge78
Preorder LOVE, SIVVY: racheltoalson.com/sivvy-preorder
In honor of Plath, whose poetry I've loved since I was a teen, I cosplayed as a brunette Plath for “Sylvia Plath’s Guide to Celebrating Your Birthday.”
▶️ youtu.be/STKsC8Uge78
Preorder LOVE, SIVVY: racheltoalson.com/sivvy-preorder
Sylvia Plath's Guide to Celebrating Your Birthday
YouTube video by Rachel Toalson
youtu.be
October 27, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Happy birthday to Sylvia Plath, who would have been 93 today!
In honor of Plath, whose poetry I've loved since I was a teen, I cosplayed as a brunette Plath for “Sylvia Plath’s Guide to Celebrating Your Birthday.”
▶️ youtu.be/STKsC8Uge78
Preorder LOVE, SIVVY: racheltoalson.com/sivvy-preorder
In honor of Plath, whose poetry I've loved since I was a teen, I cosplayed as a brunette Plath for “Sylvia Plath’s Guide to Celebrating Your Birthday.”
▶️ youtu.be/STKsC8Uge78
Preorder LOVE, SIVVY: racheltoalson.com/sivvy-preorder
Participation in the arts is expensive. Instruments, art supplies, participation fees—they all add up. Should income level determine whether the talented participate? In this video, I make the case for everybody deserving a chance to develop their skills in the arts.
▶️ youtu.be/ecsdxRKvaOY
▶️ youtu.be/ecsdxRKvaOY
Everyone Deserves Participation in the Arts, Regardless of their Income Level
YouTube video by Rachel Toalson
youtu.be
October 17, 2025 at 10:13 PM
Participation in the arts is expensive. Instruments, art supplies, participation fees—they all add up. Should income level determine whether the talented participate? In this video, I make the case for everybody deserving a chance to develop their skills in the arts.
▶️ youtu.be/ecsdxRKvaOY
▶️ youtu.be/ecsdxRKvaOY
In a world where information is at our fingertips, how do we tell fact from fiction? Fake news from real news? In this video, I share some tips for becoming more media literate.
▶️ youtu.be/hqBFC1oMoH8
▶️ youtu.be/hqBFC1oMoH8
October 10, 2025 at 9:22 PM
In a world where information is at our fingertips, how do we tell fact from fiction? Fake news from real news? In this video, I share some tips for becoming more media literate.
▶️ youtu.be/hqBFC1oMoH8
▶️ youtu.be/hqBFC1oMoH8
Writer’s aren’t known for their confidence. We rarely think we’re actually good at what we do. In this video, I offer three suggestions for how to continue moving forward with our writing even when we don’t feel so confident.
▶️ youtu.be/I7fkysLY3ro
▶️ youtu.be/I7fkysLY3ro
August 29, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Writer’s aren’t known for their confidence. We rarely think we’re actually good at what we do. In this video, I offer three suggestions for how to continue moving forward with our writing even when we don’t feel so confident.
▶️ youtu.be/I7fkysLY3ro
▶️ youtu.be/I7fkysLY3ro
The characters in my stories for young people don’t always get professional help for their mental health struggles. The reality is not everyone has access to mental healthcare, so I try to write stories that show kids like me how to find their own kind of healing.
▶️ youtu.be/aBTtdnCOHUE
▶️ youtu.be/aBTtdnCOHUE
Not All Kids Have Access to Mental Healthcare
YouTube video by Rachel Toalson
youtu.be
August 8, 2025 at 10:34 PM
The characters in my stories for young people don’t always get professional help for their mental health struggles. The reality is not everyone has access to mental healthcare, so I try to write stories that show kids like me how to find their own kind of healing.
▶️ youtu.be/aBTtdnCOHUE
▶️ youtu.be/aBTtdnCOHUE
Burnout can steal the joy out of our work. We may not be able to avoid it entirely forever, because life can be overwhelming at times, but in this video I share my best tips for avoiding and/or pulling yourself out of burnout if you’re already there (like me! Whee!).
▶️ youtu.be/zt2kaPd7l-g
▶️ youtu.be/zt2kaPd7l-g
How to Pull Yourself Out of Writing Burnout
YouTube video by Rachel Toalson
youtu.be
July 18, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Burnout can steal the joy out of our work. We may not be able to avoid it entirely forever, because life can be overwhelming at times, but in this video I share my best tips for avoiding and/or pulling yourself out of burnout if you’re already there (like me! Whee!).
▶️ youtu.be/zt2kaPd7l-g
▶️ youtu.be/zt2kaPd7l-g
Building a writing career is incredibly challenging. For so many years you can feel like you’re spinning your wheels and going nowhere. You’re still a nobody. In this video, I share what I want us all to remember when we feel like a nothing and a nobody.
▶️ youtu.be/uaJ6AtC_iRs
▶️ youtu.be/uaJ6AtC_iRs
Sometimes I feel like a nothing and a nobody
YouTube video by Rachel Toalson
youtu.be
July 11, 2025 at 9:48 PM
Building a writing career is incredibly challenging. For so many years you can feel like you’re spinning your wheels and going nowhere. You’re still a nobody. In this video, I share what I want us all to remember when we feel like a nothing and a nobody.
▶️ youtu.be/uaJ6AtC_iRs
▶️ youtu.be/uaJ6AtC_iRs
There have been some dark days recently. Book bans, massive layoffs all over the country, the news cycle…the dark days go on. I’m having trouble writing. But in this video, I’m trying to help you and myself continue writing during challenging times.
▶️ youtu.be/2JPnaB65KNs
▶️ youtu.be/2JPnaB65KNs
Writing tips - Writing during dark days
YouTube video by Rachel Toalson
youtu.be
July 4, 2025 at 10:52 PM
There have been some dark days recently. Book bans, massive layoffs all over the country, the news cycle…the dark days go on. I’m having trouble writing. But in this video, I’m trying to help you and myself continue writing during challenging times.
▶️ youtu.be/2JPnaB65KNs
▶️ youtu.be/2JPnaB65KNs
Watching our kids grow up and leave home can be excruciating. My first child will graduate this week. In this video I examine the emotions of that and provide some hope to all parents: The kids will be okay.
▶️ youtu.be/b2Gt14aqtH4
▶️ youtu.be/b2Gt14aqtH4
The Kids Will Be Okay
YouTube video by Rachel Toalson
youtu.be
June 27, 2025 at 8:17 PM
Watching our kids grow up and leave home can be excruciating. My first child will graduate this week. In this video I examine the emotions of that and provide some hope to all parents: The kids will be okay.
▶️ youtu.be/b2Gt14aqtH4
▶️ youtu.be/b2Gt14aqtH4
Reposted by Rachel (R.L.) Toalson
Our statement in response to the Supreme Court ruling in Mahmoud v Taylor. Image thread with alt text. 1/4
June 27, 2025 at 6:16 PM
Our statement in response to the Supreme Court ruling in Mahmoud v Taylor. Image thread with alt text. 1/4
Childhood is hard enough as it is. But when you grow up in a low-income household, you pick up scars that you’ll carry all your life. In this video, I examine some of those scars and one thing that has helped make mine a little lighter.
Watch: youtu.be/PBql7AFxme4
Watch: youtu.be/PBql7AFxme4
The Scars You Carry From Growing Up Poor
YouTube video by Rachel Toalson
youtu.be
June 18, 2025 at 10:27 PM
Childhood is hard enough as it is. But when you grow up in a low-income household, you pick up scars that you’ll carry all your life. In this video, I examine some of those scars and one thing that has helped make mine a little lighter.
Watch: youtu.be/PBql7AFxme4
Watch: youtu.be/PBql7AFxme4
Some writers like to stay far away from personal experience when writing. In this video I make the case for using pieces of our lives to create more authentic and emotional stories.
▶️ youtu.be/xw-NDSK6oBA
▶️ youtu.be/xw-NDSK6oBA
How to Find YOUR Stories
YouTube video by Rachel Toalson
youtu.be
June 7, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Some writers like to stay far away from personal experience when writing. In this video I make the case for using pieces of our lives to create more authentic and emotional stories.
▶️ youtu.be/xw-NDSK6oBA
▶️ youtu.be/xw-NDSK6oBA
**Austin area friends!**
I'll be at Lark & Owl Booksellers tomorrow at 3 p.m. for a conversation with the marvelous @samanthamclark.com! We'll be talking about my latest book, the sisterhood, and what's next from here. I'd love to see you there!
I'll be at Lark & Owl Booksellers tomorrow at 3 p.m. for a conversation with the marvelous @samanthamclark.com! We'll be talking about my latest book, the sisterhood, and what's next from here. I'd love to see you there!
June 6, 2025 at 4:53 PM
**Austin area friends!**
I'll be at Lark & Owl Booksellers tomorrow at 3 p.m. for a conversation with the marvelous @samanthamclark.com! We'll be talking about my latest book, the sisterhood, and what's next from here. I'd love to see you there!
I'll be at Lark & Owl Booksellers tomorrow at 3 p.m. for a conversation with the marvelous @samanthamclark.com! We'll be talking about my latest book, the sisterhood, and what's next from here. I'd love to see you there!
I like listening to music while I’m writing, so I put together a soundtrack for my latest book, The Unforgettable Leta “Lightning” Laurel, including a helpful guide for which song belongs to which chapter(s). Visit my substack to get it.
And while you're there, don't forget to subscribe!
And while you're there, don't forget to subscribe!
June 3, 2025 at 4:02 PM
I like listening to music while I’m writing, so I put together a soundtrack for my latest book, The Unforgettable Leta “Lightning” Laurel, including a helpful guide for which song belongs to which chapter(s). Visit my substack to get it.
And while you're there, don't forget to subscribe!
And while you're there, don't forget to subscribe!
Hanging out at the San Antonio Barnes & Noble by San Pedro & 410 until about 4:30 today. Swing by and get a signed book if you’re in the area 😊📖🖋️
May 31, 2025 at 8:22 PM
Hanging out at the San Antonio Barnes & Noble by San Pedro & 410 until about 4:30 today. Swing by and get a signed book if you’re in the area 😊📖🖋️
The sisterhood can be a powerful force. But what exactly is it, and who belongs? In this video, I explore those questions and cast my hopes for the future of a united sisterhood.
▶️ youtu.be/h66CvPa-uH0
▶️ youtu.be/h66CvPa-uH0
What is the Sisterhood, and Who Gets to Be a Part?
YouTube video by Rachel Toalson
youtu.be
May 30, 2025 at 8:43 PM
The sisterhood can be a powerful force. But what exactly is it, and who belongs? In this video, I explore those questions and cast my hopes for the future of a united sisterhood.
▶️ youtu.be/h66CvPa-uH0
▶️ youtu.be/h66CvPa-uH0
Today is the day my book, The Unforgettable Leta “Lightning” Laurel, launches into the world. Here's an introduction to the book along with a short reading. I hope that young readers will understand they are already unforgettable to the people in their lives who matter.
▶️ youtu.be/LkLC_c12DqA
▶️ youtu.be/LkLC_c12DqA
Introducing The Unforgettable Leta "Lightning" Laurel
YouTube video by Rachel Toalson
youtu.be
May 27, 2025 at 7:16 PM
Today is the day my book, The Unforgettable Leta “Lightning” Laurel, launches into the world. Here's an introduction to the book along with a short reading. I hope that young readers will understand they are already unforgettable to the people in their lives who matter.
▶️ youtu.be/LkLC_c12DqA
▶️ youtu.be/LkLC_c12DqA
Got a Take 5 interview about THE UNFORGETTABLE LETA "LIGHTNING" LAUREL for you today.
The book releases tomorrow! Woo hoo!
Thanks to @writerunboxed.bsky.social for hosting me!
writerunboxed.com/2025/05/25/t...
The book releases tomorrow! Woo hoo!
Thanks to @writerunboxed.bsky.social for hosting me!
writerunboxed.com/2025/05/25/t...
Take Five Interview: Rachel Toalson and THE UNFORGETTABLE LETA “LIGHTNING” LAUREL
We’re thrilled to welcome back WU contributor and acclaimed author Rachel Toalson to tell us about her new book release! Known for her heartfelt, character-driven stories and lyrical voice, Rachel’…
writerunboxed.com
May 26, 2025 at 7:49 PM
Got a Take 5 interview about THE UNFORGETTABLE LETA "LIGHTNING" LAUREL for you today.
The book releases tomorrow! Woo hoo!
Thanks to @writerunboxed.bsky.social for hosting me!
writerunboxed.com/2025/05/25/t...
The book releases tomorrow! Woo hoo!
Thanks to @writerunboxed.bsky.social for hosting me!
writerunboxed.com/2025/05/25/t...
Sisterhoods. They give us belonging. Save lives. Remind us we’re stronger, more capable & more unforgettable than we know. That’s what Leta, my main character, learns in my newest book, releasing tomorrow!
You can still preorder, or get a signed copy tomorrow, 6 p.m., Nowhere Bookshop, San Antonio!
You can still preorder, or get a signed copy tomorrow, 6 p.m., Nowhere Bookshop, San Antonio!
May 26, 2025 at 4:16 PM
Sisterhoods. They give us belonging. Save lives. Remind us we’re stronger, more capable & more unforgettable than we know. That’s what Leta, my main character, learns in my newest book, releasing tomorrow!
You can still preorder, or get a signed copy tomorrow, 6 p.m., Nowhere Bookshop, San Antonio!
You can still preorder, or get a signed copy tomorrow, 6 p.m., Nowhere Bookshop, San Antonio!
Humor can be added to any story, regardless of whether we’re tackling a serious work or a lighter one. In this video I explore some techniques for adding humor to stories, some pitfalls to humor, and how to get better at humor.
▶️ youtu.be/m3G3eBiyef8
▶️ youtu.be/m3G3eBiyef8
How to Infuse Stories with Humor
YouTube video by Rachel Toalson
youtu.be
May 23, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Humor can be added to any story, regardless of whether we’re tackling a serious work or a lighter one. In this video I explore some techniques for adding humor to stories, some pitfalls to humor, and how to get better at humor.
▶️ youtu.be/m3G3eBiyef8
▶️ youtu.be/m3G3eBiyef8
For many years, scientific research on pretty much everything has been based on men, not women. In this video, I briefly examine the data gap, introduce the work of a leading researcher on women, and cast my hopes for an inclusive future.
▶️ youtu.be/pG4NsUYMFhs
▶️ youtu.be/pG4NsUYMFhs
The Data Gap with Women And Research
YouTube video by Rachel Toalson
youtu.be
May 19, 2025 at 7:17 PM
For many years, scientific research on pretty much everything has been based on men, not women. In this video, I briefly examine the data gap, introduce the work of a leading researcher on women, and cast my hopes for an inclusive future.
▶️ youtu.be/pG4NsUYMFhs
▶️ youtu.be/pG4NsUYMFhs
Just posted my first newsletter on Substack. If you subscribe to my substack, you'll not only get a monthly newsletter full of great stuff (including books), but you'll also get an inside look at my writing that's made the rounds and been rejected 40 billion times.
Here we go!
Here we go!
May 18, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Just posted my first newsletter on Substack. If you subscribe to my substack, you'll not only get a monthly newsletter full of great stuff (including books), but you'll also get an inside look at my writing that's made the rounds and been rejected 40 billion times.
Here we go!
Here we go!
Some people believe it’s easier to write for children and young people than for adults. Not true. It may be harder. In this video, I offer some of my best tips on writing for children.
▶️ youtu.be/3Euy0JY0eQc
▶️ youtu.be/3Euy0JY0eQc
Why Write for Young People?
YouTube video by Rachel Toalson
youtu.be
May 15, 2025 at 9:16 PM
Some people believe it’s easier to write for children and young people than for adults. Not true. It may be harder. In this video, I offer some of my best tips on writing for children.
▶️ youtu.be/3Euy0JY0eQc
▶️ youtu.be/3Euy0JY0eQc
Even though she’s 13, the MC in my new book, THE UNFORGETTABLE LETA “LIGHTNING” LAUREL, recognizes that strong, assertive women are often shamed & called names. It doesn’t take us long to see it.
May all girls everywhere learn that being strong & assertive is nothing to be ashamed of or shamed for.
May all girls everywhere learn that being strong & assertive is nothing to be ashamed of or shamed for.
May 13, 2025 at 2:53 PM
Even though she’s 13, the MC in my new book, THE UNFORGETTABLE LETA “LIGHTNING” LAUREL, recognizes that strong, assertive women are often shamed & called names. It doesn’t take us long to see it.
May all girls everywhere learn that being strong & assertive is nothing to be ashamed of or shamed for.
May all girls everywhere learn that being strong & assertive is nothing to be ashamed of or shamed for.
Maybe you haven’t heard all the disturbing things and erroneous claims RFK Jr. is making about autistic people. In this video, I take them head-on, and also examine the question, What’s so wrong with being autistic?
▶️ youtu.be/rZmBfpahUJg
▶️ youtu.be/rZmBfpahUJg
What’s So Bad About Being Autistic?
YouTube video by Rachel Toalson
youtu.be
May 8, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Maybe you haven’t heard all the disturbing things and erroneous claims RFK Jr. is making about autistic people. In this video, I take them head-on, and also examine the question, What’s so wrong with being autistic?
▶️ youtu.be/rZmBfpahUJg
▶️ youtu.be/rZmBfpahUJg