We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rachel Kaplan a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Rachel thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
My goal is to spread kindness and acceptance through my work as a writer. I also donate profits from my book sales to charities that are important to me. I love that I can spread the word about kindness, friendship and acceptance through my writing of children’s books. Having been bullied and treated differently motivated me to become a writer. I didn’t learn to read until High School and wrote my first book to let people know the challenges that I faced and how kindness is powerful.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
This is how I became the person that I am today. When I was very young, I got bullied and teased and didn’t know why. I found out that I had a learning disability and it would take me longer to learn things. My main source of learning how to read was watching Disney movies and musicals. I was tired of people treating me differently. I decided I wanted to make a difference in the world. I wanted to tell my story through my eyes. When I told people I wanted to be an author, they discouraged me. I didn’t learn to read until High School. I had wonderful teachers who took the time to find the perfect way to learn to read. Because of their kindness and encouragement I believed I could do anything I set my mind to. I wrote my first book, “Growing Up with a Disability” during High School to let people know the challenges I faced daily. I was excited to share my story with the world. I am glad to be an inspiration to others. An act of kindness can change a persons life. I have written four more children’s books with the theme of kindness, friendship and caring about the world.
I have had four book signings at Barnes and Noble in Phoenix and Scottsdale. I love I can spread the word about kindness, friendship and acceptance through my writing. I am so proud I was recently featured on Channel Kindness, a project for Born this Way Foundation which was started by Lady Gaga. I was also a finalist with my dog, Smokey, in the FUREVER USA National Contest. We spread the word about then importance of rescuing animals. Smokey was an inspiration of one of my books.
What sets me apart from others, is that even though I suffer from anxiety, I have not let this get in my way of following my dreams.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
In the world we live in, it is important to me to spread the word of kindness and acceptance through my writings.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I received a number of rejections when I wrote my first book. No matter how many rejections I knew someone out there would be interested in my writing and I never gave up. I then had the opportunity to appear on Radio Disney when they heard my story.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @littlerayray18
- Facebook: @racheldisneykaplan