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Rachel (R.L.) Toalson

@racheltoalson.bsky.social

186 followers 90 following 79 posts

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

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Reposted by Rachel (R.L.) Toalson

LBYR School & Library @lbschool.bsky.social · 17/02/2026

"I hope, with Love, Sivvy, my young adult verse novel based on the life of young Sylvia Plath, I’ve now become a small part of illuminating her for a generation." Read @racheltoalson.bsky.social's reflection on Sylvia Plath and her new YA novel LOVE, SIVVY!

Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 14/02/2026

This monologue reimagines romance through Sylvia Plath’s lens: say yes to experience, no to shame, and never let love outrank your ambition. Because kisses may be fleeting, but the words you leave behind are what make you unforgettable. ▶️ youtu.be/KGtcHAMrnfo

Silvia Plath's rules for romance

YouTube video by Rachel Toalson

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Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 07/02/2026

**San Antonio friends!** Join me at The Twig Book Shop to celebrate the release of LOVE, SIVVY! I'll tell you everything you want to know about Sylvia Plath, answer burning questions & read some poems. And there will be homemade treats. (Feel free to share your requests; I'll see what I can do)

Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 02/02/2026

Sylvia Plath was a perfectionist, like me. When you get trapped in the gap b/t who you want to be & who you know you are, it’s not easy to climb back out. Ask me how I know. (You can climb back out. You can ask me how I know that, too.) Enjoy this poem from LOVE, SIVVY, which releases in 2 weeks!!

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Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 01/01/2026

Sylvia Plath ditches the conventional and gets real with her New Year's resolutions. How many of these ring true for you? Watch: youtu.be/rido-FVEFvA

Sylvia Plath's New Year's Resolutions

YouTube video by Rachel Toalson

Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

Sylvia Plath puts aside the fluff and forced cheer of most holiday guides in her top 10 picks for holiday gifts. Do you write, read, or create? Have you ever been told you're too much AND not enough? Do you hate holiday guides? If so, this video is for you. ▶️ youtu.be/88V_lXrU7F4

Sylvia Plath's Holiday Gift Guide

YouTube video by Rachel Toalson

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Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

Probably the most frequent question I’m asked is “How do you do it all?” It’s a question many women are asked. In this video, I take you through the emotions such a question often brings up. ▶️ youtu.be/-cbvd-OEp-M

How Do I Do It All?

YouTube video by Rachel Toalson

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Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 27/10/2025

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

Sylvia Plath's Guide to Celebrating Your Birthday

YouTube video by Rachel Toalson

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Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 17/10/2025

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

Everyone Deserves Participation in the Arts, Regardless of their Income Level

YouTube video by Rachel Toalson

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Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 10/10/2025

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

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Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 29/08/2025

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

Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 08/08/2025

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

Not All Kids Have Access to Mental Healthcare

YouTube video by Rachel Toalson

Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 18/07/2025

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

How to Pull Yourself Out of Writing Burnout

YouTube video by Rachel Toalson

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Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 11/07/2025

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

Sometimes I feel like a nothing and a nobody

YouTube video by Rachel Toalson

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Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 04/07/2025

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

Writing tips - Writing during dark days

YouTube video by Rachel Toalson

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Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 27/06/2025

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

The Kids Will Be Okay

YouTube video by Rachel Toalson

Reposted by Rachel (R.L.) Toalson

Authors Against Book Bans @authorsabb.bsky.social · 27/06/2025

Our statement in response to the Supreme Court ruling in Mahmoud v Taylor. Image thread with alt text. 1/4

Today's Supreme Court decision, though couched in the language of freedom and inclusivity, is a tragic failure for both the right to read and the rights of LGBTQIA+ people. Authors Against Book Bans stands firmly and fiercely against the decision and its rationale. To allow parents to "object" to the presence of positive books about the lives and rights of LGBTQIA+ people is to allow them to "object" to the existence of LGBTQIA+ students, parents, educators, and others in the wider community. You cannot “opt out” of reality, no matter what today’s majority opinion states. These books belong on shelves and these stories belong in classrooms and curricula.

Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

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

The Scars You Carry From Growing Up Poor

YouTube video by Rachel Toalson

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Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 07/06/2025

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

How to Find YOUR Stories

YouTube video by Rachel Toalson

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Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 06/06/2025

**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!

Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 03/06/2025

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!

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Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 31/05/2025

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 😊📖🖋️

Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 30/05/2025

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

What is the Sisterhood, and Who Gets to Be a Part?

YouTube video by Rachel Toalson

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Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 27/05/2025

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

Introducing The Unforgettable Leta "Lightning" Laurel

YouTube video by Rachel Toalson

Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 26/05/2025

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...

writerunboxed.com

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’…

Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 26/05/2025

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!

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Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 23/05/2025

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

How to Infuse Stories with Humor

YouTube video by Rachel Toalson

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Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 19/05/2025

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

The Data Gap with Women And Research

YouTube video by Rachel Toalson

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Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 18/05/2025

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!

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Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 15/05/2025

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

Why Write for Young People?

YouTube video by Rachel Toalson

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Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

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.

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Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 08/05/2025

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

What’s So Bad About Being Autistic?

YouTube video by Rachel Toalson

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Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 06/05/2025

In THE UNFORGETTABLE LETA “LIGHTNING” LAUREL, MC Leta is growing up in an economically disadvantaged family. These are the kinds of scars you carry when you grow up like that. This book helped me work through my own scars. 4 weeks until the book releases! (Preorder at your favorite bookstore!)

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Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 02/05/2025

There’s a reason generational trauma has the word “generation” in it. In this video, I explore The Burdensome Box, which is what I call the collection of generational baggage we inherit from our parents. ▶️ youtu.be/OO7hoCV23Qs

The Generational Trauma We Carry From Our Parents

YouTube video by Rachel Toalson

Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 01/05/2025

Join me and legendary journalist Cary Clack near the end of this month to celebrate the release of THE UNFORGETTABLE LETA “LIGHTNING” LAUREL! Event includes a discussion between the two of us, a reading from the book, and time for questions, greeting, and signing. I’d love to see you there!

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Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

Words are sometimes hard. For all of us. The careless words of others can stick with us, like they stuck with my main character, Leta. Let’s try not to be the ones who say them. 5 weeks until the THE UNFORGETTABLE LETA “LIGHTNING” LAUREL releases! (Preorder at your favorite bookstore!)

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Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 25/04/2025

Writing can make us feel incredibly vulnerable and self-conscious, doubtful of our abilities. In this video, I share 7 things I want writers to remember when they’re struggling to put themselves out there. ▶️ youtu.be/Gdu0Pnu9-d0

7 Important Things Writers Need to Remember About the Writing Life

YouTube video by Rachel Toalson

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Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 24/04/2025

*SAVE THE DATE!* Here are all the places I’ll be to celebrate the release of THE UNFORGETTABLE LETA “LIGHTNING” LAUREL. Come visit me if you can!

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Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 22/04/2025

In THE UNFORGETTABLE LETA “LIGHTNING” LAUREL, main character Leta is trying to become unforgettable by winning district champion in the 400m dash. Some of us spend our lives trying to prove we’re unforgettable. But guess what? We already are, to the people who matter. 6 weeks until the release!

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Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 18/04/2025

Neurodivergent women often come across as unlikable characters (and people). In this video I explore why, and I issue a plea to give them a chance and see them as the endearing, unique people they are. ▶️ youtu.be/WvuT5toy15E

The Challenges of Writing (and Being) a Neurodivergent Woman

YouTube video by Rachel Toalson

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Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 15/04/2025

What Leta says is true: When something’s unfair, it should make us all angry. 7 weeks until the THE UNFORGETTABLE LETA “LIGHTNING” LAUREL releases! (Preorder at your favorite bookstore!) @simonkids.bsky.social

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Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 11/04/2025

When we first start writing, we want to be awesome at it RIGHT NOW. But improvement in our skills takes time. In this video I talk about how to make sure you’re improving as a writer over time. ▶️ youtu.be/9oefRspdVGU

Getting Better Takes Time

YouTube video by Rachel Toalson

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Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 10/04/2025

THE UNFORGETTABLE LETA “LIGHTNING” LAUREL got a *starred review* from School Library Journal! I’m so excited to share this book with you. Publishes May 27! Preorder at your favorite bookstore! @simonkids.bsky.social

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Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 08/04/2025

In my book THE UNFORGETTABLE LETA “LIGHTNING” LAUREL, eighth grader Leta is the star of her track team. At least until another runner shows up. And now Leta has everything to lose. 8 weeks until the book releases! (Preorder at your favorite bookstore!) @simonkids.bsky.social

Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 05/04/2025

My weekend read.

Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 04/04/2025

Being ourselves can feel like the hardest thing in the world—especially for neurodivergent people. In this video I explore the idea that while being ourselves may sometimes seem to hold us back, it’s really the best person we can be. ▶️ youtu.be/7yyhV9mEDdk

I Want to Be Myself, But What if My Self Gets In the Way

YouTube video by Rachel Toalson

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Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 01/04/2025

In my book THE UNFORGETTABLE LETA “LIGHTNING’ LAUREL, MC Leta has to step in as Second Mom to her sister, Amelia, because her mom works two jobs. It’s complicated, being a sister and Second Mom. 9 weeks until the book releases! Preorder at your favorite bookstore! @simonkids.bsky.social

Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 29/03/2025

Research shows that the most original creators produce more and have a larger volume of work. In this video I explore how we can produce more as writers and, in the process, write more creatively. ▶️ youtu.be/et1tvk7UpCk

How to be Original

YouTube video by Rachel Toalson

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Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 29/03/2025

I am now living in a house with five teenage boys. 😳 Happy 13th birthday, B and Z! I love you! (We didn’t have a #3 candle, so we did 10 + 3 individual candles, because this is how divergent brains solve problems. 😂)

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Rachel (R.L.) Toalson @racheltoalson.bsky.social · 25/03/2025

Historically, women have been discouraged or outright forbidden from writing in particular genres. Even today, biases still exist that say men write in this genre better than women. In this video, I share some things to think about if you’re a woman who writes about THAT. ▶️ youtu.be/Qfh1cwhxNgE

Women Can’t Write About THAT

YouTube video by Rachel Toalson

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