For Rachelle Cruz, writing isn’t just a craft—it’s a deeply personal journey. From growing up in the Philippines to navigating a new life in Canada, her experiences have shaped her storytelling, infusing it with themes of separation, resilience, and discovery. Through her writing, Rachelle creates worlds that resonate with readers, offering them an escape while reflecting her own truths.
From the Philippines to Canada: A Story of Separation and Reconnection
Rachelle’s journey began with a significant upheaval: leaving the Philippines at the age of 11 to reunite with her father in Canada. This move came with a price—leaving behind her mother and brother for nearly a decade. “That separation shaped me,” Rachelle reflects. “It taught me about sacrifice and how to process feelings of loss and longing.”
Her novel captures this emotional terrain, weaving personal experiences into the story of Estella, a character navigating her own journey of separation and self-discovery.
Writing Through Challenges
Rachelle’s journey as a writer was not without obstacles. “The pandemic became the instigator,” she explains, recalling how the enforced stillness inspired her to finally write the book she had long envisioned. However, revisiting her past through her art wasn’t easy. “The struggle wasn’t just writing—it was facing certain parts of my life,” she says.
Yet, those challenges brought authenticity to her work. Drawing from her experiences of adjusting to life in Canada, reconnecting with her roots in the Philippines, and embracing her identity, Rachelle created a story that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.
A Creative Process Rooted in Authenticity
Rachelle’s writing process is meticulous yet intuitive. Using tools like Scrivener to outline and build her characters, she allows her experiences to guide her storytelling. “Art imitates life,” she says. “Some ideas are drawn directly from my own experiences, making the writing process both cathartic and challenging.”
Her narrative reflects a unique cultural lens—one that blends her Filipino heritage with her Canadian upbringing, creating a voice that feels both familiar and refreshingly distinct.
Discovering Filipino Roots
A pivotal moment in Rachelle’s journey came when she returned to the Philippines for an internship. Immersing herself in the country’s culture, language, and history, she experienced a renewed connection to her roots. “It was like a resurgence of discovery,” she recalls. This reconnection not only influenced her as a person but also added depth and richness to her storytelling.
Inspiring Others to Create
Rachelle believes in following one’s gifts and using them to create something meaningful. “We’re meant to create and do something with what we have,” she says. “It’s where you’ll be in your element, where you’ll create impact, and where you’ll be authentic to yourself.”
Her advice to aspiring writers and creators is simple yet profound: “Look at your God-given gifts and see how you can use them. Excellence isn’t just for ourselves—it’s a way to honor the talents we’ve been given.”
Looking Ahead
Through her writing, Rachelle Cruz invites readers to embark on emotional journeys of self-discovery, love, and resilience. Whether it’s through the pages of her novel or the vivid memories of her childhood, she continues to craft stories that leave a lasting impact.
Rachelle’s journey reminds us that the breadcrumbs of our passions often lead us to our most authentic selves—and that through creativity, we can find healing and purpose.
📚✨ Follow Rachelle’s journey and let her stories inspire yours.
