Author Rachel Valencourt

As I near the finish line of my third novel, Twilight’s Brightest Star, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on a research trip that profoundly shaped my writing journey. 📚✨

In 2023, while I was nearly finished with Every Night Has a Dawn, I felt an undeniable pull to Neah Bay, WA—a place woven into my family’s history. To authentically capture my grandmother’s world and the landscape that shaped her life, I knew I had to walk the paths she once walked.

This journey wasn’t just about gathering details; it was about connecting with the essence of her life. Standing on those shores, I aimed to infuse my novel with the vividness and depth that only a personal visit could provide.

Neah Bay’s misty forests and remote coastline became a bridge to the past. Immersing myself in this setting allowed me to honor a woman who lived through nearly a century of monumental change and inspired me in countless ways.

Upon arrival, I was captivated by the turquoise waters, lush rainforests, and the area’s untouched beauty. Our first stop was the Makah Cultural Research Center and Museum, where a massive storm in the winter of 1969/70 uncovered thousands of artifacts buried for centuries. We marveled at intricate woven baskets, dog hair blankets, and many other relics from the Ozette archaeological dig.

We also enjoyed the freshest halibut and chips at a quaint local restaurant. While they didn’t have the razor clam fritters I’d heard so much about, my cousin made some for us at the cabin we rented, and they were as wonderfully fresh and delicious as I’d imagined.

Our next adventure took us to Cape Flattery, where we hiked through the rainforest to a breathtaking cliffside view of the Pacific Ocean. At the end of the trail, we glimpsed the Cape Flattery Lighthouse, built in 1854—a rare link to my grandmother’s time in Neah Bay and one of the only standing structures that would have been there during her life.

The highlight of the trip was a nearly spiritual moment: catching a serendipitous glimpse of a pair of gray whales swimming in the cold coastal waters. It underscored why the mesmerizing beauty of this place and the resilience of its people had such a profound impact on my grandmother.

In the gritty depths of the Depression, my grandmother and her family forged a legacy of resilience and resourcefulness. Their sacrifices paved the way for future generations, including me. As I guide my daughters, I see it as passing on a torch—illuminating their path with the wisdom of those who came before us. 🌺💫

Please enjoy some photos from this research trip and don’t forget to preorder my latest novel here.