We’re looking forward to introducing you to Rebecca Elder. Check out our conversation below.
Rebecca, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Lately, I’ve completely fallen back in love with reading—especially fantasy. There’s something about getting lost in these rich, otherworldly stories that has been exactly what my soul needed. I’m the kind of reader who gets deeply attached to the characters and their journeys, and over the past few months, I’ve read some truly unforgettable books that I know will stay with me for a long time. It’s been the perfect escape from the chaos of the real world—a little bit of magic when everything else feels a bit too heavy.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Rebecca Elder, and at my core, I’m a creative. I’ve always felt an innate need to make things—whether through painting, writing, crafting, or any outlet that lets my vivid imagination run wild. Creativity has never been just a hobby for me—it’s how I process the world.
I’ve been passionate about photography for nearly two decades, capturing moments through my lens that tell stories without words. Professionally, I work in marketing, a field that’s allowed me to blend strategy with creativity in a variety of ways.
Most recently, I’ve taken on a new creative chapter: becoming a published author. My debut novel comes out on July 19th, and I couldn’t be more proud—or more thrilled—to share it with the world.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
Growing up, I was a classic people pleaser. I worked tirelessly, often to my own detriment, to meet everyone else’s needs, constantly putting myself last in the process. I thought if I could just make everyone around me happy, I’d feel fulfilled too. But over time, the weight of that pressure slowly wore me down.
Through therapy and the unwavering support of my closest friends and family, I was finally able to break free from that exhausting cycle. I’ve learned to set boundaries, prioritize my well-being, and live life with more freedom and intention.
While I’ll always be a giver at heart—someone who loves helping others and creating safe, supportive spaces—I’ve found a healthier way to show up for the people I love… without losing myself in the process.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
One fear that has followed me through much of my life is the fear of not being enough. It’s the quiet, persistent voice that told me to play it safe, that whatever I had to offer wouldn’t matter—or worse, wouldn’t be good enough. That fear held me back from going after things I truly wanted, especially when it came to writing a book.
Writing a novel had always lived quietly in the back of my mind, but every time the dream stirred, I buried it under excuses: No one would care. My writing isn’t good enough. My story isn’t interesting. I don’t have the time. I convinced myself it wasn’t meant for me.
But something shifted last year. The idea returned with a spark I couldn’t ignore, and for the first time, I said “screw it” and just started. I didn’t begin with the intention to publish—I simply wanted to prove to myself that I could do it. And I did. The more I wrote, the more the story took shape. Once I had a full draft, I nervously sent it to an editor, expecting a laundry list of things to fix.
What I got instead left me speechless.
She said it was one of the lightest edits she’d ever done. That it didn’t read like a debut. That she couldn’t stop thinking about my characters, long after she’d finished—something that meant everything to me, because that’s exactly how I connect to the stories I love most.
That feedback gave me the confidence to take this seriously. I found incredible beta readers, spent months refining the manuscript, and finally—after years of doubt and delay—I finished it.
My debut novel will officially be published in paperback and on Kindle Unlimited on July 19th, and I couldn’t be prouder.
My book is called Heartbeats and it’s in the romance genre.
Heartbeats is a heartfelt, emotionally immersive debut that skillfully blends contemporary romance with profound themes of grief, fate, and healing. This story delivers both romantic chemistry and emotional catharsis, leaving a lasting impression long after the last page.
At 27, Emmy is a freelance photographer in Chicago, a hopeless romantic at heart—yet haunted by the grief of losing her father as a teenager. No matter how much she longs for the kind of love her parents once shared, she can’t shake the feeling that she doesn’t deserve it.
Fresh off a bad breakup, Emmy is ready to swear off men indefinitely—until a chance encounter at a hockey game leads to a whirlwind, rom-com-worthy moment with a charismatic stranger, Julian. Their connection is instant, electric… and then, just as quickly, lost.
Fate isn’t finished with them yet. When Emmy and Julian unexpectedly cross paths again, what starts as a second chance soon turns into something deeper than either of them expected. Julian offers Emmy a love so real, so undeniable, that it begins to challenge everything she’s told herself about what she deserves. But as their bond grows, so does the weight of her past trauma threatening to unravel them.
And just when Emmy finally allows herself to believe in love again, an unfathomable truth comes to light—one that could break them apart forever… if they let it.
A story of love, loss, grief, and the undeniable beauty of human connection.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My relationships are the most precious part of my life. I’m incredibly lucky to be surrounded by a village of people who love, support, and inspire me every single day. I have an amazing family—two parents who are still happily together after over 30 years, two incredible siblings, and a husband who is not only my partner in life, but truly my best friend and biggest cheerleader.
Beyond that, I’m surrounded by an incredible circle of strong, compassionate, badass women. They come from every chapter of my life—from childhood to corporate—and they’ve become more than friends; they’re family. These are the people who hold me up, cheer me on, and remind me who I am. They mean everything to me, and I couldn’t imagine doing life without them.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m surrounded by the people I love. Most of my closest friends live in different states now, so when we do find the time to be in the same place, it feels incredibly special. Those moments—full of laughter, late-night talks, and simply being present together—bring me a kind of joy and calm that nothing else can.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rebeccaelder.net, www.rvphotography615.com
- Instagram: @rebeccaelder_author, @rebeccavaughanphotography
- Other: Tiktok / Tome: @books4beck
