Dork Diaries

About Rachel Renee Russell

Rachel Renée Russell is an attorney who prefers writing children's books to legal briefs (mainly because books are a lot more fun and pyjamas and bunny slippers aren't allowed in court). She has raised two daughters and lived to tell about it. Dork Diaries was her debut novel and there are now over ten books in the internationally bestselling series which has appeared on the NYT bestseller top ten non-stop for over a year, and which has over 19 million copies in print worldwide. Her new book The Misadventures of Max Crumbly was published in June 2016. Rachel lives in northern Virginia with a spoiled pet Yorkie who terrorises her daily by climbing on top of her computer and pelting her with stuffed animals while she writes. And, yes, Rachel considers herself a total Dork.

One of the World Book Day 2015 Authors  Rachel Renee Russell is a lawyer who prefers writing children's books to legal briefs. She lives in Aldie, Virginia.

A Q&A with Rachel...

Can you share a little about your background? I grew up in Saint Joseph, Michigan, a small city located on the shore of Lake Michigan. I have 2 younger sisters and 2 younger twin brothers. I wrote and illustrated my first book in 6th grade as a birthday present for my brothers. I’m an attorney, but I enjoy writing children’s books more than practicing law. I currently reside in northern Virginia.

Do you have any children?
I have two daughters. My younger daughter, Nikki, helps with illustrations. I am also looking forward to adopting 3 children in the near future.

Are the events in the book true?
Many of the events in the book are based on the experiences I and my daughters had in middle school.

Were you considered a Dork in middle school?
Yes! And, I’m STILL a DORK!

Do you have any pets?
I have a dog, a yorkie.