Meet Christine Racheal | Novelist & Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Christine Racheal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Christine, what’s the end goal, career-wise?
I’ve seldom considered the end of my career because I am so incredibly passionate about storytelling that I cannot imagine its end until my point of transition from this world. My heart to inspire and encourage women through my novels and films may not be easy to gauge, but my prayer is that I am effective in the end. In addition, I am focused on creating a traditional publishing house to leave a legacy of relationships with other writers whose stories will also be shared with the world.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I started writing when I was 11 years old. I began with short stories and poetry that, by the time I was a freshman in high school, enabled me to build a portfolio that allowed me to gain entry into Douglas Anderson School of the Arts as a writing major. After receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Creative Writing from Florida State University in 2007, my goal was to become a published author by my 25th birthday. And indeed, on my 25th birthday, I was at a bar with friends when I received a call regarding my first novel, “Trickery.” I thought it would be roses from there, but I faced legal challenges with my work being plagiarized and trust issues led me to the realm of self-publishing. Fortunately, the skills I gained through learning to self-publish also enabled me to assist and guide others through the process and I formed Airris Books, which packages an author’s manuscript so that it is shelf-ready. After 14 years, the business is still thriving, and my goal is to continue to build as I branch into other methods of storytelling, including filmmaking. At this point, I have written, directed, and produced five short films under the Opal Ally Productions brand, and plan to produce more. In this industry, I’ve learned to be patient and to trust the process. As a creative, my goal is to be authentic, to prioritize the vision, and attach myself to those who can help carry it out.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Atlanta is saturated with things to do. Brunch is quite popular in this city, but I prefer quiet settings so I would probably visit Grits and Eggs Breakfast Kitchen in Cumberland. Not only is it Black Owned, it has some of the best food in the city. For entertainment, I would definitely find a venue with a live band or a great comedy show like those offered at Monticello or Kat’s Cafe. My favorite spot for dinner is Pasha, where you have the option of enjoying handcrafted cocktails and flavorful hookah in addition to great food.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve been a published novelist since I was 25 years old, so I learned to navigate the world of publishing while I resided in Florida. When I relocated to Atlanta in 2017, I embarked on a journey to gain experience in a new industry and execute films. I was blessed to meet Tre Floyd of Tre Floyd Productions and Tre Floyd TV. He first entrusted me with a position in his writers’ room for Tre Floyd TV projects in 2020, and later extended the opportunity to direct “The Roommate” and the stage play “She Got It.” I was also casted to act in the series “Church Hurt,” “Wolfcreek View,” and the stage plays “Atlanta Child Murders” and “Black Girl Therapy.” My connection with Tre has made my experience in Atlanta fruitful in so many ways, and I am grateful.

Website: www.christineracheal.com

Instagram: @christine.racheal

Youtube: @opalallyproductions

Image Credits
Eye of Kedar Photography