Rachel Renee Russell


Photo of Rachel Renee Russell
Rachel Renee Russell is an American attorney who prefers writing tween 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. Her hobbies include growing purple flowers and doing totally useless crafts (like, for example, making a microwave oven out of Popsicle sticks, glue, and glitter). Rachel currently resides in northern Virginia with her two dogs, one of whom is a spoiled Yorkie who terrorizes her daily by climbing on top of a computer cabinet and pelting her with stuffed animals while she writes. And, yes, Rachel considers herself a total Dork.

Author's Comment: Q: Who were your writing inspirations?

A: I loved 'Harriet the Spy,' and when people ask me "What's your inspiration?" I'll say obviously 'Wimpy Kid' and then 'Harriet'. I loved the character and was really close to her. She had the same feelings that I felt. 'Wimpy Kid' didn't inspire the writing so much. I could see that there was definitely a market for this, though. Because normally you have to write about the paranormal if you want to write something that has the potential for being humongous, but seeing 'Wimpy Kid,' I thought, wow, you can write something slice of life. It doesn't have to be vampires and angels and demons and stuff like that. Oh, and I loved 'The Princess Diaries' and Meg Cabot. She's really humorous and witty and smart.

Nationality: American

Featured series by Rachel Renee Russell


Dork Diaries - Age 9 & up
Misadventures of Max Crumbly - Age 9 & up