Rayne Lacko is the author of the new young adult novel The Secret Song of Shelby Rey. Her other books include the YA novel A Song for the Road. She is a social-emotional learning specialist, and she lives in Washington state.
Q: What inspired you to write The Secret Song of Shelby Rey, and how did you create your characters Shelby and Zac?
A: My original idea was about a young woman who carried deep wounds and used her headphones like armor, speaking only through song lyrics. As I pulled lyrics from music across cultures and genres to shape her voice, I was delighted to find a song for everything. Music has this incredible way of expressing every emotion, crossing language barriers, and bringing people together.
I also wanted to explore what it would mean to hear music in everything and how that might be interpreted as a gift or a curse. If we could truly hear another person’s heart through music, would that be magical or overwhelming? Intimate or a little too revealing?
Shelby’s ability lets her hear not only the beauty in people—their kindness, their passion, their dreams—but also their struggles, their flaws, and the ways they get in their own way.
Developing Zac Wyatt's character was an adventure that took me deep into the heart of the music industry. I had the pleasure of interviewing producers, performers, and audio engineers, and while we delved into the nuances of creating music in LA, our conversations often ventured beyond the studio.
As a researcher and former magazine editor, I value these moments of connection, believing that curiosity and compassion are essential to understanding worlds beyond our own.
Zac is a chameleon, adapting his language to fit his company. Around Dr. Gibson, he showcases his college-level vocabulary—a subtle reminder that he wasn't always a rock star and a hint at his insecurity about feeling inferior.
Despite our stark differences, his dialogue and inner monologues flowed effortlessly onto the page, making him one of the most fun characters to bring to life.
Q: How would you describe the dynamic between Shelby and Zac?
A: Great question! The entire book centers on the dynamic between them, so your question requires many answers.
Shelby is essentially alone; Zac is surrounded by adoring fans.
Shelby longs to fit in somewhere, anywhere, to be heard and understood; Zac longs to stand out, stand up, and be worshipped from a distance.
Shelby is unafraid to face what is, and grapples with the often gritty hardships of her reality; Zac is always crafting his persona, trying to be cool and clever, and worried about what others will think.
Shelby gives (but doesn’t believe she has anything of value to give); Zac takes (but thinks he is always doing others a favor).
Q: The writer Lisa Manterfield said of the book, “With lyrical prose and electrifying emotion, Lacko thrusts readers into a heartbreaking tale of love, betrayal, and addiction through the eyes of a courageous, neurodiverse young woman.” What do you think of that description?
A: Lisa Manterfield is one of my all-time favorite authors, and I’m honored and delighted by her powerful words. As always, she is astute, compelling, and exact in her word choice, so I think this accurately describes The Secret Song of Shelby Rey.
The entire book was written with a lyrical approach. Gritty and frequently philosophical, the prevailing experience is emotional. If readers agree that the emotions are “electrifying,” I’ll be delighted. While this book is not a romance, my characters experience love and heartbreak.
Q: Did you know how the novel would end before you started writing it, or did you make many changes along the way?
A: When I wrote the original draft in the early 2000s, I had absolutely no idea. Endings were my kryptonite. This book taught me always to begin a story with full knowledge of the ending. After many years, I still emphasize this rule in my creative writing classes.
I wrote and rewrote the ending many times. Even when the manuscript was accepted for publication and entered the final stages of proofreading, my wonderful and amazing editor, Krissa Lagos, pointed out issues with the tone and intention in the final chapter. I almost decided that the book wasn’t ready for publication after all.
We hopped on a Zoom call and talked through Shelby’s issues, her dreams, her past, and her future, and I went back and rewrote the final scene again. It was so much better because of that conversation, and I’ll always be grateful to her for being in the trenches with me and caring about Shelby as much as I do.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: I am plotting my path for a new creative journey. I’ve been carrying around an idea for a fantasy novel for several years. I enjoy reading and watching fantasy movies, and series, and anime. However, I’m less familiar with how to write the genre's structure. I'm excited to embrace the learning curve and immerse myself in the necessary historical research.
Guillermo del Toro said, “There is art and beauty and power in the primal images of fantasy.” Del Toro's single sentence is packed with everything I would like to endeavor to write about, so I just need to begin. I’ve never been one to wait for inspiration. I believe inspiration comes when the work commences.
I also have a lot of fun creating social-emotional learning journals for kids. I’ve been toying with the idea of designing one for adults. Whichever path I choose, the prospect of a new creative project fills me with energy and anticipation.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: The Secret Song of Shelby Rey was born from my love of music and curiosity about its healing power. I’ve always been struck by how a single song can stop you in your tracks, stir memories, or shift your mood. For Shelby, music is more than background noise—it’s a refuge, helping her navigate turmoil and find her voice.
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
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