Portage la Prairie’s award-winning author Rachael Clarke is trading her quiet writing nook for the vibrant streets of Cusco, Peru, after being selected as a contestant on the groundbreaking reality TV show Write or Flight. The speculative fiction novelist and kids’ book writer, known locally for her “Write with Rachael” library program, will compete against eight global contestants in a high-stakes creative challenge blending adventure, culture, and storytelling—all while vying for a $10,000 book deal and a year of professional coaching.
A reality show where pens (and passports) take flight
Write or Flight, the first reality series to spotlight writers, tasks contestants with crafting stories inspired by surprise cultural experiences—from immersive activities to heart-pumping adventures—across Peru. Each episode, participants present their work to a judging panel, with eliminations narrowing the field until one winner remains.
“The woman who’s putting on the show lives in Cusco, Peru,” Clarke explains. “She’s planning on having all the contestants deep dive into culture, do experiences and activities, and then write about them as a challenge. I have no idea what the experiences will be—that’s going to be a big surprise.”
Clarke, initially an 11th-place alternate, secured her spot after two contestants dropped out. “Out of 500-plus applicants, I was the first alternate. Then they said, ‘You’re up, Rachael!’” she shares. “I’m honored they liked my writing and personality enough to think I’d be good on their show.”
From Portage to Peru: Nerves, thrills, and “writing my face off”
The self-described “small-town Prairie girl” admits to a mix of excitement and jitters. “I’m extremely excited and over the moon, but I’ve never gone on an adventure completely solo like this,” she says. “You’re going to be on TV, so you don’t want to make a fool [of yourself]. But I’m just going to be myself and have fun.”
Clarke’s resilience stems from her eclectic background—including a stint as a police officer inspired by a harrowing encounter in Guatemala. Her winning audition piece detailed that very experience, showcasing her knack for weaving raw, true stories.
As for strategy? “I’m going to write my face off,” she laughs. “If I win, that’s the gravy on the mashed potatoes. But even getting this far feels like I’ve already won.”
Prizes, picture books, and hot tub dreams
Should Clarke clinch victory, she plans to channel the $10,000 advance into publishing her children’s books. “I want my kids to enjoy them while they’re still in the right age range,” she says. “And if there’s money left over, I might toss it into a hot tub. We need to soak every now and again!”
The author also hopes to make her community proud. “I’m just a standard Prairie girl—no one special,” she adds. “But I’m representing Manitoba and Canada. Having people cheer me on? That’s amazing.”