Author Interview and Giveaway with Ren

Welcome everyone. I would like to introduce Ren, author of Mercy. She is here today to answer a few questions and give away two e-book copies of her book, Mercy, a thrilling ghostly suspense. All you have to do to enter the drawing is leave a comment. Winners will be drawn on November 20th and we will forward each winner a copy of Mercy in whatever format you require for your e-readers. Remember to enter a comment to participate and your email address so we may contact you as a winner!

Thank you, Ren, for participating in this interview and giveaway! I'm sure that your readers would love to know more about you.

Ren, tell us your latest news.

Aside from the release of my 1^st novel (my baby), Mercy on October 1, 2011 - I am awaiting the arrival of my 2^nd grandson and 3^rd grandchild, Brayden Ray; due Feb. 20, 2012.

I will also be starting a new career as a line editor for a new publishing company in the near future.

     

When and why did you begin writing?

My father’s love of reading inspired me at a young age and early exposure to poetry and creative writing courses encouraged my writing talent. I have written many short stories and poems through the years and share the author’s dream of one day writing a best seller.

What do you like to do when you are not writing?

When I am not writing I balance my time between being a mother, grandmother, researcher, editor, volunteer fundraiser, marketer & promoter for independent artists & authors for Fishing Country Now radio and paranormal investigator with S.P.I.R.I.T. Michigan.

What inspired you to write your first book? 

In October, 2009, I wanted to enter a paranormal writing competition for Halloween. With an avid interest in paranormal events I began writing a short story simply titled ‘Halloween”. Once started, I just couldn't seem to stop writing. Needless to say, I did not submit it for that competition; but I enjoyed writing it so much that it soon grew into my novel, ‘Mercy’. 

Shortly after, I joined a local paranormal group, S.P.I.R.I.T. Michigan as an investigator. My experiences within my S.P.I.R.I.T. family as an empath, along with my writing skills allow me to share my world through my work. 

What do you think makes a good story?

Sometimes you must just listen to the voices and write the story as it is told to you. The best stories contain a good mixture of every emotion along with suspense, romance, humor, information and intelligence. The perfect mix of all these will create works that encourage followers to want to read your next story.

             

How do you want readers to feel after they read your stories? 

After finishing one of my stories I would like my readers to feel the satisfaction of having enjoyed a good book and wanting more; I want them to look forward to the sequel. I would like them to feel that they know my characters and by knowing them they also know me.

What is your favorite character out of all the books you have written?

I have only written one book, ‘Mercy’, and I must say she is my favorite character. Throughout the series, she not only exhibits the impish antics of the child she will forever be; she repeatedly demonstrates a true friendship, first kindled in past years, that lasts longer than a lifetime.

What influences your creativity of your characters?

I am an Empath; this enables me to become one with my characters. When I write I see what they see; feel what they feel; hear what they hear and taste what they taste. I listen to the voices that speak to me and write the story they tell.

I feel one of my friends summed it up best when he said: “The best fiction comes from those who are able to see life from a different angle. Ren is not only able to see that different angle, she can hear what others miss and she is adept at writing the story the voices tell her”.

Can you share a little of your current work with us?

Currently, I am working on ‘Charity’, a sequel to ‘Mercy’. 

Charity is a mischievous Christmas Spirit that makes Mia and Jack St.Johns’ first Christmas in their new house memorable to say the least.  

I also have a story in the works about a young soldier and his adventures during WWI.

What are some of the goals and future plans with your writing?

Mercy is the 1st of a 4 book Paranormal/Fiction series by Ren.; released October 1, 2011. A sequel, Charity is in progress with Hope and Destiny to follow.

Other novels scheduled for future paranormal projects are ‘Harmony Rose’ and the story of a young soldier that fought in WWI.

Thank you, Ren, for sharing with us. Now remember that to enter you must post a comment. Please be sure to leave your email address so that we may contact you if you are a winner. Good Luck!

Congratulations to our winners Derika and T.J.! You've each won a compy of Mercy.