Exclusive Interview with
Renee Regent
When did you start writing?
I published my first novel in 2016 but have always written stories and journals, and also blogged for businesses.
What makes writing your passion?
Creating stories, getting into the character's minds, and the sense of accomplishment and connection when a reader enjoys what you wrote.
How long have you been writing?
Since I could hold a pencil, lol. I drew my own comic books when I was ten.
What was the feeling when you published your first book?
Indescribable. I waited until I had the whole trilogy (the Higher Elevations series) written before I published, for continuity and to rapid release. It took willpower to not release the first book early!
What’s the story behind your choice of characters?
I gravitate toward strong, protective heroes and feisty, independent heroines. Love to give them deep, dark secrets to reveal over the course of the story.
What annoys you the most in pursuing a writing career?
The sheer plethora of ways to market your book, and none are guaranteed. It's great that there are so many ways to get to readers, but that also presents the biggest challenge. Most are hit or miss.
How do you get over the “writer’s block”?
I read! Or I may go over my notes for various projects that were not finished, see if that sparks anything. I rarely get writer's block, I usually don't have enough time to do all want to do!
We all know the writer’s path is never easy, what makes you keep going? What advice would you give to new authors?
I do get discouraged from time to time, but I love writing and creating so much, I know I will do it anyway. And I do have some followers so I want to keep that connection with them. So I keep going on the next project, and the next...
If you could go back in time and talk to your younger self, what would you say?
PUBLISH SOONER! Study the markets, the genres, everything. I waited until I had the time to focus on writing but would have loved to get in on it sooner.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with the bad ones?
Thankfully, I have not had any bad ones yet. A few lukewarm ones, but I understand not everyone will be pleased. Stories are a matter of taste, just like any form of entertainment. I would still be disappointed, but know it's only an opinion.
What is the feeling when you get a good review?
It is rewarding when they "get it", when the reaction is what you hoped or when someone understands the theme of the story. And it's nice to provide people with enjoyment.
Have you ever incorporated something that happened to you in real life into your novels?
All the time! In my newsletter, I often reveal people, places, and things that are from my life. I call it "Behind The Story". It's fun to share and I hope it enhances the reader's enjoyment of the story to know where the ideas come from.
Which of your characters you can compare yourself with? Did you base that character on you?
I guess all my main characters have a piece of me, but none are based on me. I enjoy getting to knw my characters and if they were too much like me, I might get bored!
What do you think, the book cover is as important as the story?
Yes, because it represents the story and is the first thing (except the title) to catch a potential reader's attention. I think it is more so now that everything is online.
Do you connect with your readers? Do you mind having a chat with them or you prefer to express yourself through your writing?
I enjoy chatting with them in emails, on social media, and at book signings. Most authors are readers, first and foremost, so it's fun to talk with other readers!
How do you feel when people appreciate your work or recognize you in public?
I am humbled and thrilled!
Who is your favorite author? Why?
Diana Gabaldon of Outlander fame. I started reading her in the 1990's and loved her books. It's a mashup of romance, fantasy, historical and mainstream fiction, but she pulls it off eloquently.
What’s the dream? Whom would you like to be as big as?
I would love to make enough income from my writing to be able to sustain my writing. Any extra would be icing on the cake.
Would you rewrite any of your books? Why?
Probably not unless there was something that needed to be updated.
If you could switch places with any author – who would that be?
No one comes to mind. We all have our own paths to take.
What would you say to the “trolls” on the internet? We all know them – people who like to write awful reviews to books they’ve never read or didn’t like that much, just to annoy the author.
I normally wouldn't engage, but it does make me wonder why? There is so much to do and so many things we can enjoy--purposely being hurtful to anyone makes no sense to me.
What would you say to your readers?
I appreciate you taking the time to read my stories, and if you shared it or wrote a review, you have my undying gratitude!
Share a bit about yourself – where do you live, are you married, do you have kids?
I live outside of Atlanta, Georgia with my husband, two cats, and four turtles. I have a wonderful stepson, who is 23.
What is your day job if you have one?
I have two part time jobs in administration and bookkeeping, so being an author is my 3rd part time job!
What are your hobbies? What do you do in your free time?
Free time??? What is that?? LOL I enjoy going to concerts or live music events with my husband (before 2020, ugh).
Did you have a happy childhood?
Kind of chaotic and crazy, but I was always looking toward the future. I knew I had the power to make my life better as I got older.
Is there a particular experience that made you start writing?
Perhaps it was my way of coping with external events over which I had no control. My imagination has been invaluable to me. Creating stories helped me to get through many tough times and provided enjoyment for its own sake.
Do you have unpublished books? What are they about?
I have a huge, juicy fantasy saga I keep threatening to finish, lol. I have to work out the marketing aspects before I release it and do some rewriting. Hopefully soon...
What do you think should be improved in the education of our children? What do we lack?
I never had young kids so I haven't given it much thought. But when they are in middle school or high school, they should have some life skills classes or financial planning classes. How to balance a check book, how to cook, how to manage their bills, etc....
If you were allowed 3 wishes – what would they be?
1. Long healthy life; 2. Love and romance; 3. Make enough money on my books to keep writing until I die!
What is your favorite music?
I have eclectic tastes, but classic rock and blues are my favorite.
Share a secret with us 🙂
I tend have crushes on guitar players! Paul McCartney was my first crush.