Rene is a mother of two, an avid reader, breast cancer survivor, and author. She’s a lover of all genres, but romance novels… contemporary, dark, and otherwise… are where her passion lies.

1) First, I want to thank you for taking the time to do this interview with me! When did you know that writing is what you were called to do? What is it about being a writer that you love the most? What about being a writer frustrates you the most?

Thank you for reaching out to me. I wouldn’t say I was called to write. Well at least that is not how I feel at the moment. That thought changes depending on the day…lol. But I’ve written poetry for myself for at least thirty years and I love consuming books, TV and movies. When I’m enjoying these stories I often have my own opinions of what I wish would have happened so writing gives me that outlet to tell my own stories. I love writing as a form of self expression. The only thing that frustrates me is that I have a book of ideas and not enough time or writing speed to efficiently get them out.

2) Can you tell us a little about your book(s) and where our readers can find out more about them and you?

My books range from the super sweet romance, to romantic suspense, to paranormal romance, to love stories with not so happy endings. You can find out about me and my books on my website www.renewolfebooks.com. There you’ll see my blogs, socials and be able to sign up for my newsletter.

3) Where do you draw your inspiration from for the stories that you manage to weave together and the characters that you create?

My inspiration comes from my life and life going on around me where I take classics that I’ve read or seen and spin all of that into a modern twist with spice. However the poet in me somehow never takes the literal interpretation of those inspirations so if I haven’t specifically mentioned my inspirations one would not get that… maybe that’s a good thing. Lol

4) Do you have a schedule for when you write? Do you outline your novels? How long does it generally take you to finish a novel? What projects are you currently working on?

Yes and no on both of the first questions. I often schedule time to write but I never actually get the bulk of my writing done during those times. Outside of my day job and kids I’m just lucky to get writing in when I can. And I do outline but most times the story is never fully outlined. I often go wildly off the plot of my original outline as I write and end up re-outlining the story when I’m in the middle of a project.

Depending on the length it takes me about 4 -10 months to write a project. Even though my first book took me 10 years. Lol… Currently I’m working on a 15,000 to 20,000 word romantic suspense novella that has some paranormal elements and the other project is the fourth book of my debut series that was supposed to be a Cyrano de Bergerac inspired story but it’s not looking like that right now. Both books, like with most of my series, are interconnected series that can be read on their own but are enhanced when read together.

5) What’s the first book you ever read that really moved you emotionally? Who is your favorite author to read? What book are you currently reading?

Where the Red Fern Grows. Oooh that is hard because it changes I would right now it is between Christina C. Jones, Kennedy Ryan, Love Belvin or Alexandria House. But right now I’m currently reading The Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

6) What has been your most significant achievement as a writer thus far? Where do you see yourself within your career in the next five years?

My most significant achievement thus far is having someone that I don’t know read my book and make a TikTok about it that went semi viral. Second would be completing my book two because imposter syndrome really gets to you after that first one. In five years I hope to have grown a schedule, community of readers and author friends with at least 20 books released.

7) How have you dealt with rejection within your writing career? What is your advice for other writers to better be able to cope or navigate their way through the publishing process, be it traditional or self-publishing?

I deal with rejection by staying positive and continuing to grow from negative experiences. I would tell other authors to inform themselves, be open to growth and always do what makes them happy.

8) Do you find it hard to juggle the creative side of being a writer against the business side of being a writer, in terms of marketing and promotion and things of that nature? How hard has it been (or easy) for you to build up your author platform?

Marketing and the business side of being a writer is chaotic. It always ends up eating into my writing time and goes against every core of my personality. I’m normally that person that likes to blend in, in the background but you can’t do that if you want people to find and read your work. So it has taken a very focused effort to try and build up my author platform. My saving grace has been that I do have an eye for how I like things to look and be presented so I feel like I’m able to make eye catching professional-ish looking graphics easily.

9) So many writers say that they hate reading their own work. Do you ever enjoy reading your own work back to yourself after it’s out there for the rest of the world?

This is so true…lol. I don’t know what it is but after that 3-4th reread something in my head just gets turned off by reading my own work because I know I’m always going to want to change something or feel that something could have been said or described better. Then there’s those times when I finally read it and hit some of the better parts and get emotional because I realized that I’ve been smiling the whole time I’ve been reading it… I love when that happens.

10) Do you believe that there is ever a point in life where it’s too late for an aspiring writer to become successful in this industry? Do you feel a late start would hinder their chances?

No. If you go into the industry informed yet willing to learn it’s never too late to become successful. Of course a late start puts you at a disadvantage but there are also advantages to pursuing things later in life with possibly more resources to help you along.

11) I feel like writing is a remarkable tool to help people not only express themselves, but also to cope emotionally and mentally. I know for me I write to be and feel more authentic. What unique quality is there about you, about your art, that you feel represents your authenticity? How does writing help you to be more empowered in your purpose?

I feel like my awkward sentence cadences at times and use of word play represents my authenticity because that is how I am in real life… socially awkward. Writing helps me present a message or story that I feel strongly about more thoughtfully as opposed to being put on the spot with instant responses that verbal conversations require.