What inspired you to write your first book?
I was inspired by music, love, and New York City.
Who designed the cover of your book?
My dear friend Carla of Carla Toson Photography. Love her!
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
I think one message in Sweet Thing was in the line in the prologue that says, “Sometimes it takes the love of others to show us who we really are.”
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I’ve always had a vivid imagination, there were always characters floating around in my head, but I think the desire to write was literally born from boredom and a yearning to see the ideas come to life more clearly on the page.
What were the challenges (research, literary, psychological, and logistical) in bringing Sweet Thing to life?
What were the challenges (research, literary, psychological, and logistical) in bringing Sweet Thing to life?
The biggest challenge I had with Sweet Thing was deciding which genre to gear it towards, I’m still a little stumped on that topic.
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
I really love reading John Irving’s books, but within women’s fiction I think Tracey Garvis Graves has a wonderfully simple style of story telling that is direct, impactful, and elegant.
What are your current projects?
What are your current projects?
I’m working on a few fun little ideas from Will’s point of view, but I also have another book in the works. The working title is “You for Me.”
Ohhh can't wait, and I know many of us would love to get into Will's mind...
How about if your book was made into a Movie, what actors would you like to see playing your characters?
I think Emma Roberts would make a great Mia and for Will, I’m still stumped on that one, but I’m going to do a poll soon to see what the readers think.
Who is your favorite character from your book and why?
Will. . . always Will. He’s just too lovable.
I thought so Will is everyone's favorite but I just had to ask.
What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
What is your work schedule like when you're writing?
I write early in the morning and late at night while the kiddos are in bed. ;)
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
As a child, what did you want to do when you grew up?
I wanted to be so many different things it was almost comical, but I think the best phase was when I wanted to be a horse jockey.
Where is one place in the world that you would really love to visit someday?
Where is one place in the world that you would really love to visit someday?
There are so many. I really want to go to Niagara Falls and Mount Rushmore. I’ve been to a lot of different places, all over the world, but I’ve missed many of the U.S. treasures and I’d love to do a road trip to see them all.
What are 4 things you never leave home without (apart from keys, money and phone)?
What are 4 things you never leave home without (apart from keys, money and phone)?
I always have a travel mug with coffee, tea or water in it. Let me think, hmm, oh chap-stick, hand sanitizer and gum. Pretty boring , I know.
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I write in an old, dilapidated glider chair that I’ve had since my first son was born. It’s dirty, falling apart and has no cushion so I have to put pillows on it to sit. But. . . I can’t let it go for some reason.
One of your favorite quotes:
One of your favorite quotes:
“Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness. Take pride that even though the rest of the world may disagree, you still believe it to be a beautiful place.” --Kurt Vonnegut
Thank you so much Renee it has been my pleasure to have you here today before you go is there anything else you would like to say?
Jelena, thank you so much, I am so glad you loved Will and Mia's story.
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Renee’s first friends were the imaginary kind and even though her characters haven’t gone away, thankfully the delusions have. She admits she’s a wildly hopeless romantic and she blames 80’s movies staring Molly Ringwald for that. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons, and their sweet dog June. When she’s not at the beach with her boys or working on the next book, she likes to spend her time reading, going to concerts, and eating dark chocolate.
Thank you so much Renee it has been my pleasure to have you here today before you go is there anything else you would like to say?
Jelena, thank you so much, I am so glad you loved Will and Mia's story.
