Iola's Christian Reads: Author Interview: Renne Donne

Today I'd like to welcome debut author Renne Donne to Iola's Christian Reads. I'll be reviewing her first novel, Runaway, tomorrow. Welcome, Renne!

First, please you tell us a little about yourself. Where are you from?

I‘m from St. Petersburg, Florida. I love to go for long walks on the beach, relax with friends and like to “escape” into a good book or movie. I enjoy cooking and trying out new recipes/dishes on my friends. I have a little chihuahua rescue dog, that is my constant companion when I am home.

It’s said that authors should write the kind of book they like to read. What is your favourite genre? Who are your favourite authors?

I guess my favorite genre would be romantic suspense, but I also like historical romance, YA and speculative fiction. If it draws me in, I like to read it. Some of my favorite authors are Janette Oke, Dee Henderson and Frank Peretti.

What was the last book you read? Would you recommend it? Why/why not?

Unspoken, a romantic suspense by Dee Henderson. Yes, I would recommend it, I have not read anything by her that I would not recommend. She creates strong, believable characters that are easy to identify with and this book is no different.

I enjoyed Unspoken as well, although I will admit to preferring her True Heroes series.

What kind of books do you write? Where and when are they set?

All of my writing is faith-based. The main characters are either strong christians or are finding their faith. Runaway, due to be released July 29th, is a historical romance, set in the old west. I also have a YA that is scheduled for release through Anaiah Press this fall, and am currently working on a romantic suspense.

Tell us about your latest book. Who will enjoy it?

I hope anyone who likes historical romance will enjoy reading Runaway. It has everything, danger, excitement and hero who comes to the aid of a lady in distress.

What was your motivation for writing Runaway?

I have always loved westerns, and once I started developing Marianne as a character, there had to be a hero cowboy out there somewhere for her.

Where did the characters and story come from? What were your influences?

I guess I have been influenced by other historical romances and westerns. Marianne came first, and I wanted a valid reason for her to leave a life of comfort and head out west on her own; Halsted seemed the perfect villain to give her that reason. Aaron was easy to pen as the cowboy to save her.

Who is your favourite character and why? Do you have anything in common with him/her?

My favorite character is Aaron. If I were a damsel in distress, I would like to meet an Aaron.

What motivated you to start writing? When did you seriously start writing? How long did it take before you signed your first publishing contract?

When I was in high school, my English teacher sent some poems that I had written, for an assignment, to a local newspaper and they were published. I realized that I really like writing and have been writing ever since. I had several good story ideas and started some, finishing a couple. I still have some unfinished manuscripts that I might go back over. I wrote and reworked Runaway numerous times, and it is the first book that I felt like I could submit to a publisher or agent.

What made you choose to write for the Christian market?

It is who I am. While I hope that my books will succeed in the secular market as well, I cannot write the kind of books that readily sell in that market.

What do you see as the main differences between fiction written for the Christian market compared with the general market?

With Christian fiction you can count on reading a good story, without the sex and foul language, or excessive violence that is found in most secular fiction. I have found Christian books to not only be inspiring, but to also have the kind of characters that I can identify with.

What made you choose Anaiah Press as your publisher?

I can identify with their goals, and I felt that the direction I want my writing career to go fits perfectly with what they are doing.

What kind of support does your publisher give you? What are you expected to do yourself?

I am assigned an editor to work with, to develop my story. I work with the editor on developmental and content edits and also review the line edits and proof the galleys. Anaiah Press provides the cover art as well as the marketing materials associated with the release and publication of my book. Anaiah Press also assigns a publicist to help with the pre-publication promotion, book a blog tour for me during my release, and also help connect me to further promotional opportunities.

What is the hardest part of getting a book written, edited and published?

There are so many things involved, it depends on what aspect you are looking at. Writers block can be a big issue, when you know you need to write but can’t seem to get into it. Then when your manuscript is accepted by a publisher and the editing begins, you see your work picked apart. It is hard to not take it personally when scenes are revised or removed, etc. but you realize that it really is in the best interest of the book - the changes only improve upon your story.

Thanks for visiting, Renne, and best wishes for the release of Runaway.

Blurb:

After Marianne discovers her bankrupt stepfather sold her into marriage to the highest bidder, she flees Philadelphia and heads west to start a new life.

Unfortunately for her danger follows. First, a stage coach accident leaves her stranded in the middle of nowhere – with an injured driver. And henchmen, hired by her spurned would-be husband, are hot on her trail, threatening to return her to Philadelphia and the man who is determined to own her.

Just when things seem hopeless, Marianne is rescued by a handsome, cowboy who offers temporary refuge. Knowing she can’t refuse, yet wary of his intentions, Marianne finds herself drawn to this quiet, enigmatic hero. But is he someone she can trust?

Author Links:

www.twitter.com/reneedonne

https://www.facebook.com/renee.donne

Trailer: