Rennie St. James loves many things: chocolate, horror movies, martial arts, yoga, travel and her three rescue kittens. She also loves to write and support Indie Authors through the Facebook group Clean Speculative Fiction Readers Group.
Rennie lives in Virginia and is a proud member of house Slytherin.
Now that I’ve introduced you to Rennie let’s get to know her a little better.
Hello, Rennie, and welcome. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview.
Thank you for having me.
What inspired you to be a writer?
I had the idea for my fantasy series in college but didn’t have a clue how to proceed. It was years later that fan fiction inspired me to write.
After six months of fan fiction, I was back to my original series and working hard. My fan fiction lessons have stayed with me and inspired some changes too. Thanks to Grimm and Arrow, I love an ensemble cast and strong friendships.
Is writing your full-time profession?
No, unfortunately, I have a full-time job in the real world.
How long have you been writing?
I posted my first fan fiction story December 2013. After a rather bumpy publishing history, I re-released the first books in my fantasy series this past fall as an indie author.
How many books have you written?
While I’ve released three, I have three more written for the series. I have also completed two romances and a collection of short stories I’ve yet to publish.
Which genre do you write?
Currently, I’m writing urban fantasy, but I plan to branch out into romances in the next two years.
What do you find most challenging writing for this genre?
While good characters and a strong plot are always necessary, fantasy requires a bit of world-building. It is both challenging and exciting to bring magic into the real world though.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the next books in The Rahki Chronicles, a new grittier fantasy series,and some romances.
Where do you find inspiration for your characters?
Basically, anything I’ve ever read or watched inspires my characters. Real world interactions also add to them. There’s the additional fact that I share many similarities with my heroes and villains!
What has been your most rewarding experience since publishing your work?
I’ve been fortunate in my ARC reviews. One reader claimed a character as her book boyfriend. Another new reader friend revealed I’d caused her sleepless nights as she wanted to find out what happened.
It was incredibly rewarding to pay it forward as I’ve had my share of book boyfriends and sleepless nights as well.
What advice would you give to authors just starting out?
Find patience. To paraphrase one of my favorite quotes, writing a book is like telling a joke and having to wait two years to see if it’s funny. You need patience when writing.
You must learn to wait to edit newly finished works with fresh eyes. You must learn to wait for others to read/ review your books. You must learn to wait for acceptance and rejections. And while you are waiting, you write.
Is there anything else you’d like your readers to know about you?
Besides sharing similarities with my characters, writing allows me to share many of my favorite things. You’ll find many references to martial arts, yoga, travel, history, animals, and chocolate in my stories.
You’ll find the same things on my social media accounts so expect pictures of my cats and images of my fave desserts!
What message are you sharing in your books?
All of my characters are, in one way or another, finding his/ her place in the world. I think that’s important for all of us.
What are your favorite books/authors?
I read according to my mood so I enjoy classics from Jane Austen, steamy paranormal romances from Lynsay Sands, adventure stories from Michael Crichton, and clean, fluffy romances from Kristen Painter.
I also love supporting Indie Authors and am always looking for my next fun read whether it’s romance, fantasy, adventure, or something entirely new.
What are your favorite movies, TV shows?
Grimm and Arrow will remain close to my heart for my fan fiction start. I also enjoy The Big Bang Theory, Elementary, The Good Place, and iZombie. The old school shows Gilmore Girls and Charmed will always be on my watch list.
When you’re not writing where can we find you?
I enjoy working out at the gym and home. Travel is big hobby of mine so I try to take a couple weeks off each year for it. Basically though, I’m a bit of homebody and enjoy chilling on the couch with my three kitties, family, and friends.
Do you have a website/Facebook page, etc?
My website has all of my social media contact so check me out at https://writerRSJ.com.
You’ll also find travel pictures, contests, free reads, and bonus Rahki material.
Where can we find your books?
Currently, Books 1-3 of The Rahki Chronicles are available from most digital stores. You’ll definitely want to start with Azimuth: https://www.books2read.com/RahkiWorld
Links:
Website: https://writerrsj.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/writerRSJ/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writer.rsj/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/WriterRSJ
Thank you, Rennie, for spending time with us and sharing your story. We wish you continued success and lots of luck!
