Thursday, December 20, 2012

Interview with Renee Vincent



What inspired you to become an author? 

I've always wanted to be an author ever since I could remember. But one day in April 2005, my beautiful sister, Lindsey, was visiting and I asked her to read the first chapter of my Viking/Irish romance. She did and I asked her excitedly - yet with some trepidation, as I was placing myself upon the chopping block - "Well? What do you think?". Her reply, and I quote, was "I think you need to finish it." Now at the time, I thought to myself, Well, that was a safe response. And I did not think much more about it, but continued on as I had been, making no real commitment to "finishing it."

A few months later, on a rainy July morning, Lindsey was suddenly killed in a car accident on her way to school. As you can imagine, it devastated our family and left many with an empty chasm in their hearts. It was very hard on all of us, yet I had a place for the pain and the tears, for it was only a few months after her passing that I actually heard her words: "I think you need to finish it" and I began writing like a fiend.

For the first time, the words poured out of me and it was her encouragement that kept me going. Lindsey was truly my inspiration for becoming an author, and without her "safe response" I know that first book would never have gotten written. I am eternally grateful for her and the spark she lit within me.

Do you write in different genres? 

I write in many genres, utilizing different pen names to coincide with the each particular literary category.

Renee Vincent writes Historical & Contemporary Adult Romance: from the daunting, charismatic Vikings, to the charming, brazen Alpha male heroes of modern day, you'll be whisked away to a world filled with fast-paced adventure, unforgettable romance, and undying love.

Gracie Lee Rose writes Lighthearted, Fancy-free Women's Fiction / ChickLit: for those who love to read fun, wholesome, and endearing romantic stories that your mother, sister, friends, and daughters can enjoy.

What books/authors have influenced your life? 

Johanna Lindsey and Elizabeth Lowell come to mind when I recall their talent to engage and intrigue the reader with their tantalizing Alpha male heroes, as well as Nora Roberts with her beautiful depictions of Ireland. But one of my all-time favorite authors would have to be Juliet Marillier with her fantastic Viking tales of WOLFSKIN and FOXMASK. I admire her superb story-telling abilities.

If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor? 

I have two authors I am grateful for: Maddie James and Monica Burns. Both have taken me under their wing, though they may not have realized it, and helped me to persevere and grow as a writer. Their friendship and guidance are the blessings I truly treasure.

What book are you reading now? 

I am currently reading A GENTLEMAN SEDUCED by Sharon Page, and boy is it good! 

Historicals are my first love...but every now and again, I enjoy a steamy contemporary. The last two books I read were INAMORATA by Margaret Ethridge and KEIRA'S PROMISE by Gabriella Edwards. Both are fantastic reads!

What books are in your to read pile? 

Oh my....that list is a whopper! I'll try my best to narrow it down to only a few. I want to read LOVE'S PORTRAIT by Monica Burns, BARED TO YOU by Sylvia Day, and TO SIR, WITH LOVE by Madison J. Edwards, due out in January 2013.

What is your current “work in progress” or upcoming projects? 

I'm torn. Currently, I have plans of finishing the Jamett & Joseph series with Gracie Lee Rose, but somehow my muse is begging me to write #1. a contemporary romance with a hot, tattooed auto body mechanic, and #2. an erotic Regency ménage under a yet-to-be-determined pen name. What in the world?

We'll see how long I can fight that wealthy, handsome, dominant Alpha male aristocrat I have in my head for the erotic Regency. I have a strong suspicion he might win the struggle.

Who designed the cover of your latest book? 

My very talented sister-in-law, Erin, who freelance works for Turquoise Morning Press. In fact, she's done all my covers, including the one for Gracie Lee Rose. I am so lucky to have her as my cover designer.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

  • Dream big.
  • Work hard, persevere, and drag your sorry butt over the obstacles that come your way. There will be hurdles to jump, rest assured. But nothing is insurmountable.
  • You can do anything, but you can't do everything.


December 17 Guest blog
Provocative Pages: 

December 18 Promo
MoniqueMorgan.com

December 19 Interview
Books & Other Spells

December 20 Interview
Roxanne’s Realm

December 21 Promo
Carly Fall - Where Fantasy Meets Romance

December 22 Guest blog
Grave Tells

December 22 Promo
Reviewing in Chaos   

December 22 Review
Books, Books, and More Books

December 23 Guest blog and review
Fangs, Wands &Fairydust 

December 24 Spotlight
Victoria Danann 

December 24 Interview
Sara Trimble
Entertaining Readers...One Page at a Time





The Temperate Warrior
Book 1 of the Warrior Sagas
Renee Vincent

Genre: Historical, paranormal romance, Viking
Publisher: Turquoise Morning Press

ISBN: 9781622370924
ASIN: B00AH14MCY

Number of pages: 206
Word Count: 72K

Cover Artist: Erin Sendelbach


Blurb:

He was her champion. She was his weakness.

Together, they loved with wild abandon.

Gustaf Ræliksen lives by the blade of his sword. After avenging his father’s murder and reuniting with his family, he wants nothing more than to settle down and have sons of his own. Only one woman will do—a fiery redhead he saved from the spoils of war.

No longer forced to warm the beds of the men who've taken everything from her, Æsa has nothing to offer the noble warrior but her heart.

When someone with a deep score to settle seeks revenge upon her, Gustaf's world is torn asunder. He has but one vow—saving the woman he loves from the ignorant fool who dared to best the temperate warrior.

 About the Author:

I am an author with a passionate interest in Irish and Norse history. I live in the rolling hills of Kentucky with my husband and two children on a beautiful secluded farm of horses and hay fields.

I am a sucker for a good cup of coffee (lots of cream and sugar...and whipped cream if I can get my hands on it), great conversation, and a lilting Irish accent. I love to read and I can't resist watching great epic historical movies.

From an early age, I've always had scenes playing out in my head. Whether it was a story with a moral or a tale with a twist, those ideas have never let me sleep until I wrote them out. And considering I have an eclectic ensemble of stories swarming in my brain at any given time, I write under a couple pen names to accommodate the various genre categories.

Renee Vincent(Historical & Contemporary Adult Romance)
From the daunting, charismatic Vikings, to the charming, brazen Alpha male heroes of modern day, you'll be whisked away to a world filled with fast-paced adventure, unforgettable romance, and undying love.
Visit my website at http://www.reneevincent.com/

Gracie Lee Rose                                
(Lighthearted, Fancy-free Women's Fiction)
For those who love to read fun, wholesome, and endearing romantic stories that your mother, sister, friends, and daughters can enjoy.
Visit my website at http://www.gracieleerose.com/








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16 comments:

Margaret said...

You are awesome, Renee!

Renee Vincent said...

Thanks Margaret, although I should be thank you for putting out memorable and timeless romance that never fails to make me laugh, cry, and swoon over your life-like heroes! I truly LOVE your work!

Unknown said...

Loved it, Renee! You inspire me. It's true. I love The Temperate Warrior. I wish I could wipe it from my brain and let it all be new again. Such an exciting story and a wonderful HEA.
~Cate

Sarah J. McNeal said...

I've known you a long time, Renee, but I never knew about your sister, Lindsay, dying in a car accident. My heart dropped when I read it. I loved the positive way you used your pain and loss to press on into a career of writing. I love your work. You're a marvelous person.
All the best to you, Renee.

Monica Burns said...

Okay, so you know how to really embarrass me, don't you.
I don't know that I've done anything special, but I'm always happy to help. Nice interview. Hugs Monica

Paisley Kirkpatrick said...

I know your sister is watching over you with ride like my daughter watches over me. I am so glad she gave you that comment and you can pull it out of your memory for encouragement. I am reading MacLiam now, finally, at last. You know me - love those vikings. It's in my blood.

Best of luck, sweetie. You are doing great!

Sarah said...

I am so proud of you and I know Lindsey is too! You made me tear up there!

Good luck in your future sweetie, you deserve it!

Marianne Stephens said...

Sorry to hear about your sister...how wonderful to keep memories of her and your start as a writer.
You're a multi-genre author...and two personalities! Me too...always thinking "who" am I when answering questions.
Happy Holidays!

Maddie James said...

Renee, you are such a sweetie to mention me. You've been as much an inspiration (and encourager!) for me, as I can only hope to be for you. I know I could never write those big historicals like you do. You are awesome!

Gabriella Edwards said...

Renee, I know you're writing from the heart and that's what counts. I think your sister may have known it's what makes you happy...along with Gerard Butler :-)

Hugs for loving my little books too, pal!

Renee Vincent said...

Cate: You have no idea how much that means to me to know that my work inspires you. I don't think there is any better compliment coming from a fellow author. I am truly touched. Thank you for reading my books and for your praise. Merry Christmas to you, dear!

Sarah: It's hard to know who knows about my sister's passing and who doesn't. Sorry I never told you...again I think I must have thought you knew. Plus, it's not exactly a typical topic of conversation for me. haha But anyway, I thank you for stopping by and reading my interview. I am so blessed to know you and have you in my circle of dear friends.
Merry Christmas, Sarah!

Monica: Like I told you in that email, you have helped me and guided me in this industry more than you know, dear. Thanks for visiting with me. (((hugs)))

Paisley: So happy you are reading Mac Liam! And I thank my lucky stars that we were put in touch with each other. We definitely have two special angels watching over us both!

Renee Vincent said...

Sarah Hoss: Sorry...didn't mean to make you tear up. I thank you for taking time to come here. I know you are busy yourself with your new release. Merry Christmas, sweetie!

Marianne: haha too funny! Yes, sometimes I need to stop and think who am writing as today? Renee or Gracie? Oh the things we battle as writers of different genres.
Thanks for stopping by and know that I'm thinking of you and your family through the holidays.

Maddie: You have just lifted me up to cloud nine again. To receive a compliment like that from you is the best. I am so flattered you think that. Here's to many more best sellers your way! Merry Christmas Maddie!

Gabriella: You KNOW I love your books and especially your heroes. Haddon is now my favorite, though as my track record proves, I'm going to love your next hero even more. Thanks for stopping by!

Unknown said...

Congratulations on the new release, Renee! It looks like a terrific book. Your sister would be very proud.

Renee Vincent said...

Thanks Ute! You are so sweet. Wishing you a very blessed and safe holiday!

Anonymous said...

I loved the interview, and I'm glad you keep your sister's memory alive by writing.

Renee Vincent said...

Thanks so much Ella! My sister is my inspiration for many things in my life.

Glad to see you here.