Sunday, February 12, 2012

Renee Vincent - Romance Author



     Readers, thank you for stopping in to visit with our author this week. We're on location in Ireland and if you'll follow us up the stairway, we're going to meet in the castle courtyard. Deanna met Renee online over a year ago and they've become good friends, chatting online, helping to promote each others books. I'm sure you'll agree with us by the end of the interview that Renee is a sweetheart! She's here to promote her third book in the Emerald Isle Trilogy set in her beloved Ireland and I think our home here suits her well with our green decor!
     Renee, thank you so much for being with us this week. We both enjoy historical romances and yours are a wonderful set!

Reader’s Haven: What made you want to become a writer?

Renee: I suppose it all started when my parents had given me a personalized book during my preschool years. I was the protagonist of the book in a detective story and had to solve the mystery. Of course, I cracked the case and was the hero of my neighborhood. From that moment on, I always thought it would be so neat to see my full name printed in a real book, as an author and not a character. And so…began my dream.

Reader’s Haven: Please share a bit about your new release, The Fall of Rain, without giving away any spoilers.


Renee:  The hero, Leif Dæganssen, is a Norwegian archeologist who lives in Ireland and has dug up a very specific artifact (one that was very important in the first book of the trilogy, Ræliksen, which took place in 10th Century Ireland.)
     The heroine, Lorraine O’Connor, takes a much needed vacation to Ireland to get away from her cheating fiancé. If you’ve read the first two books of the trilogy, you know that the heroine’s name was Mara. Lorraine realizes, through the course of spending time with Leif and the many déjà vu moments she has, that she is the reincarnated version of Mara and Leif is her reincarnated husband, Dægan Ræliksen. While she may have tragically lost Dægan when he gave his life for her more than a thousand years ago, Lorraine comes to understand that they have been given a second chance at love.
      If only it were that easy to convince Leif…

 Here is the blurb:

     Leif Dæganssen, an archeologist from Norway, is determined to trace back his Scandinavian roots as far as the Dark Ages and find proof of their existence on the Emerald Isle. After several years of living off the west coast of Ireland, he finally uncovers an ancient artifact—an intricately decorated chest with pagan carvings—buried beneath the very porch of his coastal cottage. Knowing it only confirms the presence of a glorified Norse-influenced settlement on Inis Mór, he’s determined to establish a link between himself and those who once inhabited the rugged isle.
      For as long as she can remember, Lorraine O’Connor has had dreams of a Norse warrior kissing her. And even though she’s never fully understood the reason for her vivid subconscious imagination, she welcomes the meaningless and wanton pleasure of being in a Viking’s protective embrace—until the day she meets that brazen Northman on an impulsive vacation trip to Ireland.
   Though blindsided by the relevance of her dreams and the strange familiarity of the man within them, Lorraine can’t help but feel a deep-seated intimacy toward Leif. And the more she gets to know him, the more she’s convinced they’ve shared a life together in a time long forgotten.
    Are the clues to their ancestral past hidden within the contents of the chest or buried deep within their hearts?

Read the excerpt HERE

Reader’s Haven: Wow! We're already pulled into the story, looking forward to the emotional struggles these two will endure trying to figure out their past. What types of hero or heroine do you like best?

Renee:  I love Alpha males. There is nothing better than a sexy, domineering man with a rockin’ body and a charming soul. I love heroes who know how to get what they want, who don’t stop until they do, and always do so with honor and chivalry. I also enjoy humor in a man, but I usually save that for the side characters in my story. As for heroines, I like women who have a level head on their shoulders. I don’t need the heroine to be Einstein, but she can’t be too stupid to live.

Reader’s Haven:  Tell us about a typical day in your life as a writer.

Renee:  I’m a full-time writer, who’s also a mother and a wife. My morning consists of getting my two children off to school. They are always my priority. Upon returning, I have a cup of coffee to get the juices flowing, I answer emails first and do some promoting for my fellow authors on the Deep In The Heart Romance site, as well as my own stuff on my blog, then I sit down to write. I’d like to have more time in my day to write, but sometimes it doesn’t always work out that way. After two o’clock, I’m back to being the mother. I wouldn’t change a thing.

Reader’s Haven: Do your books have a common theme or are they all different?

Renee:  I write historical and contemporary, but they all seem to have a twist in the end. I love surprises and I can’t help but add them to my stories.

Reader’s Haven:  Your books certainly grab the reader's attention from the first page. How long does it take you to write and then edit a story?






 The 
Emerald Isle
Trilogy








Renee:  That’s a funny question. I’d like to say I can write a full novel in less than six months (research and editing included) but with being that mother and wife I told you about, life gets in the way and sometimes writing has to take a back seat. But I’ve never missed a deadline. I’ll work long hours into the night if I have to.

Reader’s Haven: And we can work those kinds of hours because we love what we do so we can bring our stories to our readers. Do you have to be alone to write?

Renee:  Oh gosh, yes! With kids around it’s virtually impossible to write a scene. I like to be completely absorbed in it so I can write as though I am smack dab in the middle of it and I want my readers to feel as if they are as well. I write how things smell, sound, and feel when creating that perfect scenario and too many distractions get in the way. The last thing I’d ever want to do is disappoint my readers with a poorly written romance.

Reader’s Haven: How do you go about naming characters?

Renee:  With my contemporaries, I usually find names that are “fitting” for the character. I’ve even asked my husband to help me name a few. But with my historicals, a lot more goes into it. I still choose names that fit the character’s personality, but they also have to originate from the country in which they were born during that time period. I’m pretty particular about that.

Reader’s Haven: Is it easier to write about the characters if you find pictures of them before you write or do you write then find character pictures?

Renee:  Hands down, I find the picture first. Not so much with my side characters, but with the H/H I must find a picture of a person that suits my description. I have an idea of what I want them to look like in my head before I write about them, but finding that perfect photo (usually a famous actor) helps me to really pick them apart and describe their physical features, from the color of their eyes down to their laugh lines and bone structure.

Reader’s Haven:  We do love our details but it makes for better writing. How do you pick locations for your stories?

Renee:  In my Emerald Isle Trilogy, the location picked me. Ireland is a country that is very special to my heart and the Vikings are a crazy passion of mine. So, in researching this period in the Middle Ages, there was no better place to have my hero and heroine meet than the isle with forty shades of green.





      Please be sure to hop over to Renee's sites, follower her blog and on Twitter and don't forget to sign up for her newsletter!

     Readers, Renee is giving away a signed copy of any one of the books in the trilogy or and E-book of one, winners choice. One lucky commenter will be picked by Renee on Saturday Feb 18th - you must leave your email in your comment so Renee can contact the winner.

 

29 comments:

  1. Thanks Deanna and Louise for hosting this great party! The hospitality is, as always, so warm and inviting. I am most grateful for the feature this week.

    And I'd like to wish everyone who comes here "good luck to them" in the giveaway.

    Now, who wants some an Irish coffee with me?

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  2. Good morning everyone! We hope you're enjoying the Irish view this morning! I do love a gorgeous castle, in ruins or not! *happy sigh*

    Renee, Your series is wonderful and I'll be sure to leave a review for you when I finish. I have the first two and now I want this one! Your ability to pull the reader into the here and now is a great talent! Oh, I've brought a few bottle of Bailey's because Louise and I are crazy for this stuff, straight up or in our coffee! Thank you for being here with us!

    Readers, as you roam around, keep your eyes open for Renee's heroes, I know they're here somewhere! Are you lovers of historical romance?? Let's chat up this party!

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  3. Enjoyed the interview and it's always nice to 'hear' from Renee.
    I've read Book One and enjoyed it. If I win this drawing, I'll ask for Book Three because I'm eager to see the modern characters interact.

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  4. Jeff, thanks for stopping in. That's what I enjoy about a series...following the characters as they grow and move on!

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  5. these all sound like such beautiful stories. Damn I wish I had more time to READ!
    keep up the great work.
    Liz

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  6. Great interview! I haven't read any of Renee's trilogy, but I will definitely look for it now.

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  7. Oh My...I love the Ireland pics. t's so lovely--lush and green. The perfect setting for a romance.

    catherinelee100 at gmail dot com

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  8. Sounds like a wonderful book. Hope that I win.

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  9. I can attest to how wonderful Renee's stories are. Being Nordic and Celtic myself I loved reading about characters from my background. I am a writer myself and can't seem to find a lot of reading time, but have had the treat of reading the first in the series and have the second ready to pick up at first opportunity.

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  10. Renee is a gem. I love the interview.
    She's a real person with solid goals and still finds time to write.

    Thanks for sharing the compelling read. Everything I want in a diversion.

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  11. Hi Renee!

    Very nice interview, thanks for sharing with us.

    I've heard of The Emerald Isle Trilogy, all good, I just haven't had a chance to read any of them.

    I like to read books that are connected, so that I can follow the lives of the characters on through the years, in this case longer than that.

    I would love to get my hands on RAELIKSEN to see how it all began.
    Plus, the bookcovers look very nice, yep, definitely nice. ;-)

    Thank you for this giveaway!

    DNodrog3(AT)aol(DOT)com

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  12. Great interview and fantastic comments. Looking forward to reading The Fall of Rain.
    "Hey Deanna", taking my last sip of coffee, "Hows about a refill." ~Steve

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  13. Deanna Yes, of course I am enjoying myself. You always host the best parties!!! And I can't wait for you to read the last book in the series...I really think you'll love it!

    Jeff So glad to see you here! And good luck to you in the giveaway!
    PS, Thanks for reading the first in the trilogy!!!

    Liz Thanks so much! I wish I had more time to read too...I usually try to read every night before I go to bed. Helps me to wind down a bit, even if it's only a few pages.

    Marin Thanks for stopping by and meeting me. I do hope you'll pick up the trilogy and give my Emerald Isle series a go! Good luck in the contest!

    Catherine I love Ireland too. That place calls to me...I could so pack up and move there! Good luck in the drawing!

    Yellowrose Thanks for the praise. Wishing you luck in the giveaway!

    Paisley There's my girl! So glad you joined me this week. And thanks for your kind words. You always make me smile.

    Sandy Your words move me, thank you!! I am so excited that you came by for a visit. Good luck to you in the contest!

    Dalila Well, girl you came to the right place to possibly start the series! Raeliksen has won several awards and it is very dear to my heart. Good luck to you!

    Steve Thanks so much! It's nice to see your face here, too! *ahem* Deanna...I could use another cup as well. haha

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  14. I love books that includes bits of history, and since my father was born in Ireland I'm particularly interested in this series.
    sallans d at yahoo dot com

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  15. *making my through the throng of visitors with coffee in one hand & Baileys in the other, chatting as I go*

    Renee, there are soooo many visitors here! You do attract a crowd, woman! *Refilling empty cups* The magic of online keeps my coffee pot and bottle of Baileys full! Psst...Renee, Daegan, Breandan and Leif are surrounded by your fans at the top of the stairway over there. They're all doing their own interviews! LOL

    Brenda and Steve! Thanks for stopping in! *winking at Steve as refill his coffee and add a generous bit of Baileys* Renee has so many fans and I'm glad they've stopped in to visit with us. Excuse me, here come some more guests with empty cups!

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  16. Di I'm so glad you stopped by to meet me. And that is so cool that your father was born in Ireland. Does he still live there?

    Deanna You crack me up! Well, I'm so happy to have brought this crowd with me. I'm glad Dægan, Leif, and Breandán decided to show up too...they are the BEST heroes an author could ask for. For their sake, and yours, let's hope Mara sits this one out, or we might have a fight on our hands! haha

    For those of you who don't know this, all three of these men LOVE my heroine and are pretty possessive of her. Lucky woman!

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  17. I can't wait to read Leif's story (or ANY of these books)! My husband's family is Norwegian and I didn't even finish reading he blog post before adding these to my wish list!

    We are planning a trip to Norway and I have tried (and tried and tried) to talk hubby into Ireland too. We will be right there, so why not?

    Oh- I can't wait for the books or the trip. If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me where my last name (Egtvedt) comes from, I'd be rich and on my way to Norway!

    I'm SO glad I was introduced to a new author today. :)

    Heather

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  18. Heather, it is such a pleasure to meet you! I am so glad you came upon this blog post and found me! It's such an honor that you've added my books to your wish list. Thank you so much!

    On another note, I love that you are married to a Norwegian - my dream guy - and that you are going to Norway! You are one lucky woman!

    I'd love to keep in touch with you even after this contest. Good luck to and I hope you have a splendid week!

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  19. We want to read about ALL of those sexy sons of Rælik. Gustaf is next...yummy :P Keep writing them & I'll keep buying them.

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  20. I have not begun reading "The Emerald Isle Trilogy" yet & I can't imagine why. Certainly my kind of books.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  21. Viking Princess, I am thrilled you made it here! And you know I'll keep writing them....how can I not keep spitting out hot Viking romances?

    MaryBelle You've made my day! Thanks so much for joining in on the giveaway. It is much appreciated!
    Good luck to you!

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  22. Hi Everyone! Wow, what a crowd! *making my way through to stand next to Deanna, beaming that Renee's post is such a hit* This is great. Just hope we have enough beverages to go around.
    Renee, every time I see a historical movie or documentary based in Ireland or Scotland, I think of your books. I'm definitely adding them to my TBR list. I love all the covers too. I'll pop in again, but before I leave I'll brew a fresh pot. ~Louise

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  23. Thanks Louise! I'm so glad you two are pleased with the turnout so far. I know I am!

    And that is so sweet of you to say. I do hope you enjoy the books when/if you ever get a chance to start them. I am very flattered to be on your TBR list!

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  24. I really must read your Emerald Isle trilogy, Renee! I only 'discovered' Ireland about 5 years ago, despite living only a short distance away, across the Irish Sea. Fell in love with this beautiful island that very first time and have been back 2 or 3 times each year since then. Love the west coast - Clare, Galway and Mayo especially, so I'm sure I'd feel very much 'at home' in your books.

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  25. I would love to win one of your books. I read the first one and I really enjoyed it. Thanks for the post and giveaway.

    Rachel V
    pefrw at yahoo dot com

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  26. Hi Renee, id like to read your book. Waw the trilogy sound greaT..:)
    If i could win it.. Thanks for the giveaway...



    Lanny
    laniwaticecilia952 at gmail dot com

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  27. Paula Oh wow, how I would love to live that close to Ireland! You lucky woman, you!

    And I favor the west coast as well. I feature many great places in the west in the Trilogy. Good luck to you and thank you so much for stopping by!

    Rachel So cool! I'm so happy you read and enjoyed the first in the trilogy. Goo luck at winning the next in the series!

    Lanny That is music to an author's ears to hear you want to read my books. Good luck to you dear!!!!

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  28. Congratulations to Dalila G!!!! I just drew your name and you are getting your choice of book from the Emerald Isle Trilogy!

    I've sent you an emial...reply asap so I can get your prize to you.

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  29. WooHoo!
    Thank you Renee!
    So looking forward to reading your book, sent in my information.

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