Rena Winters Interview Published on: 20, Aug 2021

Childhood question – I was an only child. Raised with books and dolls and loved a large teddy bear “Teddy” which was my friend who I talked with, cried with and loved dearly.

First book – Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Excellent book for a creative imaginary young girl.

Family – The only family I have in Las Vegas is Bombay my wonderful cat who shares a corner of my desk every day as I write. My daughter lives in Alaska and my step daughter lives in Washington state. I do have a small group of wonderful writing friends that get together twice a month for support, information and general conversation. Many of the group are single, so check up on each other’s well being.

Hollywood studios – As a young intern working at a studio I was given the opportunity to see all the studio departments, production, set decoration, costuming, writing, etc. I decided that perhaps I could be a writer and voluntarily offered to present some of my writing. I was given an opportunity to join the writers staff. My first day I realized that I was the only woman working there. Fortunately, several of the older writers took pity on me and helped me to learn what was acceptable for television and film writing. With their continued support and encouragement. I eventually began to win awards and my carerer took off. The main thing that I learned in those years was to understand how to research correctly, be dedicated to what you are working on, be able to be assigned any project and learn a great deal about it, and most of all understand meeting deadlines. Too many writers seem to function in another world where time does not matter. Television shows especially run on time constraints.

Writing in all genres teaches you how to research projects. The studio years taught me that. Once I left the studios I was free to explore any subject matter wanted and began to write multiple ideas. Crime books, terrorist books, spiritual books, children’s books and even a cook book. I have been told by agents and public relations managers that probably I should have stayed with one genre to be most successful. I believe that information is correct, however I enjoy writing whatever I choose.

Arizona Homicide Series – I was privileged to actually meet the real Gene McLain, Homicide Reporter for the Arizona Republic newpaper and winner of multiple outstanding awards, The Big Story, a Pulitizer, etc. I spent many hours with him taping the multiple homicide stories that he covered during his career. These true homicide stories now are the fictionized basis for my Arizona Homicide Series of books. “Crime Componets,” “Deadly Deed,” and the third as yet unreleased “Evil Event.” If these are successful, I will continue to write more in the series as I have the true facts on at least twenty-six major crimes in Arizona.

“Deadly Deed” is fictioniozed but based on true homicide stores that have taken place in Arizona during Gene McLain’s tenure at the paper.

Character of Gene McLain – Gene McLain was a real person that actually lived the stories. I was privileged to meet him and record many events in his life before his death.

Series or Stand Alone Novel – I would say I probably prefer stand alone novels because you can write about anything that your imagination or research creates. However, agents tell me that series are most successful and that publishers like series to build an author’s reputation.

Writing is my life. It allows my soul to soar and experience anything and everything the world has to offer. An average day usually starts with coffee and I go to my office and write a couple of hours. Mornings seem to work best for me. However, when on a creative roll, inspiration, automatic writing, I have been known to work day and night as needed to fully express the thought.

I have left book reviews for other authors by their request. However, reviews only express one person’s opinion and really should not affect any authors writing. Write what you know and believe in.

Young writers mistakes – The most glaring mistake I have seen in young authors is the inability to meet deadlines for their work. Also, sometimes not wanting to take assignments that would extend their knowledge. They seem afraid to grow in areas they do not know.

Plot ideas – Sometimes a phrase or sentence will create an idea for a storyline. Other ideas come at night and I write them down first thing in the morning in a journal. At present I am working on a special cook book for people who don’t like to cook. Since I am one of those people, simple ideas and quick suggestions work for me. Also another children’s book is rattling around in my head. I also read the paper and look at crime shows to develop additional crime plots for books.

The next book out will be “Instead of Therapy” which is poetry and inspirational stories. This book was actually written over several years. I would come home from employment in the studios some days so frustrated that I would take a long walk before dinner and at times I was writing the poetry and short stories in my head as I walked. I would come home and write a journal which much later became the basis for the book.

AllAuthor - I joined AllAuthor because a fellow author suggested that you could be helpful in publicizing my upcoming books. I am extremely happy with all your efforts and will continue to use you for future books. It’s a special relationship and I really appreciate everything that you do on my behalf.