Randall Reneau Interview Published on: 08, Dec 2015
Short bio or SYNOPSIS here on writing as your passion.
Randall Reneau is the author of five novels, including Diamond Fields, a Royal Dragonfly Book Awards grand prize winner, and Deadly Lode, a Richard Boes Memorial Award winner. He is also a two-time winner of the Pinnacle Book Achievement Award. A former international geologist and Vietnam veteran, he lives with his wife, Lynne, in Austin, Texas.
How long have you been writing and what inspired you to do it seriously?Five years. I retired from work as an international geologist in 2010, and my friends suggested I turn some of my real-life adventures into thrillers.
When choosing a name for your characters, what do you consider about them that determines what you finally call them?I look for names that are a bit uncommon, but interesting. I'm always on the lookout for good names to use in my books.
What can you suggest to new authors to start their career?Write about what you know, set aside time each day and write. Carry a notebook an jot ideas down when they come. Keep your stories fast-paced and unpredictable.
Do you only concentrate on same genre in your writing and reading?I stick with thrillers as the genre fits my real-life experiences. I drifted a bit into more mystery with Legend of War Creek, but my next novel will be an international thriller.
What do you do to get book reviews? what is the best review you ever got?I submit my books to Kirkus and other well known reviewers, and hope they like it! My thriller, south of good, received a rare 5-star review from Foreword Clarion Reviews!
Do you have a trailer or do you intend to create one for your own book?I have done one trailer (south of good) but I didn't see much of a response in the market place.
Do you ever get writer’s block?Not yet!
Do you have a special time to write or how is your day structured?I usual work on marketing and promotions etc.In the morning, and write after lunch. Generally, I write for 2-4 hours (depending on how much research I'm doing as I'm writing). After four hours, I can't hit the keys on the computer .
How do you promote your work?I advertise on a lot of online book sites, both in the US and abroad. Plus, FB, Twitter, and LinkedIn. I also do signings at book festivals and bookstore, have been on the radio and in print publications.
Would you like to share something with your readers and fan?My newest thriller, The Medinandi License, will be out in early 2016!
