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Friday, October 30, 2015

Interview with Ronie Kendig and EMBERS GIVEAWAY!!!

Suspense Sisters is pleased to have the incredible, prolific Ronie Kendig with us today! Ronie is giving away one copy of her new book, EMBERS. Please comment and leave your contact information to be entered in the drawing. 

I first met Ronie approximately ten years ago when I was fortunate to be able to read a space opera she'd written. I fell in love with her writing then! I'm so excited that in addition to her high-octane suspense novels, she is writing in the speculative genre. And now, without further ado. . .let's find out more about Ronie. 

Ronie's Bio: 

Ronie Kendig is an award-winning, bestselling author who grew up an Army brat. She married a veteran, and together their lives are never dull with four children and two dogs--a a Maltese Menace and a retired military working dog, VVolt N629. Ronie's degree in Psychology has helped her pen novels of intense, raw characters.

Since launching onto the publishing scene in 2010, Ronie and her books have hit bestseller lists and garnered awards and critical acclaim.

EG: Tell us about the genres you write in.

For the last five years, I’ve been known for Rapid-FireFiction, my suspense/romantic suspense novels, but this year, I’m delighted to share my speculative novel with readers.

EG: Tell us about your venture into speculative fiction.

I’ve been writing speculative since I first started the journey toward publication. Back in those days, because the speculative market was so tough to break into, we speculative authors were told to break in via a more “accepted” genre. Since my stories almost always had suspense and action, that’s where I focused my efforts. I’ve told my publisher that even if sales don’t support my speculative novels, I will always be writing them because they flow out of me as if I’ve plugged straight into the heart of our very creative God.

EG: What inspired the concept for EMBERS?

Television. I am almost loathe to admit that, but I was watching the BBC’s Merlin show, and I’d grown so fed-up with the character, Morgana, who was the “adopted” sister to Arthur in the series. In one particular episode, Morgana appeared to be dong something very noble, very tragic all in the name of saving her “brother,” Arthur, and the kingdom. But I got to thinking…what if? What if a sister truly did something devastating (for herself) to save her brother and the kingdom. That’s the gist of Embers.

EG: How long did it take you to complete EMBERS?

Initially, I’d started working on it more than two years ago. I managed to get about one hundred pages written, but then had to shift my focus to my suspense. When I came back to Embers, it took me about three months to get Embers finished up.

EG: What was the most interesting thing you learned while writing EMBERS?

I really felt like God challenged me to let go of plotting, to let go of trying to figure it all out as I went, and to completely trust Him with the story. That was terrifying, because even though I’m not a full plotter, I generally like to have a skeletal outline in mind.

EG: What are some of the challenges you face as an author?

Time!! Finding time to write can be challenging when you have edits, interviews, booksignings, social media, and planning launches for books. An author’s work is never done.

EG: What is your writing style? (Do you outline? Write “by-the-seat-of-your-pants? Or somewhere in-between?)

For the most part, I’m in the middle. I like to have my big plot points figured out, but then I like to let the characters run the show. However, with my speculative novels, I lean more heavily toward seat-of-the-pants writing. With suspense, I tend to plot more.

EG: What other projects do you have on the horizon?

In 2016, readers will see the launch of my new series with Bethany House Publishers, The Tox Files. The series will launch with a novella, Warrior’s Seal, in August, then the full-length novel, Conspiracy of Silence, is currently slated for September. And right now, I’m working on Accelerant, book 2 in the Abiassa’s Fire series with Enclave.

EG: What message would you like your readers to take from EMBERS?

I think the most significant thing I’d like readers to take away is that love sacrifices, it does not seek its own, even when it’s painful.

EG: Tell us about the story.

Since I am so terrible at giving an elevator pitch for my story, I’ll let the back-cover blurb speak for itself:

HE'S COMING FOR THEM. AND THE KINGDOM.


Haegan and Kaelyria Celahar are royal heirs of the Nine Kingdoms, but Haegan is phy
sically crippled. What chance does he have against Poired Dyrth, the greatest enemy the kingdom has ever faced, who wields fire with a power none can match?


Their only hope is forbidden: Kaelyria must transfer her fire-harnessing abilities to Haegan. When she does it comes with a terrible price: Haegan's disability is healed, but only by being transferred to Kaelyria. This act unleashes their father-king's wrath.


Haegan must flee the kingdom alone with two impossible tasks: Find a cure for Kaelyria and stop the coming war with the omnipotent Poired Dyrth.




Don't forget that Ronie is giving away one copy of her new book, EMBERS. Please comment and leave your contact information to be entered in the drawing.

Thank you so much for taking the time to interview with us, Ronie! 

Readers, Ronie is one of the most incredibly talented writers, and she's prolific too, which means more books for us! Make sure you check out her books and many awards at her website. You can find Ronie at:  www.roniekendig.com, on Facebook (www.facebook.com/rapidfirefiction), Twitter (@roniekendig), and GoodReads.

Thursday, October 29, 2015

ASK THE SISTERS!









 Thursday brings us answers to another question submitted by you! This week’s winner is Mary Shipman. She submitted a rather provocative question. She asks: “Why don't authors use, plain looking ordinary folk as main characters? I would like to see a short, chubby heroine and a guy without a lot of muscles be the 'winner' sometimes.”

For submitting her question, Mary’s won a $10.00 gift card for Amazon!

If you have a question for us, leave it below. You might be our next winner! You could win a book by one of today’s top suspense/mystery writers – or a gift certificate to Amazon! (Questions submitted without contact information won’t be considered.)

I know what you mean, Mary. My current hero is a bit of a geek, and my next heroine is a quirky little cork-screw blonde. Definitely not the magazine cover type. I think the most important thing about them is that they are attracted to their respective matches as much by what's inside as they are to what's on the outside!

Marji Laine

 
Oh amen to that! My first ever series featured a 40 something year old slightly chubby widow. I loved her! I think we fall into that
"romancy" type belief that our characters have to be young and model types. Sheesh!

 Dana Mentink

Richard Mabry


 
Mary, that’s a great question, and I really don’t have a good answer off the top of my head. I suppose that readers would rather identify with someone who has nol external flaws, as part of the “escape” they get from reading. All authors realize that a protagonist must have some sort of flaw, but up to this point most of us picture those flaws as emotional or spiritual. I think I’m going to have consider featuring a hero/heroine who fights a battle against the scales and works to maintain their appearance.

Richard Mabry

I agree, Mary. Unfortunately, sometimes our publishers have guidelines we have to go by. However, I did what you suggested in
one of my books, Unbreakable. And I had a quirky main character in my cozy series, Curl Up and Dye. She wasn’t beautiful.

I think readers would like to have characters they can relate to. Hopefully, we’ll see more realistic characters in the future. Great question, by the way!

Nancy Mehl

Authors do use plain ordinary characters. I've used a "guy without a lot of muscle" -- a computer geek with glasses in Disarming Andi. I often use a trim and fit guy but that doesn't mean bulging muscles. I've used "plain janes" or heroines that aren't beautiful and exotic, etc. in my stories, too. Besides beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Elizabeth Goddard
 

I've often wondered the same thing myself and while I try to give
my characters some type of characteristic that keeps them from being perfect it seems my readers want to escape and they want pretty people

Cynthia Hickey


Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Suspense at every turn...

When you travel--or even go about your daily life at home--do you begin to imagine plot twists and twisted characters at every turn?

A while back, we were at a lovely resort on Chesapeake Bay, not far from Cambridge, Maryland.  My husband’s company held its annual meeting there, but while the employees were busy in meetings all day I spent some time exploring the small town and the surrounding area.

My biggest surprise—jellyfish!  Having lived in the Midwest my entire life, I never had a clue that there could be unbelievable numbers of them that far north—floating like wispy, gelatinous, menacing little clouds at the surface of the water every evening, and very visible along the long pier leading out into the water in front of the resort. 

They brought back some very unpleasant memories of jellyfish encounters in the ocean along Mexico, believe me…but also, got me thinking.  Chesapeake Bay is not that far from Washington DC.  What a twist those jellyfish could be in a romantic suspense plot involving political intrigue, if someone planned an escape across those waters!

The language, vernacular, and local culture of an area always fascinate me wherever we go, and I take hundreds--even thousands--of photos (Yay for digital cameras!)  and copious notes.  For instance, during our trips to the U.K., who knew that every pub and restaurant would serve “mushy peas” with fish and chips?  

Today, with the world at our fingertips via the Internet, we can research facts in seconds. But there’s nothing quite like being there—talking to the locals, seeing how friendly a community is, picking up literature on their regional festivities and other events.  The vegetation, the hidden creatures, the different sounds of the bullfrogs and the birds, all can add such verisimilitude --the small details that make a story seem real.  I've now written e-book Christmas novellas set in Scotland and Ireland, and will write one set in England for next year. It was such fun, incorporating details and speech patterns that I couldn't have gleaned from the Internet and reference books!

I would love to hear about where you live!  Can you imagine a great mystery or suspense novel unfolding in your community? What are some of the unique and interesting details about life where you are?

Blessings to you all!
Roxanne Rustand

USA Today bestselling author Roxanne Rustand has written forty traditionally published and indie novels. She is now working on writing books for Love Inspired, and is enjoying every moment! You can find her at:
@roxannerustand
www.roxannerustand.com
www.facebook.com/Roxanne.Rustand
https://www.pinterest.com/roxannerustand





Tuesday, October 27, 2015

What's hot in October!

Monday, October 26, 2015

THIS WEEK ON THE SUSPENSE SISTERS!










From Marji:

Texas reviewer Brittany McEuen is reviewing a spooky mystery by Shirley Raye Redmond, Viper's Nest. Brittany says, "When I wasn’t reading the book, I was thinking about it and wondering what would happen next." That's the mark of a great story! See all of her thoughts at the Suspense Sisters Review Page.









On Tuesday, Dana Mentink will share What’s Hot in Inspirational Suspense and Mystery!   





On Wednesday we’ll hear from Suspense Sister, Roxanne Rustand!  





 
Thursday brings us answers to another question submitted by you! This week’s winner is Mary Shipman. She asked a really great question:"Why don't authors use, plain looking, ordinary folk as main characters? I would like to see a short, chubby heroine and a guy without a lot of muscles be the 'winner' sometimes."

Mary has won a $10.00 gift card from Amazon!

If you have a question for us, leave it below. You might be our next winner! You could win a book by one of today’s top suspense/mystery writers – or a gift certificate to Amazon! (Questions submitted without contact information won’t be considered.)



Friday we’ll interview one of our favorite authors, Ronie Kendig! Get to know Ronie and enter to win a copy of her newest book!   






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in the exciting world of inspirational suspense and mystery!

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