RONIE KENIG: RAPID-FIRE FICTION

 

RONIE KENDIG: RAPID-FIRE FICTION

Interviewer: E.E. Kennedy

 

Ronie Kendig’s overarching slogan, “Rapid-Fire Fiction,” exactly captures the essence of her very impressive list of published books. Let’s learn more about this busy, home-schooling mother of four.

 

SS: Ronie, I just finished reading Dead Reckoning. Whew, what an exciting ride! You write in a much different genre from mine (cozy mystery) and I find the difference fascinating. What genre(s) have you chosen to write in, in your prolific career?

RK: I’m so glad you enjoyed Dead Reckoning! It was my debut release, which I've recently updated and re-released with over 14k new words! Predominantly (13 of 15 novels), I write in suspense/thriller, but I've also unleashed my passion recently for speculative fiction. ​

SS: You say in your short bio that you created characters as friends to keep you company when you were young. Did you write stories then, too? Can you tell us about them? Do they bear a resemblance to your present work?

RK: I laugh because my first stories were created with Barbies. ​My first stories bounced between historical and contemporary, but they all had some element of danger and adrenaline! However, I think writing paramilitary fiction over the last 10 years has really honed that skill. 

SS: In Dead Reckoning, you display an encyclopedic knowledge of the FBI, CIA, NSA, the military, espionage in general, torture techniques, and even scuba diving. How much is taken from experience and how much from research?

RK: For the record, I've never been tortured. LOL I have no been there, done that experience in these fields. My research has come through years of research and making contacts with the knowledge that enables me to deepen the believability and immerse my characters in the stories. ​

SS: What are some of your favorite sources for research?

​RL: People! I know that's probably not the answer you'd expected, but people who have hands-on experience are the best sources for research. I've been blessed to make many contacts over the years who can help, and if they can't, they know someone who can. 

SS: As the mother of four who home-schools, you must be very well-organized! How do you find time to write? Any tips for other mother/writers?

​RK: I've homeschooled for eighteen years, and every year is a challenge because it brings new highs and lows. The best tip I can give someone is this--you make time for what's important to you. My kids and their schooling is top priority, then writing. My life is insanely busy with two high schoolers and their extra-curricular activities, as well as family tae kwon do and survival in this insane world. But I write. Because it's important. 

SS: I find that my climax scenes actually take an emotional toll on me. Do you experience the same thing with your very exciting stories?

RK: Absolutely! In fact, I just told my editor that I was struggling because this book I'm working on (the last in a trilogy) is about my character battling/facing darkness...and it's weighting my emotional base. 

SS: As a Christian author, what are some ways you’ve found to incorporate your faith into your work? Can you give us some examples?

RK: It's very important to me that the faith of the characters (or non-faith) be organic to the story and what's happening. I'm not going to sprinkle it in just to have it, just as in my own life and daily living, I strive to be authentic in my faith, living by example as Matthew 5:16 states: 

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. 

SS: Can you tell us something about yourself that might surprise your readers?

RK: I am a second-degree black belt in tae kwon do...yes, even at "my age." LOL​

SS: What is your latest work? Tell us about it.

RK: My most recent release is CONSPIRACY OF SILENCE (Tox Files #1), release by Bethany House Publishers. This is a new flavor for me in the thriller genre, combining my Rapid-Fire Fiction style with Dan Brown elements of artifacts and Jason Bourne type of action/intrigue. ​

SS: You have a very active presence on the Internet. Please tell us where we can find you.

​RK: I love to interact with my readers!! I am most active with Facebook, but can be found at many social media sites: ​       ​

www.roniekendig.com
     Facebook (www.facebook.com/rapidfirefiction)
     Twitter (@roniekendig)
     Goodreads (www.goodreads.com/RonieK)
     Instagram (@kendigronie)
     Pinterest (http://www.pinterest.com/roniek/)!

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