INTERVIEW WITH RENEE BLARE

Raised in Louisiana and Wyoming, Renee started writing poetry in junior high school and that, as they say, was that. After having her son, a desire to attend pharmacy school sent her small family to Laramie and she’s been counting pills ever since. While writing’s her first love, well, after the Lord and her husband, she also likes to fish and hunt as well as pick away on her classical guitar.

Nestled against the Black Hills with her husband, crazy old dog and ornery cat, she serves the community of northeastern Wyoming as a pharmacist and pens her Christian stories, keeping them interesting with action and intrigue, of course. She loves to interact with readers and invites you check out her website, blog, and social media.

INTERVIEW 

S.S: How long have you been writing?

Writing books? Four and half years. Poetry since I was in seventh grade. I love to read though. I’m addicted to books.

S.S: Do you write full time?

No, in addition to writing, I work as a pharmacist. I’ve worked in pharmacy for sixteen years. I love both of my careers, although finding the energy to write can be quite a challenge after 9-10 hours on my feet all day…much less market. I’m learning the meaning of time management.

S.S: Tell us about the moment you finally felt like a “real author”?

I think it was a comment I had from a contest. I hadn’t made it into the finals or even the semi-finals. One of the judges, a published author, complimented my writing in her critique and told me she could see it being published and to continue working. It was in that moment I knew…I was an author. My endeavors were not in vain, and one day, I’d find my words in print.

S.S.: Who has been your greatest supporter as an author?

It’s amazing. When I began to write…seriously…about five years ago, many people offered words of encouragement, but very few saw it as a second job as I did. In fact, most still don’t. Writing called my “hobby” to this day by those close to me who see me wear the white jacket. The one person who’s been my greatest encourager, supporter…rock from the first day has been my husband, James. He keeps me accountable, not only to the expectations of others but to the Lord along this incredible journey.

S.S: How does your faith play into your writing?

My faith keeps me going and going and going, even when I don’t think I can anymore. I guess that sounds a little confusing for those who may not know me. Writing is a way for the Lord to speak to and through me. The bits of inspiration found in my stories aren’t just for my readers. God’s spoken those things directly to me one time or another, either with a still small voice or a two-by-four to the back of the head. Believe me, I’ve run and hidden from many of His lessons. I’ve also had to learn them like many others…the hard way.

S.S: If you couldn’t write, what else would you want to do?

Ah, good question…if I couldn’t write and I wasn’t a pharmacist, what would I be? A wildlife photographer. It was my dream as a teenager, and believe it or not, I still love to do it today.

S.S:  Tell us about your current release.

Beast of Stratton’s about a young woman’s search for her father. He’s disappeared leaving only a note, a rose and pendant necklace as clues to his whereabouts. Determined to find him, she sets off to New York and disguises herself as a secretary at his place of employment, Stratton Industrial where the CEO, a wounded war veteran has recently returned from his second tour in Iraq. Her presence and some strange occurrences within his firm pulls him from his reclusive penthouse and the quest to find her father begins.

S.S: Where did you get your inspiration for this book?

It was actually inspired by Beauty and the Beast. My critique group, Rough Diamond Writers came up with the idea to write stories based on fairy tales one day. I chose my favorite of course and the rest is history.

S.S: What is the main thing you hope readers remember from your story?

God cares about you even when you could care less about Him.

S.S: Who is your favorite character in this book and why?

An elderly woman toward the end of the story. It’s amazing the people God places in our lives when we least expect it, isn’t it? This woman’s an example of that provision.

S.S: What are you working on now?

I’m wrapping up a story called Racing Hearts. It’s about a young married couple who, after discovering they’re having a baby, embark on a new adventure. After moving away from family and friends in pursuit of work, challenges soon arise. For the two Christians, placing the fate of their unborn child in the hands of God seems rather easy, but trusting each other? That may prove to be the challenge of a lifetime.

S.S: Any writing goals you still hope to achieve?

Are there any I don’t? LOL I’m a fairly new writer and a brand new published author, so my goal’s still to see my next book in print. And not screw up the next one too bad. I’ll figure this out and set some higher ones. I promise.

S.S:  Now let’s get a little personal.

Name two things on your “bucket list” that you haven’t done yet. Oh, boy…well…I’ve always wanted to visit the highlands of the Scotland. In fact, it’s been a dream of mine for a very long time. I guess another thing may be to go on a cruise. It wouldn’t matter to me where. I’ve never been on one before. Stick me on a bigger boat though. I don’t want to get seasick!

S.S.: Where can readers find you on the internet?

• Renee Blare|Christian Author Website
• faithwalker007@gmail.com
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Pinterest
• Tumblr: The  Journey
• Amazon Author Page
• Blog: Renee’s Inspirational Moments
• Group Blog: The Diamond Mine of Christian Fiction

S.S.: Anything else you’d like to share with us?

Thanks for this wonderful opportunity! You’re the best. ;)

Renee is giving away a print copy (U.S. only, please) or an ebook copy of Beast of Stratton. Please leave a comment, along with your contact information, for a chance to win!