Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in western Colorado with my husband, two cats, and one dog-who-believes-he’s-a-person. While I’m a mother to none, I’m an auntie to what feels like a small army…our newest recruit joined us in April 2016. Auntie loves you Porter Rayne! (I will neither confirm nor deny that I Facebook-stalk her mommy and daddy to see every picture of her little smiling face.)
I was born in Phoenix, AZ and raised in beautiful Colorado with my two younger brothers, who taught me to have a thick skin and a ready smile. They are at least half the reason I find inspiration the way I do and I love them for it. Despite my mother’s best efforts, I am NOT an outdoorsy girl; I’d much rather curl up with a good book or play through my favorite video game. (Yup, nerd all the way, right here!)
I’m a caffeine addict, chocoholic, and a hopeless romantic. I’ve carried on a passionate love affiar with the genre of fantasy since I was old enough to read ‘chapter books’, but I developed a particular soft spot for romantic fantasy while in my teens. I find inspiratation in hot showers, time with my nieces and nephews, and in random meanderings through mundane places.
I dabbled in creative writing for many years and even considered it as my major in college. (I ended up getting a Bachelor’s degree in Counseling Psychology.) The inspiration for the Elemental Trials series was born while I was in a high school creative writing class. It sat, unloved and forgotten, in a binder for years, only to be discoverd while moving into my first apartment. The fire was rekindled and it grew from a single, sophmoric tale to a full-blown series over the next decade. i published the first installment in the series, Errant Spark, in July of 2016. Dream. Come. True.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
“Errant Spark” is my one-and-only right now. It’s been evolving over the last 11-12 years, so I can’t pinpoint an exact inspiration. I’ve had a lot, and from a myriad of sources.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Unusual? Weeeell…I wouldn’t call them unusual, but I prefer to be alone when I write and if I’m writing a steamy scene, I usually have a couple glasses of wine first.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve been able to read since before I can remember, so listing the authors and books that influenced me would take a year. Some that come immediately to mind are The Lioness Quartet by Tamora Pierce, The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis, and “As Commonplace As Rain” by Diana Lau.
What are you working on now?
Right now, I’m working on the sequel to “Errant Spark”. I’m waffling between a couple of different titles.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I’m still experimenting with that. I have high hopes for OnlineBookClub–my promotion with them is coming up on September 9th–so fingers crossed on that. Otherwise, I’ve just been submitting my book to every blogger, website, promoter, and random passers-by who will take it.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Honestly, just write. Don’t worry about what your friends and family will think; there is someone out there who will fall head-over-heels in love with your work. Write for yourself and write the stories YOU want to read.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
A quote that I’ve seen attributed to Stephen King (but I think it actually originated with Vladimir Nabokov) comes to mind, though it isn’t really advice. “The writer’s job is to get the main character up a tree, and then once they are up there, throw rocks at them.” I try to keep that in mind when I get stuck on a scene or am wrestling with a plot dilemma.
What are you reading now?
I like to have a couple of things going in that department. Right now, I’m reading a WIP by my friend, fellow author, and CP, Elisabeth Hamill, and I just started “Lord of the Fading Lands; Tairen Soul”.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m focused on finishing the Elemental Trials series, but after that? The world is my oyster, or so they say.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
“Master of Crows” by Grace Draven, “Salem’s Lot” by Stephen King, “The Sword of Shannara” by Terry Brooks, and I’d find a way to combine all the Dresden Files novels by Jim Butcher into one book.
Author Websites and Profiles
Ronelle Antoinette Website
Ronelle Antoinette Amazon Profile
Ronelle Antoinette Author Profile on Smashwords
Ronelle Antoinette’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account