Renée Gendron

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

I’m franco-Ontario and live in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Writing is my principal hobby. However, However, I do enjoy walks and hikes while listening to audiobooks. I have a deep interest in history and tracing the ripples of a decision through time.

When and why did you start writing books?

I started writing in high school. It was a constructive way of passing the time. I enjoyed the world-building aspect of writing and exploring conflicts and dynamics.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

Stories occupy my thoughts. I don't have enough time to type them up. I currently have fifteen series plotted to various degrees. Every career has its challenges. In writing, the greatest challenge is how best you can beat yourself. Is this book better than the previous one I wrote, has my craft evolved and improved over time, has my ability to engage and immerse readers deepened? It’s me versus myself with a keyboard. I have many stories to tell and an eye on continual improvement to tell them.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

Calanthe Persungen — née Traenu. She’s a foundational character in my fantasy series (as of yet unpublished). Of my published works, I really like Ruthanna Helms (Jaded Hearts, release March 2022). She’s practical, independent, is a leader, and carries on no matter how dire the circumstances.

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

Book 1 of the Nearer Realms Tales has been the hardest for me to write. It is the first book of a 29-book series. The series is written and in need of deep edits, but it’s the first book. The foundational story between Calanthe and Sanders that I want perfect before I release it. I’ve been working on that series for years. I’ve lost count how many times I’ve rewritten book 1. I’m at the cusp of having enough skill to make it work. I’ll write a few non-fantasy romances and take more writing courses to sharpen my craft before going back to rewrite (yes, it needs a rewrite) book 1. Once book 1 is solid, the rest of the series will be easy to edit.

Who is your favourite author and book?

My favourite science fiction author is Glynn Stewart. I have several favourite romance authors include Pamela Clare, Lynsay Sands, Kelley Bown, and Paula Quinn. Yes, I’m a sucker for historical romances. One of my favourite books is Fail State by John Birmingham. There's a blunt realism to the book.

What book are you reading right now?

The White Ghost by James R. Benn

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

I draw inspiration from history and learning how individuals and communities change over time. I play around with tropes to see how I can combine them. I strive to give the characters interesting professions that address problems not normally addressed in books.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Almost all my spare time is dedicated to writing, learning about craft, and participating in various writing communities

Do you have any new books in the works?

Here are my upcoming releases. Jaded Hearts, a western historical romance based in Alberta and is Book 1 of the Mines and Minerals Series. Release March 2022. A 15k-short story in the Shopkeeper Anthology. Release Summer 2022. I’m participating in a supernatural historical romance duology. My counter part is writing from the American perspective. I’m writing from the Canadian perspective. Two novellas. No title yet, but release Summer 2022. Book Two of the Outdoorsmen Series, Sylvie’s and Manny’s story, will be released in September 2022. Novella 2 of Heartened by Sport, Carlotta’s and Brandon’s story, release in December 2022.