Author Interview: Renee April

My author interview series continues today with my next guest being a lovely Aussie author who has a book coming out in November and you should totally pre-order it NOW! 

AMAZON AUSTRALIA
AMAZON US
BARNES & NOBLE
BOOK DESPOSITORY
GOODREADS

In the dull, everyday world, seventeen-year-old Rose Evermore struggles to plan beyond her final year of high school. But when fire suddenly obeys her every command and her dreams predict the future, she becomes hungry for more of this strange power.

Under her dreams’ guidance, Rose lands in the fantasy realm of Lotheria–with a tagalong. Tyson, her best friend since childhood, winds up there with her, just as confused and a hell of a lot more vulnerable. In Lotheria, Rose is welcomed and celebrated as a fire mage at the Academy, while the very un-magical Tyson is forced into hiding under threat of death from the masters of Rose’s new school.
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As Rose’s talent in fire magic draws unwanted attention and Tyson struggles to transition from high school student to blacksmith, Rose must find a way to return Tyson to their own world before the masters discover and execute him–no matter the cost.

THE INTERVIEW...

Who are you and what do you write? 

Hi Kate! My name is Renee April, and I write fantasy and historical YA/NA

Where and when and how did the writing life begin for you?

In primary school. My mum was big on reading, which got me into good habits that eventually led to writing my own scribbles. Writing has been part of my life as much as dentist visits, school camps, and little siblings have been. I don't count it as a hobby. For me it's just something I do.

How has the journey to this point been? Can you give us a basic rundown?

You know when you're on a rollercoaster and it clinks up slowly, then plunges down seemingly forever? I think we're about to curve back up ;)

Seriously though, I thought I knew it all when I was 21, 22. Spoiler alert, I was an idiot. Turns out only hard lessons can teach the arrogant, so I'm here now, self-educating, reviewing, growing. It only took me six years, don't worry.

What's been the hardest part of your writing/publishing experience so far? And the most enjoyable?

The hardest part for me is feeling like the book doesn't make sense. That your subtleties are too overt, the plot twist too obvious, the romance forced. I guess as the orchestrator of it all, you see it coming. I find it impossible to edit my own work alone; I just cannot see what a fresh reader does. The most enjoyable was the unboxing of my paperbacks even though I swore and blubbed and cried a lot.

Would you go back and change anything?

Yes. My attitude.

Where would you like to be in 5 years time? And 10? Or, what are your plans for the future?

I'd like to be paying rent with money from my projects -- not just writing, but my narration, perhaps some freelance editing. I do want to get more into narration, hence why I practice every Saturday morning with submissions from extremely gracious authors.

What's one piece of advice you'd give to new writers just starting out?

Don't just talk about writing, actually write. Take it upon yourself to learn the trade, mix resources, read A LOT. Learn to brew a good cup of tea and find your ideal writing environment.

Ketchup or Mayo? MAYO
Night or Day? DAY (morning?)
Inside or Outside? INSIDE
Dogs or Cats? BIRDS
Twitter or Facebook? TWITTER, YAAASS
Ebook or Paperback? PAPERBACK
Walk or Drive? DRIVE
Sun or Rain? RAIN
Keyboard or Pencil & Notebook? ONE THEN THE OTHER
Comedy or Drama? DRAMA
Chips or Chocolate? CHOCOLATE

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​Renee April is the author of the young adult fantasy novel, Her Crown of Fire. In addition to being an avid reader and writer, she streams games badly on Twitch and acts as dungeon master for her D&D group. As a result, she spends far too much time in fantasy realms. She can be found on various writing sites such as Wattpad and Goodreads, but usually lurks on Twitter to hand out bad advice and genuine sympathies.

Author Website