AAD Meet and Greet: Author Renee Bagby Interview + Giveaway
Feb 3, 2011
Evening all my wonderful lovely's! Sorry todays AAD Meet and Greet is late. But its here now! So help me give a warm welcome to a New to me Author that I can't wait to mee this year at AAD!!!
Renee is a military brat turned military wife who is currently stationed in MD with her husband and two cats.
Whether writing as D. Renee Bagby or Zenobia Renquist, she is a world-builder. She loves inventing new cultures and shaping their histories and laws because it beats researching the existing ones.
Her stories span the fantasy gamut but she dabbles in sci-fi and contemporary from time to time. While her main characters tend to be of different races, she doesn't let skin color rule or limit her stories. For her, it's all about how much she can torture her characters so they earn their happily-ever-after ending.
The rules are all new and pre-conceived notions will only slow you down, so when reading Renee's stories, she asks only one thing -- Leave Your Reality Behind.
About you:
JJBC - Do you have any hobbies?
RB - I read manga (Japanese comics), usually shoujo and yaoi/BL. I love going to the movies with my husband. I also dabble in inkle loom weaving and knitting chain mail.
JJBC - What do you like to read?
RB - I prefer fantasy/paranormal romance and dabble into the other sub-genres as the mood strikes me. More often than not, I'm reading manga.
JJBC - Can you tell us some of your favorite books you've read?
RB - The Brotherhood of Blood series and Tales of the Were series from Bianca D'Arc, pretty much anything from Stephanie Burke, Horsemen series by Kate Hill (though I am two books behind)
JJBC - Who are some of your favorite authors?
RB - Bianca D'Arc, Stephanie Burke, Jayne Ann Krentz/Amanda Quick, Jude Deveraux
On the manga front - Momoko Tenzen, Makoto Tateno, Hinako Takanaga, Eiki Eiki, and Taishi Zaou
JJBC - If you can meet any author in person dead or alive, who would it be and why him/her?
RB - Jayne Ann Krentz/Amanda Quick. I actually got close to meeting her at RWA Nationals when it was in DC, but I missed the book signing. She was my staple when I was in high school. Her books inspired my imagination and taught me how to write. Her books are always ones I can re-read over and over.
AAD:
JJBC - What part of AAD are you most looking forward to?
RB - Meeting new readers, seeing friends, and seeing Philadelphia, PA. I've only been in PA three times despite living in MD.
JJBC - What do you hope to walk away with from AAD?
RB - The same thing I walk away from when attending any conference or convention - new readers and new stories ideas. I find that attending conventions/conferences and being around other like-minded individuals helps to get the imagination flowing free.
JJBC - Have you ever been to AAD before? If so what was your favorite part?
RB - No, this will be my first year attending.
JJBC - Are you on any panels? if so can you tell us which ones to look for you on?
RB - I'm on the Multicultural/Interracial panel and the Sweet Romance panel.
Your Writing:
JJBC - How did you first get into writing? Has it always been your dream?
RB - Writing didn't become my dream until high school. Until that point, I was just happy with reading romance. My only issue was a lack of black heroines, someone with whom I could identify. Not only black heroines but black heroines in fantasy and sci-fi romance stories. Lacking options, I decided that I should just write my own. It took a few tries, but I finally got a workable manuscript that I submitted to Samhain Publishing in 2006.
JJBC - What genre do you write?
RB - I write interracial romances (black heroine with a hero of different ethnicity) in the fantasy/paranormal sub-genre of romance.
JJBC - Do you have any must haves when you sit down to write?
RB - My computer obviously. I have a netbook just for writing. A few hours of quiet time helps as well.
JJBC - Can you tell us how a typical writing day for you is?
RB - I don't really have a typical writing day. Some days I can write more than others. Now that I'm a full time writer, I have more time to write and brainstorm plot lines.
JJB - What is one thing you think sets you apart from other authors?
RB - I don't know if it sets me apart, but I do enjoy torturing my characters. I make them work for that happily-ever-after at the end of the story.
Your Books:
JJBC - Can you share with us anything you are currently working on?
RB - I'm currently working on several books, but the two that are holding the majority of my attention at the moment are a novella for Changeling Press about a tentacle monster and a novel about a woman abducted by aliens to become a pet. Both titles are written as Zenobia Renquist.
JJBC - Can you share with us your first book ever published?
RB - My debut release was ADRIENNE published as D. Renee Bagby with Samhain Publishing in July 2007.
He crossed dimensions to claim her as his queen--but her reign may destroy his world.
Adrienne Backett wants two simple little things this spring break: rest and relaxation. After nearly four years of slaving away for her college education, she deserves a holiday. What she gets is pulled into another dimension by a man who claims she's his rightful queen.
Malik, King of Ulan, has until his birthday to find his bride or he must forfeit his throne. When a spell reveals her location, he will do anything, even cross dimensions, to claim her as his own.
As if fending off a lusty king isn't enough of a headache, Adrienne finds herself a pawn in a rival monarch's plot to bring Malik's world to its knees. But is the real danger being stuck in the middle of a power struggle between rival kingdoms? Or the damage Malik could do to her heart?
Warning: This title contains adult language (cursing), talking animals, violence, and scenes of near rape.
RB - My first release as Zenobia Renquist was A VALENTINE'S GIFT FOR TORI with Red Rose Publishing in February 2008.
She wants a boyfriend for Valentine's and her husband wants to deliver.
Tori has come to the realization that her marriage lacks the spark it had in the beginning. She and her husband argue more than anything else and she foresees a nasty break-up on the horizon if something doesn't change. When he asks her what she wants for Valentine's Day, her answer is scandalous and straightforward--a boyfriend.
Rather than be upset, her husband is intrigued by the idea and sets out to make it happen. Tori has set herself--and him--an impossible goal and her prospects aren't that promising. But she's determined to have a boyfriend in time for the most romantic holiday of the year.
JJBC - Can your share with us your most recent release, or a soon to be release?
RB - My latest release is HARLEY ON THE ROCKS writing as Zenobia Renquist with Changeling Press.
Her heart has a choice between loveless sex or sex-less friends.
Harley's got the hots for her best friends -- two gorgeous hunks who're in love with one another. Helping them spice up their sex life can't be such a bad idea -- can it? Friends with benefits, nothing more.
Harley's heart has complicated the issue. She wants to be more to Koijirou and Davis than a temporary fling, but she doesn't want to ruin their friendship. If it comes down to a choice between sex and friendship, can she handle the consequences of the choice she makes?
JJBC - What has been your favorite book you have written so far? why is this one your favorite?
RB - My favorite book so far is SERENITY written as D. Renee Bagby from Samhain Publishing. I think this is my favorite because Serenity was so much fun to write. I didn't realize she was a sociopath until one of my beta readers pointed it out. Hence the warning I gave the book:
Their uneasy alliance could lead to love--if the demon will allow it.
Melchior, King of the Bhresyas, is quickly growing tired of the war between his kind and the humans who view them as demons. He proposes a peace treaty with the most powerful human kingdom. His only stipulation? Once she comes of age, the human queen's daughter must be his bride.
Serenity has spent her entire life preparing for her role at Melchior's side. Other women might be frightened, but she embraces her destiny, knowing in her heart that she and Melchior have been twined together by fate.
While he wants cooperation between their two peoples, his union with Serenity cannot and should not lead to love. The more she tries to bring them together, the harder he pushes her away--until she lands in the arms of those who would do her harm.
Love is the answer. But before Melchior admits to his, it may be too late.
Warning: this title contains cursing, a sociopathic heroine, horny males, and copious amounts of gratuitous violence.
JJBC - Is there anything else you would like to share with us today?
RB - I give the readers of my newsletter a sneak peek at whatever I'm writing at the moment. One chapter a month until the book is contracted.
Extras:
JJBC - Where can readers find you?
- Newsletter http://ymlp.com/signup.php?id=geusujygmgj
- Book List http://dreneebagby.com/Books.html
*~* Giveaway *~*
Don't go away! Renee is stopping by today and over the next few days to chat!
She also has up for grabs for 1 lucky winner, a Signed print copy of ERIS
*~*OPEN WORLDWIDE*~*
**RULES
- Must leave a valid e-mail (please do not add your complete e-mail. we do not want it picked up by spammers. for Exp: leave DOT instead of . , or AT instead of @ )
- Since Eris is a comic grader, I'd like commentors to tell me who their favorite comic character (hero or villain) if they have one.
**Giveaway ends Sunday night at Midnight. On Monday Renee will chose a winner, and post here in this comments section . So make sure you come back to see if you won!
Good Luck
Everyone!!!
Posts
18 Hottie Follwers Thoughts:
Hi JoJo,
Thanks for having me!
~ Renee
Hi, these books look really good. Definitely something I would pick up.
I am actually not too big on comics so I don't have a favorite. I do like Batman though.
iqb99@yahoo.com
Danielle - Thanks for stopping by. I'm a fan of Batman too. What's not to like? He's tall, dark, handsome, and rich. :D
~ Renee
Don't really have a favorite comic character but I love you stories. Especially Serenity, it's one I can re-read and never tire of. :D
secretwindow AT yahoo DOT com.
Leah - I'm glad you liked it. I'll get to re-read it again too when I start the sequel. I'm looking forward to that.
~ Renee
Great interview! I met you at RT last year and can't wait to see you in Philly. (Unless you'll be at RT again, in which case, I get to see you there first :P)
Seleste - I will not be at RT this year. I'm using the money I usually put towards that convention to go to some of the smaller cons near me, like AAD. I'll see you there.
~ Renee
That was a really good interview.
I like the incredible hulk in comic books.
I would love to read your book.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
Debbie - I'm a fair-weather Hulk fan. I think it all depends on who is writing him. I liked him in "The Ultimates" though. :)
~ Renee
Wonderful interview, these looks so very interesting to read! Thank you so very much for sharing your thoughts with us and for giving us the opportunity to have a signed copy. *bow down* My all time favorite comic book character is: Nightwing! For those who don't know that is Robin for Batman who later takes on that identity.
Eko - I always loved Nightwing for his costume. Who wouldn't look good wearing that outfit? Teehee
~ Renee
Renee,
Yahoo another Nightwing lover! Yes he looks amazing in the outfit, and I love his story line and the fact that our Little Boy Wonder grew up to become a hunky man! LOL
My favourite is Iron Man as he has no superpowers but his own genius.I also Like Batman for the same reason.
Daredavil I like as you have a disabled person as a superhero.
It seems to me that it is much easier to be a superhero if you have superpowers.
sneyd53AThotmailDOTcom
Margeret - I much agree. It's easy to be super when you have powers. Batman and Iron Man have one up on most others just because they are rich and can afford to make cool gadgets. I have to say I like the Robert Downey Jr version of Iron Man best. :)
~ Renee
I don't read comics but I love the movies made from the comics. I love the XMen movies. Wolverine is probably my favorite from the XMen. I also like IronMan especially Robert Downey Jr.
beckerjo(at)verizon(dot)net
JoAnna - Hugh Jackman as Wolverine. That is the BEST casting call EVER. *dreamy sigh* The comic industry hasn't really made it easy for someone to just jump in. There's decade of back story and retcons and sub plots. Makes me glad I started with it early. :)
~ Renee
Congratulations go out to Leah, the winner of a signed print copy of ERIS.
(Winner chosen using Random.org)
I'll be emailing you shortly. Thanks to everyone who stopped by. I hope to meet you all at AAD in August.
Have a happy,
~ Renee
Thank you so much!!!
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