One of the great benefits of writing for a publishing company is getting to know other authors underneath its canopy. And The Wild Rose Press has such a wonderfully diverse list of authors and novels, finding something of interest shouldn’t be a problem for most people.
I was fortunate to attend one of their retreats back in 2011. From it, I took away many things, none more important than the friendships and connections developed while there. (If you get a chance to attend one, I’d highly recommend it.)
But if you can’t, I’ll try to bring some of my writing ‘friends’ to you — starting with today’s featured author, Lisa Rayns.
Renee: Lisa, I discovered the spark of writing presented itself to you when you were only ten years old and penning a poem for your family at Christmas. How did it develop from there?
Lisa: From there, I wrote journals, stories for school projects, and spent years reading and indulging in my love of books.
Renee: What was it about writing that made you want to explore it further and eventually turn it into a career?
Lisa: Two words – Romantic Suspense. I started reading romantic suspense, and I fell in love with the genre. Then, once I started writing in 2007, I realized writing suspense was a lot of fun. It became my dream job rather quickly.
Renee: As the mom of four boys, how on earth do you find time to write?
Lisa: My boys are older and self-sufficient. They are also very understanding when I tell them I need time to write.
Renee: That’s good. Do you still maintain another full-time job, or have you managed to find a way to focus entirely on writing as your career?
Lisa: I had the opportunity to focus entirely on my writing for the last two years, but I’m recently divorced so I’m working full time again.
Renee: When I vacationed out west, I was extremely taken with South Dakota. I see you call it your home state now. What do you like best about living there?
Lisa: I like everything but the winters. The air is fresh, and the cost of living is not as high as it is in other areas.
Renee: Curse of the Egyptian Goddess is a delightful read. I left a review on Amazon, but sometimes they don’t show up. We’ll see.
Where did your interest in Egyptian lore come from?
Lisa: Thank you! Reviews are so important.
I’ve always had an interest in the ancient Egyptian culture since I first learned about it in school. I’m also a huge fan of large cats.
Renee: Another of your novels, Wanted: Vampire — Free Blood, was nominated for Best Vampire Book. What was it like to receive that news about your work?
Lisa: That was amazing, the best I’ve ever felt.
Renee: When did you become interested in paranormal literature and what spurred you to write your own tales about the world beyond?
Lisa: I think it was the twelfth draft of my first romantic suspense book when the idea to turn it into a paranormal romance hit me. Everything that wasn’t working in the book then clicked into place, and I started to have a lot more fun writing.
Renee: Name the best and worst thing that has happened due to your publishing career.
Lisa: Having a fan and knowing at least one person is anxious for the next book is really the best thing that’s happened to me. I guess the worst thing would be a one star review, but I didn’t take that too badly. Everyone has different tastes, and no one will ever please everyone.
Renee: What are you currently working on?
Lisa: I’m currently working on the second book in my Egyptian Duet.
Renee: Well, I’m looking forward to that one! Yay! What is the one piece of advice you would give aspiring writers?
Lisa: Write for yourself. Write what you like because you can’t please everyone. Also, never give up on your dreams.
Renee: Thank you Lisa. That sounds like good advice. I know you are busy and I appreciate the time you have given us to get to know you a little better.
For those interested, links to purchase her books are listed below.
Renee Johnson is the author of Acquisition, and The Haunting of William Gray. She is currently working on a Young Adult novel, while editing a suspense novel which has international flair–an homage to her love of travel and foreign food. She lives on a farm in North Carolina with her husband, Tony Johnson, and one very spoiled German shepherd named Gretel.
Renee Johnson Writes 
thanks for sharing this Renee 🙂 I was reminded that I haven’t read romantic suspense in a long while! will check out Lisa’s novels.
You won’t be disappointed. She’s great.
Enjoyed reading your interview with Lisa, Renee.
I’m so glad Patti.
I enjoyed the interview and learning more about Lisa. It’s nice to have a personal link with the author you’re reading, isn’t it?
Yes it is. I can hear their voice coming through every sentence. Lovely.
Great interview, Renee! Thanks for introducing us to Lisa. I’m completely addicted to reading author interviews! 🙂
Me too. You’ve had some great ones all summer.
It’s been fun! If you’d like to join in, I’d love to put you into the spotlight. 🙂
Sure. I’ll give it a go.
Great, Renee! I’ve got people lined up each Friday through the middle of October. I’m expecting someone might not get their post to me on time, so I’d use it as a backup, if not, it would post in October. You can email me at jaweatherholt@gmail.com and I’ll send you the questions. I’ll give you 10, but you only have to pick the 5 you’d like to answer. 🙂
Wonderful interview. It’s always fun to get an inside glimpse of an authors life. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
It is always a treat to hear how other writers started their journey and get ideas. I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
Lovely covers and thanks for the intro.
Thanks for the introduction, Renee. I will spend some time on Amazon checking these books out.
It’s always lovely to know more about authors than just the books they write. This interview is wonderful. Thanks for Introducing us to Lisa.
I am not one to read a lot of romantic novels, but your interview here with Lisa Rayns makes me want to look into her work. A very nice interview, Renee.