I’ve been absent on the blog for a few days — weeks actually. But there is a good reason. My second novel, contracted by The Wild Rose Press — the publisher of ‘Acquisition’ — has been keeping me busy!
Yes, my friends. Novel number two will be coming out this year!
With taglines to write, blurbs to approve, cover art to look through, and my first round of edits, it has been an exciting start to the new year. And I am not complaining. On the contrary! I couldn’t be happier.
“Content is King. Promotion is Queen.” — Bob Mayer Tweet this
Receiving the offer for the second novel has been supremely validating. I suppose there is a part of the psyche ready to accept that publishing one novel could be a fluke. The second offer has settled me into my role as a novelist, and yet, it has made me hungrier than ever to learn more about the craft and grow as a writer.
And while the editing process for this second novel — (I’ll release the title in another post. Isn’t that just like an author — leave you in suspense so you’ll come back for more!) — continues, I am proceeding to write the next new novel and working on the young adult which has been an ongoing project.
“Either write something worth reading, or do something worth writing.” — Benjamin Franklin
While this is wonderful, it is time consuming. So there may be gaps when I am missing from the blog. I apologize for this in advance. Just know it is in the effort to make even more art from my imagination and/or personal experiences.
There are a few terrific posts coming up — mostly interviews with some exciting writers and teachers you will not want to miss. The Monastic Writing workshop I attended in Italy will be featured soon, preceded by an interview with its founder and instructor.
“Where will your writing take you?” — Justen Ahren Tweet this
A musician-turned-writer — someone most of you will recognize — is in the works. I hope to have some guest posts for you as well.
So even when I am not blogging or visiting with you, I am working to obtain inspirational pieces worthy of your time, or honing my professional skills. In the meantime, stay warm and safe. I’ll be making my rounds to visit with you soon!
“Writing means sharing. It’s part of the human condition to want to share things – thoughts, ideas, opinions.” — Paulo Coelho 
As per the advice of Paulo Coelho, please share your thoughts about writing — or anything else — in the comments section.
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 
Congratulations.
Thank you!
Congrats!)))) Fabulous! xx
Many thanks!
Fantastic!
Thank you.
Good for you, Renee! Congratulations! You have more important things to focus your time on right now. Keep up the good work.
Wow, Patti. Thank you so much.
congratulations
Thank you Patty!
Wow, congratulations! Great work.
Thank you, Cecilia!
Great news, congratulations Renee 🙂
Thanks Sherri!
That a way … and a toast to you! … 🙂 … Congratulations.
Thank you, Frank. Cheers!
In science, only if the experiment is repeated giving the same results is the hypothesis valid – being a writer is a bit like that emotionally, too. Congrats and dance happy!
(the name of the press is really nice, too – great choice of imagery for them to pick that)
I love that analogy, Karen! Can we repeat? Yes we can!
Congratulations, Renee! Can’t wait to learn the title and hear about the next book.
The Ben Franklin quote is one of my favorites, so you have a perfect combination. 🙂
Mine too! Whenever I feel stuck , I repeat that quote, and either write or do something different. It works!
Thanks for your visit, Renee, and congratulations on publishing a second novel. 🙂
Thanks Aunty Uta!
Congrats on your be publishing contract! Best wishes for much more fun and success.
Thanks Doreen!
I withdraw my comment, Renee. You obviously don’t have time for the 5 day black and white challenge, but I’ll still have a look at your Pinterest page 🙂 Happy days!
I could draw from previous works. I took a lot of black and white first time in Paris! Gargoyles, architecture, bridges…
Renee, thanks for commenting at my blog so I could come over and see this great news! So happy for you, and yes, the offer is validating, to say the least. Look forward to guest posts and more on your process. Good on you! Amy
Oh, thank you Amy. And I love your site, especially the title of your blog. You have that ‘sharp little pencil’ working for you! Thanks for stopping by.
Congratulations! I am very happy for you, what a great moment!
Thank you, Cecilia! It is a nice moment.
I’m privileged to meet you at this time, Renee. Congratulations and I look forward to reading more from you. Love the quotes 😀
Thank you Angie. I love quotes, so if you stop back by, you may find some more of interest.
Reblogged this on Angie Mc's Reblog Love and commented:
Stay hungry! Renee Canter Johnson writes, “The second offer has settled me into my role as a novelist, and yet, it has made me hungrier than ever to learn more about the craft and grow as a writer.”
Wow! I appreciate this so much Angie. I do hope to ‘stay hungry’.
Congratulations on the 2nd novel, Renee. I understand the thought that now you have validation for your craft. However, you’ve met a major requirement in you haven’t stopped writing.
That’s the best thing really. I will always write, even if I’m not publishing. Once it’s in the blood, it’s always part of who you are. Thank you, Sheri!
Congratulations. This is great. Happy for you. Glad when writers are out there publishing despite what is said to be “the odds.” Bravo, Rene. Thanks for keeping in touch so I can congratulate you.
Thank you, Carole. We can never just accept the odds and give in to them. Our dreams are too important. And we must stay in touch too! Your work is fantastic and I’m always glad to be sharing.
That is such excellent news, Renee, and so well deserved. You certainly have been busy and I agree – a second published novel really does validate and cement you as an author xx
Thank you Charlie! A second novel is a real treasure indeed. I’m fortunate and blessed.
Congrat! It’s an incredible amount of work to write a book–and it’s absolutely awesome that your second one is being published.
Thank you Sheryl! So validating….
How exciting! Congratulations. No apologies needed regarding any absence now…go for it, again! I’m so proud of you.
Georgette, thank you so much! You are a real doll!
Congrats and the best of luck to you Renee! ⭐
Happy week ahead! Aquileana 🙂
Thank you! Happy first-week-of-spring to you!!
A belated congratulations, Renee. This most be exciting times. Hard work, yes, but hard work that is fun to do. To get your second book published. Any idea when it will be out?
Thank you, Otto. I don’t have a release date yet, but it should be within the year.