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Author: Renée Pawlish

ISBN: 9780982705612

Today, Norm Goldman Publisher and Editor of Bookpleasures.com is pleased to have as our guest Renée Pawlish. Renée has authored several books included her latest This Doesn't Happen In the Movies: A Reed Ferguson Mystery.

Good day Renée and thanks for participating in our interview

Norm:

How did you get started in writing? What keeps you going?

Renée

I began writing as a kid - I had stories rolling around in my head. I tried a story or two but they didn't work. I took creative writing classes in high school and I wrote a lot of poetry, but I didn't get serious about writing until after I completed my graduate degree. I had an idea for a novel and a friend encouraged me to write it. I've been penning stories ever since. There's something intangible about writing and finishing a story that's addictive - I can't not do this.

Norm:

What is your creative process like? What happens before sitting down to write? Is your work improvisational or do you have a set plan?

Renée

My writing is very improvisational, which means I do a lot of editing as I create the story. I get an idea and then I start forming characters and they take on life. I've never outlined a story. I visualize scenes in my head and then I write them down. If I get stuck, I find that taking a hike, or listening to music, helps me to figure out where I need to go.

Norm:

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Renée

The times when the story just doesn't seem to work is definitely a challenge. I have numerous starts to novels that I never finished, and that's frustrating because I spent time on them. But invariably something better gets created.

Norm:

What is required for a character to be believable? How did you create Reed Ferguson in your recent novel This Doesn't Happen In the Movies: A Reed Ferguson Mystery?

Renée

Characters need to have dimension - good and bad. They need to be as human as the readers are, and they need flaws. In This Doesn't Happen In The Movies, the reader learns with Reed. And in the second Reed Ferguson mystery, Reel Estate Rip-off, Reed actually does something that is kind of scummy. And he feels bad about it. This makes him more believable to readers - he's not perfect.

When I wrote This Doesn't Happen In The Movies, I had the idea for a detective - at the time, I couldn't find a novel where the hero was working on his first case, and I thought this would be an interesting take on the genre. It's seems to have worked because the readers enjoy this aspect of the series.

Norm:

What is the most favorite part of This Doesn't Happen In the Movies: A Reed Ferguson Mystery?

Renée

I like the chapter where Reed duals with the FBI. This is where the title for the novel came from.

Norm:

Do you believe you have already found “your voice” or is that something one is always searching for?

Renée

Overall I've found my voice, but voice can change a bit, depending on the type of novel you're writing. For instance, I've got the first in a middle-grade series that will be coming out in January, and the voice there is different that Reed's voice. I do think it takes time to develop a particular style, and to hone your craft until you are not making "newbie" mistakes, like telling a story rather than showing it.

Norm:

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Renée

Take the time to learn what you are doing before you publish. Too many authors these days write something and immediately put it on Amazon before they rewrite it, or have it edited. And by editing, I mean for content as well as grammar. Every author needs a neutral person to read the story and tell the author if the plot and characterizations are working or not. Too many newbies don't understand this, and it's too bad because they are only hurting their future sales.

Norm:

Where can our readers find out more about you and your books?

Renée

Visit my website at www.reneepawlish.com for information about all of my works. All my books are available on Amazon, most in ebook and paperback editions. Barnes & Nobles and Smashwords also have ebook versions of my works.

Norm:

What is next for Renée Pawlish and is there anything else you wish to add that we have not covered?

Renée

Check out the second Reed Ferguson mystery, Reel Estate Rip-off for more of Reed's adventures, and look for the third mystery this spring. And for middle-grade readers, look for The Emerald Quest in January. This novel introduces Noah Winter, a young sea explorer on the adventure of a lifetime. I'm also completing the Nephilim trilogy because people who read the first one, Nephilim Genesis of Evil, are demanding that I complete the series. It's a nice thing when your readers want more.

Thanks for interviewing me - it's been a pleasure.

Norm:

Thanks again and good luck with all of your future endeavors

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Click Here To Purchase This Doesn't Happen In The Movies