Annie’s Book Stop of Worcester is happy to shine our Friday spotlight on contemporary fiction author Ren Rosso. When asked to tell us a bit about herself, this was her lovely answer:
I’ve been creative since I was little but it was primarily through a natural talent for drawing. Actually, I don’t like the word “talent” as much as “gift”, although that talent for drawing is a gift. As long as the gratitude is there I suppose “talent” is allowable! The writing is relatively new for me; for a long time I compartmentalized my creativity in fine arts, among them painting and throwing pots. There are some similarities in the process with writing and other arts. As an example, there is a reason we sometimes say a story is “woven”.
Ren, where can people find your work? (Besides Annie’s Book Stop of Worcester–though they should totally check here first!)
I self-published this story through Ingram, so if you go to your local independent bookstore website and type in What Gives You Away you’ll find it very easily or you may purchase it at the bookstore. I have personally never purchased an e-book so I can’t speak to that. I’m so old-school!
How can we follow your work and share your awesomeness?
I can be reached at RenRosso778@gmail.com or through LinkedIn and I’m happy to connect with anyone.
For readers unfamiliar with your work, how would you describe what you write? What can readers expect from What Gives You Away?
It’s contemporary womens’ fiction. The main two characters have the same values as people who prefer to support independent bookstores, actually. Or at least they think they do. It hums along down a straight road until it takes some sharp turns unexpectedly.
What was the biggest challenge in writing and putting out What Gives You Away? How did you overcome it?
Certainly, the entire learning curve was a challenge. The writing required input from editors and friends to improve it. Then there’s the many steps involved in creating the actual book once the story has been finished. Lastly were the time and financial investments. There were obligations and people I felt at times I was neglecting. It’s a privilege to be in a situation where this opportunity is even possible, and I appreciate that. I had to cultivate faith in myself to overcome the impulse to stop at each hurdle.
What is your favorite part of being a writer? Of the whole writing and publishing process? What do you think has been your greatest lesson in the journey thus far?
I’m not yet convinced that I am a writer, but making the fictional story was wonderfully fun! Just running with your imagination. However, the characters really do get involved with the process. As they develop there’s things they would or wouldn’t do or say. If the writer doesn’t respect that, the story will not be believable; it won’t work. The greatest lesson was the value of an editor. Their insight is so helpful.
What character did you love or hate the most while writing? And why?
There are some mean characters and two horrible characters, but my least favorite to write was Gordon, the husband. There were scenes I didn’t want to include him in; I wanted to just omit him while I focused on others, but I couldn’t do that because the reader would be wondering why he isn’t getting involved and what his reaction is to what’s going on in his home. My favorites were Carla and Edie, two fabulous women who give so much of themselves.
What is the greatest lesson you’ve learned, thus far, in your writing career?
Do it because you have to in order to be complete, because it’s part of who you are. An expectation of monetary success may not be realistic. I owed it to the story to push it to publication.
Thanks very much for taking the time to answer our questions, Ren!
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