Guest Post: Renee Cronin

Today I’m very lucky to be interviewing Renee Cronin, author of Fistful of Love.

Hi Renee, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Tell us a little about yourself, your background, and your current book.
 
 1)   How do you develop your plots and characters?


 My characters tend to be inspired by real world interactions I have or past interactions. The plots come to me in different ways. I take the train to work, so sometimes I find myself making up stories about folks I see making their way through the day.


 2)   Who doesn’t love a good hero? Tell us about your protagonist. Was there a real life inspiration behind them?


 Jeya is a social worker, who works with juveniles in the court system. She is trying to get out of an abusive relationship. She has a best friend, Roman. She’s very connected to his family, especially after the death of her parents at age twenty-three.


 3)   What real-life inspirations do you use when world building?


 I use past relationships, past experiences at work and in college. I use experiences of friends and family to inspire me. And sometimes, I just let me imagination run wild and create whatever.


 4)   Did you learn anything from this book and what was it?


 I learned that you can discover yourself in your writing. I learned that I hadn’t been honest with myself about my past experiences. It was a cathartic process.


 5)   It’s your last meal on earth. What do you choose?


 Oh, no fair! Macaroni & Cheese. I know boring, but it’s my absolute favorite.

Author Name:  Renee Cronin 
Book Name: Fistful of Love 
Release Date: April 4, 2016

Blurb: At the age of 23, social worker, Jeya Wellington was pretty much on her own. The devastating loss of her parents left her bereft and alone. Her best friend, Roman and his family have been like surrogates, but they could never replace what she lost. She needed a different connection. Shortly after losing her parents, she finds love and comfort in the arms of Rayne Watson, a correctional officer. 

Rayne was exactly what she needed at the time, but now, two years later, Jeya wants out. She never expected love to come with bruises. She didn't anticipate losing friends and living in fear. This was not her idea of true love. With the support of Roman, Jeya finds a way to leave. But Rayne isn’t letting go that easily. They made a commitment to each, and she has the tattoo to prove it - ‘Til Death Do Us Part. 

Torn between the love she has for Rayne and the instinct to protect herself, is Jeya’s will stronger than her vow?

 Pages or Words: 46,323 

Categories: Lesbian Fiction, Domestic Violence 

Excerpt:

It’s over.

Two simple words, intended to signify the end, were instead just the beginning. Jeya took a deep breath, and the pain that pierced her side served as the reminder she needed. She hit the send button. Unexpected relief instantly washed over her. “I did it. Step one. Now for step two.” Jeya placed her phone on the bed and stood up to double-check her suitcase. Going over the checklist in her mind, she felt confident that she had the essentials. A week away from home required more than she’d anticipated, but she had no intention of returning until the rainstorm had passed. Jeya took a second to acknowledge the double entendre of the word. Her girlfriend, Rayne, was definitely a hurricane. Her temper was unpredictable and left damage in its wake similar to that which Hurricane Gloria had. She knew she’d be safer at Roman’s house for the next several days.

 The lyrics to “Dangerously in Love” cursed the air. The perfect ringtone to describe her relationship. She braced herself as she walked to the bed and picked up the phone. Jeya anticipated nothing less than an explosive response from her short-tempered girlfriend.  

Buy the book: Amazon: http://amzn.to/2512nUS 

Meet the author:

Renee Cronin is a self-professed devour of knowledge, and a voracious reader. She began writing in earnest in 2005, when the characters in her head became so loud she was forced to tell their stories, or risk getting swept away into the abyss of her imagination. Renee has since used writing as a personal outlet to express her feelings, ideas, views, thoughts, and opinions about the world and the issues that impact her on a deep personal and societal level. (And of course writing also quiets the voices in her head of the many characters that are yearning to have their stories told.) Renee’s inspiration to publish is in large part due to the overwhelming display of encouragement, and support from family and friends, who believe she has a gift with words that need to be shared with world. Born and raised in Boston, Massachusetts, she works in the social work field avidly advocating and supporting the varied needs of the people in her community. Renee is a bibliophile with a transcendent love for words. Her soul yearns for the acoustic stylings from a plethora of musical genres. As she continues on this journey of published author she hopes to keep her readers captivated and pining for more. 

Where to find the author: Facebook: www.facebook.com/reneecronin78
Twitter: @reneecronin78
Website: www.renee-cronin.com
 

Goodreads Link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/29505751-fistful-of-love

Publisher: Renee Cronin

Cover Artist: Natasha Snow

Tour Dates & Stops:
4-Apr: Wicked Faerie's Tales and Reviews, Full Moon Dreaming
11-Apr: Molly Lolly, Charley Descoteaux
18-Apr: Unquietly Me, Velvet Panic, Bayou Book Junkie
25-Apr: Happily Ever Chapter, Scattered Thoughts & Rogue Words
2-May: TTC Books and More, BFD Book Blog
9-May: Prism Book Alliance, Love Bytes
15-May: Inked Rainbow Reads, MM Good Book Reviews, My Fiction Nook
23-May: A.M. Leibowitz, Oh My Shelves, Rednecks and Romance, Dawn’s Reading Nook  

Rafflecopter Prize: $15 gift card to Amazon and an  e-copy of book
Rafflecopter Code:a Rafflecopter giveaway

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