My guest today Is author Sharon Rene. She is here to tell us about her new release, a young adult dystopian novel entitled Defying Destiny. This is a prequel to her Divine Destiny Chronicles Series.

Sharon,, tell us a little bit about yourself.

I was born in Mississippi and have lived in Texas, Louisiana and Florida. I now live in Memphis, Tennessee. I’m an only child and have always been close to my parents. My father passed away years ago and my mother lives with me now.

I taught in the youth department at my church for over fifteen years. I’ve also participated in the drama, puppet and prison ministries as well as going on several mission trips.

What is your book, Defying Destiny, about?

In 2042, Twenty-year-old Sierra Stone leads a group of Irish rebels in an attempt to stop Hunter and River Wallis from conquering the planet. Country after country falls to the powerful brother and sister duo, but Ireland refuses to surrender. Until Sierra is captured by the enemy.

Imprisoned in an ancient castle, Sierra faces the biggest challenges of her life. River Wallis wants her dead, and Hunter wants to win her heart. She knows how to fight River, but her battle skills prove useless against Hunter’s charm. Now, Sierra must decide if she’s fighting for her personal freedom or for world peace. No matter what choice she makes, one thing is certain–For the first time ever, the Irish rebel may face defeat.

What is the inspiration behind your story?

Defying Destiny is a prequel to Hesitant Heroes and Relentless Rebels. Both of these books are dystopian young adult but without the unsavory elements found in some of the mainstream YA. The books have a Christian worldview.

When I was writing Relentless Rebels, I realized that the adults in the book had really exciting lives when they were younger. I decided to write the prequel.

Do you have a day job? If so, how do you find time in your day to write?

I work as a legal assistant at a large corporation. It’s never easy to find time to write. The weekends are usually the best time for me to squeeze in some writing.

What book do you wish you would have written?

The Hunger Games.  That book got me interested in Dystopian Young Adult fiction. I wrote Hesitant Heroes after reading The Hunger Games series.

Who was your favorite character to create?

I love all the characters, but I had the most fun writing the villain, River Wallis. River is completely evil, but she doesn’t see it that way. She has reasons for every terrible thing she does, and it was really fun to create this type of character.

Are you a plotter or a panster?

I’m a little bit of both but definitely lean more to panster. I didn’t have an outline when I began Hesitant Heroes and was still devising the plot in my head. It was a lot of fun.  I would just write and see what happened next. In Hesitant Heroes, Christian students start disappearing from the main characters high school.  I wrote at least half the book not knowing what had happened to these kids. I didn’t know if they were dead or alive. I had to write to find out what happened.

I did much more plotting for the sequel, Relentless Rebels. Defying Destiny is a prequel, so I already knew all the major events and plot points before I even started the book.

Are you part of a writing group?

I am a member of American Christian Fiction Writers both national and local. I have learned so much from my local Memphis group. I was a member of the Scribes critique group online through ACFW and now I am in a smaller young adult critique group with ACFW. I can’t imagine being in this writing world without these wonderful groups.

Who was the first person you allowed to read your completed book?

Mom, of course.  Now my critique partners read my WIP as I go. At first, I was intimidated by the idea of a critique group but now I love it.  They have helped me develop as a writer and also become good friends.

Sharon, thank you for joining me today. Your book sounds very exciting. What’s next for you as an author? 

I have completed a Romantic Suspense set in New Orleans and I’m currently working on a middle-grade book about four seventh grade girls who want to be detectives.

Before you go, where can readers find you online?

Website:  www.sharonreneauthor.com

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/sharonreneauthor

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/SharonRene4

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/sharonrene2019

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