Today I’m happy to welcome Ronie Kendig to the blog to talk about her latest romantic suspense. It sounds awesome, so y’all are in for a treat!
Ronie has been kind enough to offer a giveaway, too. So as usual, to be entered please leave a comment below with an email address where I can reach you in the event that you win.
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About Ronie
Ronie Kendig grew up an Army brat, married a veteran, and they now have four children and a Golden Retriever. She has a BS in Psychology, speaks to various groups, volunteers with the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW), and mentors new writers. Ronie lives in the Dallas/Ft Worth her family and their pets, Daisy, a Golden Retriever and Helo, the Maltese Menace.
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What’s your latest book?
Digitalis (Discarded Heroes #2) was released January 1 from Barbour Publishing. Step into the boots of a former Marine in this heart-pounding adventure in life and love. Colton “Cowboy” Neeley is a Marine trying to find his footing as he battles flashbacks now that he’s back home. Piper Blum is a woman in hiding—from life and the assassins bent on destroying her family. When their hearts collide, more than their lives is at stake. Will Colton find a way to forgive Piper’s lies? Can Piper find a way to rescue her father, trapped in Israel? Is there any way their love, founded on her lies, can survive?
Oo, sounds intriguing! What’s your favorite part of the story?
Oh man, that’s. . .hard. I can’t give away the story. . .but there are so many favorites parts, too. I guess one aspect that I loved in this book was Colton’s relationship with his family, especially his daughter. That’s pivotal. I loved writing the scene in the mall when his daughter vanishes.
We authors are such strange folk, delighting in making terrible things happen to our beloved characters, LOL. What are you reading right now—and what do you want to read next?
I’ve spent the last week reading Hunger Games and Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. Fascinating story and read. I have a stack of books sitting next to me that are champing at the bit for me to read: Decision Points by George W. Bush, Pathfinder by Orson Scott Card, and Valley of the Shadow by Tom Pawlik. That’s not counting the dozens more that I have.
I just read Pathfinder! It was fabulous. We ordered his other new release too. =) Lost Gate, I believe. Anyway. While we’re on the topic of books . . . Other than the Bible, what’s your favorite of all the books you’ve ever read?
It would definitely have to be The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis because that book radically changed my mind and life.
I’ve yet to read those, though several friends have recommended them. One of these days . . . Okay, so what’s one of the oddest or most interesting things someone has ever said about you?
Years ago, at a small group meeting, we had to write something about those around us on 3X5 cards. One friend wrote that “Ronie is sweet. . .and unassuming.” Sweet? Well, if you insist, but the “unassuming” stopped me cold. I had to ask my husband what that meant to him, and when he explained, I realized. . .she’s right. But I’d never really thought about that, and it blessed me that someone would notice such a small thing about me.
Awwww. Any funny family stories about living with a writer?
It was the night when Brian and I were flat broke but managed to scrape up a smidge to go out for a CHEAP dinner date. We were sitting there in the restaurant, and he mumbled something that threw my mind back into my story… I have no idea how long I sat there, staying off into space before he said, “I’ve lost you, haven’t I?”  I felt HORRIBLE. Our first night out in eons and I spent it with my characters. *blush* I apologized profusely, but he laughed, said he loved that I loved writing so much.
Another awwwwww. Aren’t those supportive hubbies grand? =) Any upcoming releases we should keep our eye out for?
Yes, absolutely! In July, the third installment of the Discarded Heroes will release—Wolfsbane. Then in January, the final book releases, Firethorn.
Can I just say I love your titles? =) Okay, one final question. Is there another author who has greatly influenced your writing?
This question brings warmth to my heart just thinking about my mentor, John Olson. He plucked “me” from an entry in the Genesis contest—before it was called the Genesis. I didn’t final that year, but John sought me out, befriended me, and told me he wanted to be my advocate. He has such a passionate heart for writers, and such a very gentle soul. But he’s wildly creative and sometimes, he just blows my mind with the way his works. He has not only encouraged me, but championed me in so many ways. I would *not* be where I am without John’s help (through the Lord, of course). He’s become like a big brother to me. If you haven’t read his books—Shade, Powers, Fossil Hunter, Oxygen, Fifth Man—take a moment to do so. He’s amazing and so very brilliant!
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Thanks for visiting, Ronie! Everyone, you can get her books at Amazon or CrossPurposes. And check out her website at http://www.roniekendig.com/.
Void where prohibited. Entry into the contest is considered verification of eligibility based on your local laws. Chance of winning depends on number of entries. Contest ends 1/28/11. Winner will have two weeks to claim prize.