Author Spotlight: Dani Rene

June 3, 2020 • News

CJC: How did you get started as an author and what made you want to pursue that field?

DR: I actually started writing when I was about thirteen, and after I got to high school, I stopped writing and missed it, but the workload was too much and I couldn’t focus. I let it slide for a few years until 2013 when I finally started up again. I wrote on the free app WattPad. I loved creating worlds, always have, and in December 2015, after many readers begged me to publish one of my stories, I took the plunge. I’m actually a qualified graphic designer and worked in the field about 12 years before publishing my first book.

CJC: What do you find to be the most rewarding and challenging part of being an author and what hurdles have your overcome while striving towards your goals?

DR: Marketing. I’m generally a very shy person, I am I promise, but I hate going out there and promoting because it takes so much time. All I want to do is write. Haha! But, over the past five years, I’ve learned how to maximize my time with the various tasks that come with being an indie author.

CJC: Which novel has been your favorite to write and why?

DR: Crave. It’s the first truly dark romance I ever wrote. It has elements of BDSM in it, and it’s a captive romance. There is something about those characters that held me hostage while I was writing the book. I was up at four in the morning, every day for a month practically bleeding the story onto the page. It took a lot out of me emotionally and mentally because the story is really intense.

CJC: For first time readers of your work, which book would you recommend?

DR: Mmm, depends on the genre they prefer. If a reader is more of a contemporary romance lover, I would recommend Love Beyond Words. It’s one of my lighter books. If they like dark romance, I throw them in at the deep end with Crave.

CJC: If one of your books were made into a movie, which would you select and who would you like to star in it?

DR: Ahhh, this is so difficult. I would have to go with either Crave, if the producers want something dark and emotional, or I’d have to go with Among Ash and Ember. I’m not sure who I’d select to star in it to be honest. I haven’t actually thought about it in that much detail. Perhaps I should.

CJC: For those looking to become an author, what advice would you give them?

DR: Sit down and write. Don’t worry about anything else, all the marketing, promo, websites, logos, etc will come later on. Focus on the story, get the book finished, and then pat yourself on the back before diving into learning about marketing. You can’t market a book that’s not finished. Also, always make sure you hire a good editor, they are the backbone of making your book shine.

CJC: If you could co-write a book with any author, who would it be and why?

DR: Probably Amo Jones, M Never, Tarryn Fisher, Skye Warren, Keri Lake, Anne Malcom. This list could go on and on. There are so many talented ladies out there, and I am always inspired by them and their words.

 CJC: Favorite motto?

DR: Trust the timing of your life. When you’re ready, it will happen.

CJC: What do you do to overcome writer’s block?

DR: Put music on, go outside, and breathe. I love being outdoors, and spending time in nature clears the mind.

CJC: In one word, how would you describe your writing style?

DR: Varied.

CJC: Which do you find harder to do… writing the blurb for your story or select the cover?

DR: Selecting the cover. I am a creative, so nothing is ever good enough. Lol!!

CJC: Which author inspires you the most and why?

DR: There are so many. This is like asking me to pick my favorite book. I’m inspired by authors who work hard, who are still humble when they hit it big, and who show their love to the readers, bloggers, designers, editors, proofers, photographers, and models who help make their books a success.

CJC: What is your writing process like?

DR: I sit down and write. Haha! Normally I build a Pinterest board, a playlist, and then I start writing. Most times, I have no clue where the story is going while I write it. I’m very much a pantser, I can’t plot or plan, my characters tend to veer off in their own direction most times.

CJC: What new projects are you currently working on and what are your goals for the remainder of the year?

DR: I have so many projects I’m working on at the moment. I’m in a few author worlds, so I’m working on getting those stories ready, and I’m also planning another two releases of my own. Perhaps three. Who knows? As you can tell, I don’t plan. If a character speaks to me, I write.

CJC: Any final thoughts you would like to share with the CJC Photography readers?

DR: I hope that even in this difficult time we’re all going through, you remember that we’re in it together. Get lost in the beautiful worlds and words the authors create, and don’t forget to show love by leaving a review. We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you, so a MASSIVE thank you!

CJC: A special thank you to Dani Rene for featuring Brock and I on Volatile Love. You can pick up your copy here.

Stay up to date with all of Dani’s latest releases here.

Add a comment