Author Spotlight: Rene' Morris

Good morning all, and welcome to the Library at the END of the Universe, today we have a special guest visiting with us, the author of the upcoming release, The Sonshine Girls #1: Summer Secret...

Good morning Rene', would you like some coffee, tea, or hot chocolate before we get started? I'll take some hot chocolate with extra marshmallows please. It's freezing here!

How are you this fine morning? Things are fine here, I'm excited and nervous all at the same time about my first book signing on Saturday. You'll be superb!

So, next week, big day the release of your book, Summer Secret, excited? Yes, I am excited. It has received a positive response so far and I'm counting down the days until December 13th! It is my hope that tween girls will love the books and get a lot out of them.

I must say it was an excellent book, perfect for the genre you intended. What inspired this particular story? It's funny you ask because this book started out as teen horror. Can you believe that? There is a part in the book where one of the girls is leaning out her window. She was staring at something on the ground, wondering what it was. But a soft voice told me that this wasn't the direction to go. I had a more important story to dream up and so I switched gears and used my talent for the glory of God. From teen horror to this great story, mighty divine switch, I think it worked for the best.

How did you get so deftly into the mindset of thirteen year old girls? This inquiring mom wants to know. Do you realize that everyone asks me this? I'm beginning to wonder if I simply have a 13 year old mind. Can you see me winking at you? I'll just stay that I write by the seat of my pants and what ends up printed on the screen is usually a surprise to me as well. I don't know how I can feel how a 13 year old feels, but I can. It's weird. *swinging legs nervously* No help at all, and I was hoping to understand my own tween better, ah well, I parent by the seat of my pants :)

Which character is your favorite? Personally I really connected a bit to each of the girls, for different reasons. I have to agree with you on connecting with each of them. They each represent a part of me, the good and the bad. If I had to pick one, I would pick Charli simply because the oddest things happen to me. I can go about a task that most people view as routine and catastrophe is sure to follow. I pegged you for Jessica for sure to be honest, her being the writer.

The back story is a real treat, will we see a stronger bond between Alma and Ellie in future books, maybe a reunion with Clara? Yes! I don't want to say too much, but Clara will be a part of book two, Operation Salvation, and Ellie and Alma will work to rebuild their friendship. Yeah, cannot wait!

What inspired the "Old Photo" game at the end of the book, it is a fun treat. My publisher has a great mind and that game was his idea. He really put a lot of heart and thought into my book and I appreciate him so much. He also picked up on the bullying that goes on in Summer Secret and wanted to expand on that. Yes, thank you for some great resources on bullying at the end of the book, I think they will be quite useful for youngsters.

You know you did a great job of writing a book that doesn't preach religion, which I think will make this a top seller among tween girls, any tips on how you accomplished this? Well, I have a great pastor. Have you ever met someone who obviously listens to what God has to say and follows it? He introduced me to a book called, Just Walk Across the Room by Bill Hybels. He talks about relational evangelism over "in your face" evangelism. In other words, form a relationship with people and then they will see Christ in you. So I didn't want to preach God, I wanted to show Him! And thank you so much for seeing that, it means a lot.


Finally, what advice do you have for teens who are struggling with their personal faith, as Jessica was? My advice is and always has been, just give God FIVE minutes. Five. Sit down and say, "God, I'm here. What do you want to show me?" If you go into that five minutes seeking God and expecting to get something back, you will. Also, seek the wisdom of God in someone such as a youth pastor or parent. Maybe a friend can help you find someone.

Thanks for stopping by the Library at the END of the Universe this morning, best of luck with the book. And thank you so much for having me! Your questions have had such a positive effect on me today! Where should I put my empty cup?

I hope Rene' will visit us again when she releases the next book in the series. Watch for my "opinionated review" on Monday.