Thursday, February 18, 2010

DEAD RECKONING - Ronie Kendig - Free Book

I've really been looking forward to this day when I could feature Ronie on my blog. I rejoice with her about her first book sale. And I read the ARC and wrote a review of Dead Reckoning. You can read it here: http://lenanelsondooleynewsletter.blogspot.com/2010_01_01_archive.html

Welcome, Ronie. Tell us how much of yourself you write into your characters.


I’m a real person with real, every-day people problems. That’s what I write into my characters. I long for hope and justice, and for a large part, that’s what my characters want and strive to achieve.

What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?

I am not a quirky person. Um, maybe writing a 103,000 word space opera in 28 days. LOL Is that quirky? I have no idea.

When did you first discover that you were a writer?

I never really had this moment of discovery that set me on the path toward publication, but I’ve been telling stories one way or another since I was a small child. But it really wasn’t until shortly after my husband and I married that I felt the ache to get into writing. That launched me into the Institute for Children’s Literature, but I had a baby and didn’t complete the last assignment (the teacher asked for a rewrite, and I couldn’t get it done. LOL). In 2003, I joined a writer’s group in south Arlington. In 2004, I went to my first writer’s conference in Dallas—where I met my future agent, whom I would sign with three years and three rejections later.

Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy reading.

My shameful confession is that I’m a very slow reader, so it takes me a while to get through a book. Maybe I should reword that: reading is not a priority (other than craft books and books for review), so I am leisure in getting to them. However, my favorite books are (believe it or not) historical (Lisa Bergren, TL Higley, ), speculative (Kathy Tyers, Karen Hancock, John Olson, Jim Rubart, James Patterson’s Maximum Ride series) . . . I guess the only genre I’m not thrilled about reading is Women’s Fiction (but I do read some!).

What other books have you written, whether published or not?

Dead Reckoning is my debut title will release March 2010. A few months later, July 2010 will be the launch of the first book in my Discarded Heroes series, Nightshade. I do have several speculative pieces that I hover over late at night while nobody’s watching, including a time travel that I absolutely love. :-)

How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?

I’m sorry . . . sanity? Am I supposed to be familiar with that word?

How do you choose your characters’ names?

When I begin a story, I usually have a “feel” for my characters—I know whether or not they have a certain ethnic background, or if they’re raise in austere environments. Generally, the name comes to me first after the general impression. If the name is a bit resistant, then I dig through websites and find the one that clicks.

What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?

Wow, that’s a tough question. I guess I’d say the thing I’m most proud of is being who I’m supposed to be. I hated myself for so long, that I finally learned to embrace who I am, accept my (many) failures, and change what God granted me the courage and strength to change. Through that, I have a very happy life—my relationship with God, my hunky husband, my beautiful children, awesome friends, got my degree a few years ago, and living my dream to be an author.

If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?

Oh geez. I have no clue. I love elephants, and while they aren’t the most glamorous of creatures, they do have an amazing memory and an incredible herd instinct they use to protect and nurture one another. Since I see myself as a protector and nurturer, maybe that’s a good fit. LOL

What is your favorite food?

Pastries!!! Or anything (except exotic stuff like octopus) enjoyed with a good friend!

We've shared a meal or two together, and I'm sure we both enjoy the fellowship as much as the food. What is the problem with writing that was your greatest roadblock, and how did you overcome it?

God’s timing. LOL And I didn’t overcome it. He made the way. :-)

What advice would you give to an author just starting out?

Besides not giving up, recognize God gave you a gift. And that’s what it’s all about—writing because HE gave YOU a gift. He’s sitting in his cozy chair by the fire, listening to you peck away at the keyboard and smiling while he thinks “Hear that beautiful sound? That’s my precious child using the gift *I* gave!” Remove the burdens and weights, and learn to enjoy the gift He gave you!!

Tell us about the featured book?

Trapped by a terrorist plot in Mumbai!

When Shiloh Blake’s first large-scale underwater archeological dig traps her in the middle of an international nuclear arms clash, she is forced to flee for her life into the streets of Mumbai, India. Is the man trailing her an enemy, or is he sent by her CIA father to protect her? Whoever he is, the only way to end this nightmare and prevent a nuclear meltdown is to join forces with former Navy SEAL Reece Jaxon.

I love your cover. Now please give us the first page of the book.

Mumbai Harbor, India

Shafts of yellow light pierced the blue-green waters, silhouetting the dive rig that hovered on the surface of the Arabian Sea. Shiloh Blake stopped and watched a wrasse scuttle past, its tiny fins working hard to ferry the brightly striped fish to safety.

Clad in her wetsuit, Shiloh squinted through her goggles and tucked the underwater camera into her leg pocket. She gripped the small stone artifact and propelled herself toward the surface. Ten meters and she would reveal her historic discovery to long-time rival Mikhail Drovosky.

Shiloh smiled. The guy would go ballistic. Score one for the girls. Between her and her new dive partner Edie Valliant, they had surged ahead in finds. Not that this was a competition. Not technically. But everyone with the University of California-San Diego dig team knew it was make or break time.

Shiloh broke the surface. Warm sun bathed her face as she slid off her mask and tugged out her air regulator before hauling herself onto the iron dive flat. She squeezed the saltwater from her hair, the auburn glints catching in the sunlight.

“What did you find?” Khalid Khan knelt next to her.

With a smirk, she peeked at her best friend. Her own excitement was mirrored in his dark eyes.

If that doesn't whet readers' appetites for mor, I don't know what will. How can readers find you on the Internet?

Just about anywhere:

• Website: http://www.roniekendig.com/
• Blog: http://supernaturalcraving.blogspot.com/
• ShoutLife: www.shoutlife.com/roniekendig
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/roniekendig
• First Monday Monthly Column: http://noveljourney.blogspot.com/

Thank you, Ronie, for spending this time with us.

Readers, leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book.


Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.

The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 6 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.

If you’re reading this on Feedblitz, Facebook, or Amazon, please come to the blog to leave your comment. Here’s a link.

http://lenanelsondooley.blogspot.com/

Readers, here's a link where you can order the book.

39 comments:

judyg54 said...

"Dead Reckoning" sounds like a suspenseful and fast-paced kind of read. I look forward to reading it and hope I win a free book of it here. Please sign me up for the chance.
Judyg54(at)juno(dot)com

Esther Wysong said...

This book sounds really good. Please enter me! Thanks! Esther
faith4u7(at)gmail(dot)com

Casey said...

Looks good, please enter me! :)

Ronie Kendig said...

Yes, Dead Reckoning is fast-paced. I bore too easily for a book to be slow. LOL Thanks for the kudos, y'all! I'm delighted to be a guest on Lena's blog with my debut title!

Michella said...

I am so excited to read Ronie's first book. It sounds like a thrilling adventure and I wish her the best!

Unknown said...

Okay, really...can we talk about the character names?! Honestly, I think Ronie selects her character names by the determination of if a certain cp of hers will be able to pronounce it. If the answer's no (and it usually is), that's the name Ronie goes with! LOL

Judy, it's VERY fast-paced and will keep you flipping pages!

Bonnie S. Calhoun said...

First: Lena don't put me in the contest, I've had...and read the book from the first :-)

Awesome interview to you both, Lena and Ronie. Thank you Lena for asking cool questions, and go Ronie...your answers made me laugh...I'm gonna remind you about those pastries!

And for anyone who hasn't had the opportunity to read the book...it rocks! It's one of the best action suspenses I've read in a long time!

Cherie J said...

Enjoyed the interview! Please enter me in the drawing. Thank you!

Unknown said...

Wow, this book sounds good! I would really like to be entered in the contest! :)

Thanks!
Kim
lonebanana(at)msn(dot)com

Ron Estrada said...

I've already got my copy on order and cannot wait. Glad I'm not the only slow reader, too. But an elephant?

Linda said...

Love suspense, especially since this is in Dubai, and they are currently searching for a Hamas assassin today. So you know it's going to be real!

Please enter me. Thank you.
desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

Ronie Kendig said...

Michella - Thanks, girl!

Okay, Robin, if you have trouble with Shiloh and Reece, I'd like to recommend a reading program to you...LOL Hehe. I know you aren't talking about these names, but I had to rib ya. Love you, girl!

Bonnie - Love you!! Thank you for those props.

Ron, it was the only animal I could think of, and since I collection of elephants (um, not the real kind, in case you were wondering), it was the best answer I could come up with. :-D

I couldn't believe how India came alive with terrorist activity as I finished up Dead Reckoning. Frightening. I fell in love with India during my research.

Sheila Deeth said...

Ah, pastries!

Sounds a great book.

Sarah G said...

Dead Reckoning sounds like a terrific book - I'd love to win it! :)

hawaiismn(at)gmail(dot)com

Mark said...

sounds good, I'd like to enter

Anonymous said...

This books sounds so good...please enter me! Thanks!!!
jackie.smith(at)dishmail(dot)net

Pammer said...

Great interview ladies!

I am so, so, sooooo proud of Ronie!

And please put me in the contest.

Trinity Rose said...

Greetings,
Would love to be in the giveaway.
I love this kind of book.
Very good interview.
Have a blessed day.
Trinity Rose aka Wanda

Janet Sketchley said...

I've been looking forward to this one since I first heard about it. Add me into the draw please, Lena!

And Ronie, thanks for the advice on not giving up -- you put writing into good perspective.

Coolestmommy said...

A friend sent me the blurb for "Dead Reckoning" and I can't wait to read it!

coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

Sounds interesting! Thanks for a great review. :O) I love pastires too!!!

Diane

Anna Weaver Hurtt said...

Ooh, sounds good! Please enter me in the giveaway!

writer_weaver at yahoo dot com

Wendy said...

Sounds like a good, intriguing book.

Deborah M said...

Congratulations on your debut novel. I wonder how you did your research to write a book that takes place in India. Please sign me up.
Deborah M.
debbiejeanm[at]gmail[dot]com

Giveaway Lady said...

Please enter me;) Thanks!!

Julia M. Reffner said...

I enjoy suspense that keeps me turning the pages and this read sounds great. Please enter me.

julesreffner(at)gmail(dot)com

Edna said...

sounds good please enter me into this drawing.

mamat2730(at)charter(dot)

Unknown said...

This does sound like a great read! I would love to read it!

lead[at]hotsheet[dot]com

Anonymous said...

great posting...please count me in for this fabulous book...thanks

karenk
kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)Com

Carla said...

I love suspense!!!! Sign me up:)

dancealertreads.blogspot.com said...

Please enter me in this drawing I would love to read the book!

dancealert at aol dot com

Nancye said...

I would love to win this book! Thanks for the chance.

nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a very interesting book. Thanks also for the advice for writers about remembering that God gave the desire and the talent to write and to continue to strive forward with writing.

Anonymous said...

Please enter me in the drawing. I've heard about it and have been wanting to read it for a while now.

~Abby

~Bookworms Review

Hope said...

Please enter me! Sounds really good!

Unknown said...

Please enter me.

rubynreba said...

This looks very good. Thanks for the chance to win it.
pbclark(at)netins(dot)net

Anonymous said...

please count me in....thanks :)

karenk
kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)Com

debijackson said...

this sounds great jacksond@nhr3.net