Author Interviews (Pt. 3): Renee Dugan
Nay has been my mentor since day one so it should come at no surprise that I absolutely had to feature her on my blog! She recently celebrated her TWELFTH release on March 8 so let’s have a virtual round of applause for A Story Spun In Scarlet!
Let me tell you a story…
A Story Spun in Scarlet follows a storyteller, Audra, in a land where stories have lost their endings and their magic. When Audra meets a man who brings the endings back to her stories, the pair strike off on an adventure to discover what happened to the endings...and how it's connected to their own tale.
This book is great for fans of Gilded/Cursed by Marissa Meyer, Inkheart by Cornelia Funke, and readers who love the story curse in Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber.
It's available in Hardcover and paperback from most online retailers, as well as on eBook from Amazon, Kobo, Apple Books, and more...and in Audiobook as well!
A Bit About Renee Dugan…
A rare morning person, Dugan loves the possibilities the rising sun brings (and the quiet toddler). She is known for absolutely decimating the happiness of her characters and making me cry.
You can connect with her on her Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and other socials (@reneeduganwriting).
What has been the biggest struggle that you have faced with this project?
Keeping up my mental health! I've gone through a lot since I drafted it in 2022, so I've been trying super hard to keep my eyes up and maintain my joy.
In what ways has this project changed you?
It took away so much of my fear that I might just stop being able to tell stories. I know now that, like Audra, I will always find my endings again.
What is your number one piece of advice for other writers?
Find YOUR process and stick to it. Don't believe any hard and fast rules about how you have to draft or edit or anything. Try everything and you will find what works for YOU!!
How do you prioritize your mental health when writing?
I work with my family to ensure I have a good chunk of space for writing most days. I take breaks when I start to feel burned out, and I make sure I'm putting time into resting my mind and moving my body!!
What media (film, t.v., literature, etc.) has inspired you? In this project and/or in others?
SO MANY! I can't name them all. But a few are books like Graceling and The Saltwater Heir, shows like Once Upon A Time, and movies like The Mummy, King Arthur: Legend of the Sword, Moana, and so many others!!
What is your favorite part about the writing process and why?
I love drafting when I'm in the flow of it! And also thr creative phase, when covers and maps and such are coming together!
How have past successes and failures influenced how you approached your upcoming novel?
I have definitely taken everything I've learned to try and streamline the process! I make sure I have final files ready as early as possible, I try to mitigate issues by ordering books early, and I make sure I connect with readers as much as I can to really make the experience memorable for everyone!
Final Words:
Thank you so much to Renee Duagn for allowing me to interview her and I am so excited for whatever she has coming next!
