Spotlight on
Ronda Hinrichsen
Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen is the author of LDS and Speculative suspense novels published by Walnut Sprinsg Press, Missing (2009) and Trapped (2010), as well as a middle grade chapter book series, The Hidden Kingdom.
Her numerous magazine and Internet writing credits include fiction and nonfiction for both children and adults. She also enjoys teaching writing and speaking in various venues.
Ronda first knew she wanted to be a writer when she was in the 6th grade. Her English teacher had been reading S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders to the class, and when she reached the section where Johnny urged Ponyboy to stay “gold,” Ronda realized she wanted her own novels to encourage the "golden" in others. That remains one of her goals.
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Interview
Book Bug: Welcome to The Book Bug, Ronda!
When and why did you begin writing?
Ronda: I was in the 6th grade. My teacher was reading S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders to the class, and when she reached the section where Johnny urged Ponyboy to stay “gold” I realized I wanted to write "golden” words just as Hinton had. More than that, I wanted those words to encourage the "golden"—the goodness—in others.
Book Bug: What book(s)/author(s) have influenced your life and writing?
Ronda: I learn something about writing from every book I’ve read. Sometimes it’s as simple as how to describe a certain action or how to create a particular mood. But I have to say the book that’s most influenced my life is the Book of Mormon.
Book Bug: You are not the only author I have interviewed who said that :)
What is your favorite genre to read/write?
Ronda: I LOVE Romantic Suspense.
Book Bug: I would never have guessed! :)
What is your writing process? Do you follow a regular routine?
Ronda: I try to write every weekday if at all possible. I know the best time for me to write is about 10 am, but right now, I’m not able to write at that time, so I’ve learned to make myself write at other times. For instance, right now, it’s after midnight.
Book Bug: Do you ever suffer from writer’s block? If so, what do you do about it?
Ronda: I don’t remember ever being blocked because I’ve learned to force myself to write SOMETHING even if I don’t know exactly what it is. Eventually, I figure out where my story needs to go.
Book Bug: What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Ronda: The hardest part for me has always been writing the first draft. I’d much rather rewrite, because then I have something to work with. First drafts feel like I’m squeezing my sould out of my pores.
Book Bug: What do you think are the most important elements of good writing?
Ronda: Word choice, plot, emotion. My goal is for readers to put my words together in such a way that they will feel like they are in the story. Stephenie Meyer is great at this.
Book Bug: I totally agree! I STILL love Stephanie Meyer!
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Ronda: Chill.
Book Bug: I like it!
What book are you reading now?
Ronda: I’m reading books that have been submitted for a local contest.
Book Bug: Interesting . . .
What are your current/future projects?
Ronda: I’m working on a contemporary romantic mystery that takes place in New Zealand.
Book Bug: How exciting!
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Ronda: First, writing is hard work. Only do it if you feel you have to write, no matter what. Second, don’t give up.
Book Bug: Thanks so much for the advice and for being at The Book Bug today!
Walnut Springs Press Books
by Ronda Hinrichsen
Title: MissingAuthor: Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen
Release Date: October 2009
Publisher: Walnut Springs Press (Facebook | Twitter)
Genre: LDS Romantic Suspense
A BYU-Idaho choir tour in British Columbia turns out to be anything but ordinary when soloist Stacie Cox spots a kidnapped child from Rexburg during a performance. Before Stacie can alert the authorities, the little girl disappears. Stacie vows to find and rescue her, a choice that forces her to deal with her guilt-ridden past and another little girl that haunts her dreams. When the handsome Matt Brennan helps Stacie in the search, she tries to resisit the attraction she feels for him. Yet as he gains her friendship and trust, her resolve to never fall in love begins to crumble. And after a series of harrowing events, Stacie must decide if she is willing to sacrifice her life-and a possible future with Matt-to save a stranger.
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Title: TrappedAuthor: Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen
Release Date: April 2010
Publisher: Walnut Springs Press (Facebook | Twitter)
Genre: Speculative Suspense
When Emi Warrin wakes one night to find a thief in her mother's house, she has no idea the intruder has planted a trap-a mysterious letter that will change her life forever. Lured to the Austrian Alps with Daniel, the man she loves, Emi is thrown into a perilous, mafia-like world of fueding families and a devastating curse that spans generations. As the Firstborn She, the only firstborn female in hundreds of years-only Emi can free her family from the curse that will soon afflict her as well. But for Emi to breake the curse, she must delve into her family's dark past, and she must gain the trust of those who would use her for their own evil designs. As Emi struggles to understand her destiny as the Firstborn She, she learns that everything isn't as it seems and that all choices have consequences. Can Emi break the curse before it's too late?
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Great interview!
ReplyDeleteRonda is a terrific writer~I've known her since kindergarten and books have always been her passion.
Both books sound very interesting (especially Missing since I lived in Rexburg for a few years-being familiar with a book setting is fun for me).
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