Recently, I had the privilege of doing a review on a wonderful book, Midnight Sun by Rene Lyons.  This was fabulous and I cannot say enough nice things about it, and Rene herself.  Rene has very kindly agreed to let me ask her a few questions to find out a little about her.  So without further ado…here is
Rene Lyons.

Tell us a little about what makes Rene Lyons tick.
There’s not much to tell. I’m a full-time mom and wife who tries to sneak in some writing here and there throughout the day. I have a thing for the show Prison Break and a love for horror movies. Other than that, I’m actually a pretty boring person.

When did you begin writing?
I have to say I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. I’ve always loved to create worlds and characters, even if I didn’t take it all too seriously when I was younger. I know that you love history.

What draws you to it and did you ever consider a different career for yourself?
Since I never imagined ever getting published, this career was the furthest thing from my mind. I’ve always only written for myself. I’ve always wanted to be a historian until I worked as a dental assistant. If I would have known how much I enjoyed working with teeth when I was younger I’d have probably ended up a dentist. That’s about as far from writing and history as it gets!

How does your family feel about your writing?
I’m blessed with a family who are truly proud of me. It helps to keep me motivated on those days when all I want to do is play with my daughter and laze around the house. That and knowing that one day when my daughter is grown, through me she’ll see dreams are worth reaching for.

What is the perfect writing environment? Do you like quiet or do you need background noise?
I used to be able to write through a hurricane. Now, I like things nice and quiet. I also used to only write on my desktop computer until I discovered the freedom of a laptop. Now that I’m mobile I write anywhere and everywhere, although, the couch is my favorite place to sit and write.

How do your stories come to you? Do you start with just a character or does the whole story come at once? Is it different each time?
With the Templars, it came together all at once. The characters and the last book hit me like a brick. From there, each Templar’s story played out in my head like a movie. Normally, however, my stories usually start with a character or only the first scene and I just work it from there. I’m not one of those blessed authors who can outline and plot out every last detail before they sit down to actually write their books. I write by the seat of my pants, so I’m learning my characters and their stories as I go (I think I just gave my editor a heart attack. lol).

I noticed that you have several series coming up…do you enjoy writing storylines that continue through several books?
Absolutely. I don’t even think in single story ideas. I think I fall so in love with my characters and their worlds that I hate to say good-bye to them. Although, truth be know, now that I’ve finished Lucian of Penwick’s book (his is the third installment of the Templar Vampire Novels), I need to take a short break from them. Their world is so dark and their struggles so profound that I began to walk around with their melancholy. Never a good thing when one must dance with a toddler to the Wiggles in between writing.

Can you tell us a little about what you have coming up?
Rene: I’ve recently started a series called The Seraphim. Those books will number three and will center around fallen angels. I’ve also still to write two more Templar Vampire novels. Then there is the Order of the Rose, a sisterhood of female vampires you meet in the Templar Vampire books. I simply must write them to counter the male world I’ve been living in for over a year now. They are some great women characters and I can’t wait to begin getting their stories out.

Let’s talk about those sexy Templar Vampires…how did these guys come to you and was it difficult finding the perfect woman for each of them?
The Templars came to me shortly after my brother died. Each of them represents a piece of my own personality. Sebastian is my logic and reason. Constantine is my rage and pain. Lucian is my honor and strength. Raphael is my sexuality and sense-of-humor. Tristan is my sense of responsibility. My sorrow, pain, and regret are mirrored in them, and because of that, they will always have a special place in my heart. As for finding the perfect women for them, that was actually easy! The women just sort of popped in my head as I was putting the finishing touches on each of the boy’s personalities. Their names, appearances, and personalities meshed so well with the Templars that I knew I had some really great women to write.

If you could bring one character from a book to life…who would it be and why?
If I had to choose one of my own characters, it would be Constantine. I’d love to get my hands on that man! As for another author’s, it would have to be Jamie from A Dance Through Time by Lynn Kurland. If you have to ask why, you really need to read the book (lol). He’s one hero no woman should pass up.

I know Midnight Sun is your first book, was it difficult to get it published?
Yes and no. All of my life I was afraid to take the chance out of fear of rejection. This just sort of fell into place about a year ago. I think it was a mix of learning through my brother’s death that I don’t have “forever” and wanting to give my daughter a mother who wasn’t afraid to take a chance on a dream. I submitted Midnight Sun right after Christmas of 2005. I received my contract the first week in January. I’m blessed to have such a wonderful editor who believes in me, and who has the patience to work with me to take my writing to a level I never thought it could go.

Do you have any advice for authors who are just now trying to get published?
Write. Write. Write. Take workshops to help hone your writing and get critique partners. Don’t ever be afraid to take an idea to the next level. Keep pushing the boundaries of the worlds you’re creating and the characters you’re bringing to life. But most of all have fun. Enjoy every word you write. Trust me, it will show in the work.

Who are some of your favorite authors? Do you have a favorite genre?
I absolutely love paranormal romance. Time-travel and a good ghost romance are at the top of the list. I’ve eased off the vampire novels for obvious reasons, although the loss isn’t a great one since I was always picky with which ones I would read anyway. If I told you some of the well-known vampire authors I’ve never read you wouldn’t believe me! As for my favorite authors, Lynn Kurland, Julie Garwood, and Karen Marie Moning are my favorite authors. Every word they write is a treasure to me.

If you could travel to any place or time in history…where would you go and why?
Oh, this one is too easy! 1068 England so I can meet William the Conqueror. When other girls were crushing on the latest movie star, I was head over heels in love with William the First of England (his wife Matilda was four feet ten inches short…just like me!). Moreover, I’ve always felt like a misplaced soul here in this modern world. Though I love modern conveniences, I belong in the medieval age. It’s where my heart is, and will always be.

What was the last movie you saw? What type of music do listen to and who is your favorite group?
The last movie I watched was Dark Water. I love that 90’s grunge rock music. Lately, though, I’ve been all about the band Staind. My favorite group has been Candle Box since the mid 90’s. Their song Far Behind is, and always will be, my favorite song…although The Price by Twisted Sister is the one I listen to when I need to get into the Templar’s minds.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
Only that I’ve had a blast during this interview! Thank you so much for this opportunity. I also want to wish Joyfully Reviewed a Happy Birthday. You ladies have come a long way in a year and I’m extremely proud to share in the celebration with you all.

~~Rene loves to hear from readers, you can contact her at rene@renelyons.net and don't forget to visit Rene's website for links to her blogs and reader groups.

~~Take a peek at Rene Lyon's Templar Vampires and The Seraphim.