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Ask the Author: Rene Denfeld

“Hello friends! I'm always interested in hearing from you!” Rene Denfeld

Answered Questions (45)

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At one time I got a hold of the title "Fire and Water: A Novel" written by you to b published in May 2023. I have had it in my TBR list for a long time now and when I went looking for the book I can no longer find it. Was it in a group anthology or was the title re-scripted as your current book Sleeping Giants? I will definitely get Sleeping Giants, but I don't want too miss the other story if it is available. Thanks
Rene Denfeld That's my current novel coming out, Sleeping Giants! Long story short but a title change and more. I hope you like it!
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I have just finished your great novel The Butterfly Girl and I loved the scene in which Celia imagines her butterflies around her. I keep thinking that would be great still in a film? Do you have intentions of turning this into a film?
Rene Denfeld So far not yet! But I would love to see The Butterfly Girl as a film :)
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are you going to write a new Naomi book? they're so good!
Rene Denfeld Someday! I'm working on something else at the moment. I sure do love her character, though, and want to spend more time with her.
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Can you tell us a two-sentence horror story?
Rene Denfeld He was an ordinary looking man. But then, ordinary men can be the most dangerous.
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This isn't a question. Thank you so much. You are such an amazing author and I am HOOKED. I look forward to what the future holds for you and your writing. ?
Rene Denfeld I so appreciate this. My new novel comes out October 1st and I'm SO excited. It's called The Butterfly Girl and you can check out the page here for early reviews (with praise from Margaret Atwood!) and how to pre-order. Thank you for making my day :)
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My thoughts on both The Enchanted and The Child Finder are that both of them have a theme of redemption and/or salvation for the main characters. Is this something that you are consciously striving for, or is it a function of how the characters develop as you write?
Rene Denfeld Thank you Kathy! I think its simply part of how I see the world. I think most of us are searching for something...hope, redemption, acceptance. We all want to feel we matter, and our lives have meaning. :)
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Just finished the Child Finder and I loved it cover to cover, interesting and fascinating. You made a hard subject feel hopeful. Was someone close to you abducted?
Rene Denfeld Hello Peggy! Thank you for the kind words. I grew up with a lot of trauma. My stepdad was a registered predatory sex offender, for instance. Much of my writing is informed by my own history, including my efforts to use my experiences to help others—I'm now a therapeutic foster mom and investigator as well as author. I did have someone close to me disappear when I was a child. It was extremely traumatic, and helps me understand when working with those who are dealing with such terrifying losses.
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This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)
Rene Denfeld Hello Mary! I'm so sorry I missed this question. In my mind, the white haired boy was symbolic to the narrator—he represented a younger version of himself. Only the white-haired boy had hope of leaving the prison.
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This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)
Rene Denfeld Hello Tom! What a tough question that is. I think what's important is the narrator himself feels his soul is lost, and when people feel that depth of hopelessness for their own ability to be good, that is a terrible and frightening thing. I do think that when children are abused they can end up doing things they wouldn't have done if given the love, stability and guidance they needed. All children (and adults) need opportunities to succeed at being good people. There is a saying in public defense, "If someone can't be good at being good, they will be good at being bad." That's my experience, at least—life has given me enough humility to know I might always be wrong.
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Hello Rene! I am re-reading The Child Finder for a book discussion next Tuesday. I am the group moderator at my library. I love the character of Naomi, and am glad to see The Child Finder listed as book 1 of Naomi Cottle. Are you currently working on the second book? I have a list of questions, a copy of your interview with Psychology today, and a feel this book will make for a great discussion.
Rene Denfeld Hello Claire!I'm just now putting the finishing touches on the next novel. It's called THE BUTTERFLY MUSEUM and is slated for publication next fall! It does have more of Naomi's story—and a very exciting story about a twelve-year-old street girl who survives through her belief in butterflies. :)
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Thanks for the vibes. Any suggestions on getting ARC readers. My publisher is offering 50 free ebook copies of my next thriller - The Destiny Relic. I've been notifying my Goodreads friends of the offer. Any suggestion on how you've done it in the past would be helpful?
Rene Denfeld Hello Ed! I'm working on an article right now for writers on publicity on a budget. One way to find ARC readers is to offer copies in various facebook book groups. Also reach out to book bloggers. You can research book blogs that love thrillers, and reach out to them. It's a fun away to find new fellow book lovers too!
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Hi Rene, Just wanted to let you know I'm reading The Child Finder and enjoying it very much. Don't you value the instant feedback of the internet? I know it helped shape my "voice" as a writer. But perhaps more, I like the ability to reach out and communicate with writers, musicians, the odd politician... Anyway, hi!
Rene Denfeld Hi right back! I'm so glad you are enjoying The Child Finder. It was pure joy to write, as well. I love how sites like this connect us :)
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I read somewhere that you wrote stories set in Oregon. Which books are set in Oregon?
Rene Denfeld Hello David! Both The Child Finder and The Enchanted are set in Oregon. The Child Finder is largely set in a remote mountain region, but also farming towns in the valley. The Enchanted is set in dying timber towns and the forests around them, as well as an Oregon prison. Thank you for asking!
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How long will we have to wait for the sequel to The Child Finder? I can't tell you how much I appreciated the book. When you read a lot, it can get hard to find good books in your preferred genre that have all the qualities needed to make a stand out reading experience. I thank you for giving me that!
Rene Denfeld Thank you for asking! I'm at work on it now. Usually it takes about a year after one finishing a book for it to be published, so crossing all digits we have it out sometime next year!
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I notice you are living in Portland. Any chance you could attend a local book club meeting? We are a large group of 19 I loved the child finder and still hope you have a sequel
Rene Denfeld I'd love to! Send me a message and I'll send you contact info!
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Hello, is there any chance that other book by you translated in my language? (Greek). I just finish The Enchanted and I loved it, amazing book.
Rene Denfeld Hello George! Thank you for reading The Enchanted. I'm honored you enjoyed it so. I think The Child Finder will come out in Greece...stayed tuned!
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I absolutely loved The Child Finder and The Enchanted, and I'm so happy to have discovered a new favorite writer, so obviously I'm looking forward to your next book. Any tips on when it will be published, or whether you are working on a new one now?
Rene Denfeld Thank you Fusun! I'm working on the next novel, so fingers crossed it will be published within a year or two. Generally it takes about a year after a novel is finished for it to be published. Sending me good writing luck, and thank you for your support!
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Wow....you inspire me! I too found your two books not only difficult to read but also gave me hope, love, acceptance. To be able to find sanctuary in the libray to help you through your difficult stuggle....is amazing! You truly are an artist, your books prove this along with your career as an investigator, aurthor & poet. My heart goes out to you:) I look forward to more hope in stories to come!????
Rene Denfeld I'm so sorry about the lateness of this reply—thank you!
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I stupidly started Child Finder last night and finished it this morning (I blame YOU for lack of sleep!!! :) When will the sequel come out? (please, please, please tell me there's a sequel!) PS, It was cool reading a story taking place in Oregon (I'm in Eugene :)
Rene Denfeld I love setting my work in the Oregon I know, too—not just the world of Portland. I'm working hard on the next one! Thank you for the positive words!
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Rene, Thanks for friending a new author to Goodreads. I was a foster-child so i'd just like to say "thank you" for helping change the lives of kids in need of help. How do you manage your author-family work load? I'm trying to set a firm schedule but having difficulty.
Rene Denfeld Thank you Ed! It's tough, isn't it? Sometimes I joke only my best friend Coffee gets me through my days :) One of my tricks is to take my laptop, or even just a notebook, with me wherever I go. It's amazing how much writing you can get done while at the the kid's doctor appointments, on break at work, and so forth. Sending you positive vibes!
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