#AtoZChallenge R is for Ronel Janse van Vuuren #Giveaway

Ronel Janse van Vuuren

 

 

Today on the blog we are talking to award-winning Dark Fantasy author Ronel Janse van Vuuren. Ronel writes about kick-ass heroines, the duality of being human and loves to use folklore to underscore her point.

She’s a Rottweiler pack leader, chicken wrangler and horse servant.

All of her books are available for purchase from major online retailers.

Sign up to be notified of new releases, giveaways and pre-release specials – plus get a free eBook – when you join her newsletter. 

https://mailchi.mp/020d96f05055/ronelthemythmakernewslettersignup

1- I love the title of your blog “Ronel the Mythmaker.” How do you define mythmaker?

Thank you, Brandy. For me, “mythmaker” means creating stories infused with folklore and the struggle of being human in the face of the fantastical. (Whether the heroine is human or not. LOL.) That’s what creates a lasting tale.

2- In what category/genre do you write? Why?

Dark Fantasy. I can explore human psychology in the safety of a book by putting people through horrible situations, sit back and watch it play out – without being sent to a place for the criminally insane. It’s loads of fun when done right. Besides, I can deal with my own monsters through writing… You can learn more about this genre here. https://www.ronelthemythmaker.com/the-art-of-writing-dark-fantasy-amwriting/

3- What part of one of your stories was the most fun to write? The most challenging? (And which book/s are those in?)

For the Irascible Immortals series, I had loads of fun researching old gods and goddesses and figuring out what would make them absolutely irascible right now. Personally, “Symphony of Destruction” was my favourite book to write as I just kept thinking what I could do to make things worse – and then, of course, I had to clean it all up in the following books!

The most challenging was researching and writing about acid attacks. It is one of those hot button issues I like to write about, and the main character in “Once and Future Queen” insisted that it be something she deals with (among other things).

4- Would you please, in 160 characters (not words) or less, give a #WriteTip ?

#YourHeroHasToBeWrong

5- Do you have a writing routine?

Not really. Sometimes I do my best work in the morning, at other times at night. I’m neurodivergent, have mental health issues and chronic illness, so it’s all about being kind to myself and not push myself to do something that I’m not capable of at that moment. The only rule is consistency: Write something every day.

6- What do you love and hate most about being a published author?

Before I got published, I was able to write whatever I wanted (hop around projects at a whim). Being published means finishing a series in a timely manner and ignoring those shiny projects waiting to be written. On the one hand, things get finished. On the other, there are petulant projects waiting for attention. Depending on my mood, I love and hate both in equal measure.

7- Do you publish traditional, self, hybrid, other? Why?

I’m an indie author. Which means that I’m self-published. Why? Because I like being in charge of my own destiny. I like being in charge of what I write and when I write it. And, yes, I clearly have control issues, so why let anyone else decide the cover, title or marketing for any of my books? I’ve heard enough horror stories from trad authors to know that giving up those rights can end in disaster.

8- What question are you dying to answer (about your writing, life, or even a fun fact)?
 

Fun Fact:

My magical menagerie includes two horses, twenty chickens, three dogs, a peacock, and whoever else wants to move in. Right now that includes rabbits, guinea fowl, sparlings, and hadedas. I’m open to a couple of pegasi moving in. And no, only the dogs sleep in my bed. LOL. You can see photos of them all on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/miladyronel/?hl=en

9- Would you please ask our audience an intriguing question to answer in the comments?

My podcast is all about folklore. What obscure folklore creature do you like and why?

Podcast: faeriesandfolklore.com

10- Which book would you suggest readers start with?

Readers seem to enjoy “Magic at Midnight” the most – reviews speak volumes. It has pegasi, court intrigue, and a bit of magic. (And J likes it, too. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2990988646)

 

 

Ronel is offering a giveaway for "Once and Future Queen" her newest book. Please use the Rafflecopter below to be entered for a chance to win the eBook!

 

You can find more from Ronel at the links below.

Twitter: https://twitter.com/miladyronel

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miladyronel/?hl=en

Website: ronelthemythmaker.com

Pinterest: https://za.pinterest.com/miladyronel/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17528826.Ronel_Janse_van_Vuuren

Podcast: faeriesandfolklore.com

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/ronel-janse-van-vuuren

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks so much Ronel! It was great getting to know more about you and your work! I’m a bit of an arm chair psychologist myself and love the idea of exorcising personal demons through writing. I will definitely be checking out the podcast at faeriesandfolklore.com, and can’t wait to dive into Once and Future Queen. Such a gorgeous cover!

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