Ronie Kendig

Ronie Kendig, a self proclaimed Army Brat, grew up in the classic military family with her father often on temporary duty and her mother holding down the proverbial fort.

Both of her  parents were born in other countries.  Her dad had US citizenship through his father, but her mom immigrated to the States when she was 18 and later became naturalized.  Also, Ronie has one brother.

Their family moved often, which left Ronie attending six schools by the time she’d entered fourth grade.  Her only respite and “friends” during this time were the characters she created.

It was no surprise when, more than twenty years ago, she married a military veteran.  Ronie describes her husband Brian as her real-life hero.    Despite the craziness of life, Ronie finds balance and peace with her faith, family and their two dogs a Golden Retriever, and a Maltese Menace in Dallas, TX.

Ronie’s mornings and days are spent  with her four children whom she homeschools (the first of which graduated in 2011), and then after dinner, she locks herself away and writes.  Some days she can get 2-3 chapters done, others, 2-3 pages.

Ronie has a deep love and passion for people, especially hurting people, which is why she pursued and obtained a B.S. in Psychology from Liberty University. Ronie is an active member of the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and has volunteered extensively,  serving in capacities ranging from coordinator of a national contest to appointment assistant at the national/annual conference.

Since launching onto the publishing scene in 2010, Ronie and her books have been gained national attention, including:

• Finalist in Christian Retailing’s 2011 Readers’ Choice Awards (Nightshade)
• Romance Writers of America’s Faith, Hope, & Love’s 2011 International  Readers’ Choice Awards in Romantic Suspense (Nightshade)
• 2011 FamilyFiction Readers’ Choice Awards – 8^th place with Nightshade, 3^rd place as New Favorite Author
• INSPY Award Shortlist final in Mystery/Thriller (Dead Reckoning)
• The Christian Manifesto’s 2010 Lime Award for Excellence in Christian Fiction (Nightshade)

I recently had the opportunity to talk with Ronie.  Here’s what she had to say.

Kristen:  When you’re not writing, what do you enjoy spending your time doing?

Ronie:  I prefer to do something—anything—that puts me in motion, whether painting/redecorating, shopping, or being out with my kiddos. It really helps invigorate me and stir up creativity!

Kristen:  You really have a heart for military personnel.  What do you see as the biggest struggle for our servicemen and women today?

Ronie:   Despite great advances in the military’s recognition of PTSD and TBI (traumatic brain injury), there is still a great need to support our troops in a variety of ways. Many of the enlisted struggled to support their families on tiny wages while veterans are seeing severe benefit cuts (I know of one retired officer who’s disability pay was cut ninety percent—and he’s nearing retirement!). So, I think anything we can do, like partnering with organizations like Soldiers’ Angels and The Wounded Warrior Project to reach out to our military heroes is very beneficial.

Kristen:  Do you have a current work in progress?

Ronie:  Indeed, I do—I’m currently working on the last pieces of research for the military war dog series Barbour Contracted in January. The first book, Trinity: Military War Dog, will release in August 2012.

Kristen:  Which of your characters would you most want to be friends with?

Ronie:   Now, that’s not fair and could get me in a lot of trouble with my characters. LOL Let’s say each of them has a unique quality that I would love to have around. Max—his no-nonsense, get the to the heart of the matter approach. Cowboy’s Southern charm and deeply rooted faith. Canyon’s quiet but quick intelligence and sense of honor. Legend’s unflappable personality and his ability to believe in others when they don’t’ believe in themselves. Then there’s all the women of Nightshade. . .

Kristen:  How do you think moving around so much and changing schools as a child affected the way you view friendships as an adult?

Ronie:  It affected me great—both in my education and my friendships. As an adult, I’ve had to learn how to nurture friendships, how to be a friend. I’m used to moving a lot and often and not really having deep roots in anything or any friendships. It’s nice, however, with the internet to have friends for years and reconnect with those friends I had in high school. It’s challenging to say the least.

Kristen:  What type of books do you like to read and who are your favorite authors?

Ronie:  There are three basic types of books I like to read: thrillers, historical (can you believe it?), and supernatural/speculative. My favorite authors include Robert Liparulo, Stephen Lawhead, Kathy Tyers, Steven James, Joel Rosenberg, Lisa Bergren, MaryLu Tyndall…

Ronie has described herself as being A Jelly Fish in a Rhino Industry.   She’s very sensitive, empathetic and softhearted.   “I can sense pain and heartache.” she says, “I’m not easily angered—unless I see someone being made fun of or ridiculed.  I take things personally. . .because life is personal—it’s about people, about those around me.”

As I said in my review , if you only read one book this year make it Wolfsbane by Ronie Kendig–You won’t be disappointed.