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MEET ALICE RENE (12/2010)
by Bonnie O'Brian

When did you start to write and what inspired you to start?

Alice Rene

When my grandson was in high school he got an assignment in his social studies class which asked the children to choose a topic about some occurance that happened in the twentieth century that changed the course of history. That topic could be anything, such as Social Security, the development of air travel, etc. Part of that assignment was to interview a person who was intimately familiar with that subject. My grandson chose the Holocaust and interviewed me. It was after that interview that I decided to write down my history.

How soon after that was your book published?

I spent about two or more years taking writing classes and then another three years writing my memoir, BECOMING ALICE.

Was your book accepted immediately?

After receiving a number of rejections I decided to have it published by a POD(Publish On Demand) publisher. The first edition came out in May 2007 and
based on rather good sales, my publisher put out a second edition in August of 2008.

Do you focus on fiction or nonfiction? Which do you prefer? Do you find one easier than the other?

I prefer to write non-fiction, although I often will fictionalize parts of my stories for dramatic effect and to enhance characterization. Also, I do pop into my writing some humor when it is appropriate.

Do you do any other types of writing?

Yes, I am somewhat occupied by writing a blog right now:
http://alicerene.wordpress.com. I have also written some poetry and am currently working on a novella.
        
What kinds of things inspire you to write?

I get ideas about subjects often from the most unexpected places. It might be at the grocery store where a customer becomes incensed over her place in line. It might be about the kindness that is shown to an infirm friend. It might be about the a shy, introverted child who suddenly is recognized for his ability to play the violin. There are so many things that happen all the time that could be the start of a story.

 Have any of your books earned special recognition?

My book BECOMING ALICE, A MEMOIR, has won quite a number of contests which are listed on my website: http://www.alicerene.com.

I am also very pleased to have received a goodly number of “fan letters.”

 A SHORT BIOGRAPHY:

 Besides writing, I enjoy gardening, gourmet cooking, entertaining, the theater, travelling, and playing tennis.