Rennie St. James's Blog: Ramblings

Main Character Energy: Author POV

There are two ways to interpret Main Character Energy: you have the confidence to lead your life like a main character…or you think you’re the center of everyone else’s world. I’ll leave it to you to pick which one you like. In this post, I want to share a bit of behind-the-scenes with an author’s perspective on MCE.

For me, writing is inhabiting another world, another life. The main character of whatever story I’m currently writing is the one defining it. Yes, I’m the author. No, they don’t ...

Year of the Snake

I know some people find snakes terrifying, but I love the symbolism of shedding the old to start fresh. The idea of letting go and changing being a wise choice is also motivating. While I normally celebrate January 1 for this reason, I’m embracing a different approach and starting now…in April.

Want to join me on a journey of transformation?

I do plan to post more here, but I’ve also restarted my Patreon page and am focusing my activity there. I do have free options so monetary support isn’t ...

Book Chat: Magical Discord

This book chat won’t be like my others as the book under discussion is my new release, Pink Morning (book 1 in my magical dystopia duology)!

It’s been 2 years since I’ve published a new series and I’m giddy to share Magical Discord with you. Following our book chat style, I’ll start with the usual basics and will then approach it as a reader* and as a writer. 

*PLEASE NOTE: As this is my new book, I could hardly be unbiased even if there were reviews for this book. Additionally, readers ne...

Book Chat: Shannon Mayer

Shannon Mayer definitely tops the list for many urban fantasy & paranormal romance readers as an immediate buy (something most of us aspire to be). I must admit that I’ve read a few myself and recommended them. While waiting on Book 3 of her Golden Wolf series, I started on an older series, Rylee Adamson. The usual book basics are below to start our chat.

If you’re new to my Books & Cats blog feature, please note that we chat about the book first as a reader and then we’ll approach it as writ...

Ghosted Book Chat: Paranormal Cozies

I think I’ve ghosted books this year as reading has been a struggle! Anyone else in a reading slump? 2024 is the first year I haven’t posted regular book reviews (you can find links to earlier years here: 2023 and 2022 ). I won’t bore you with the details of my year…at least not in this post. I have been reading and I’d love to just right in to a new chat that includes multiple recs for paranormal cozies. BTW, I should get bonus points as most of the Book 1’s below are FREE (do check the price b...

Forests and Devils

Are you confused by the title? That’s okay – it’s been a confusing few months for me too.

“Couldn’t see the forest for the trees”

“The devil is in the details”

I’m a planner who likes to focus on the details while balancing a true view of the big picture. It’s a balance I take in most areas of my life – writing, traveling, training, etc. However, I found out this year that I don’t always apply that same focus on me personally.

Yep, this is a self-care post and a bit more personal tha...

2023 Books Chat 3: Dragons are a Girl’s Best Friend

Sometimes a title can reel you in and this one definitely caught my attention! You know we have to cover the basics before we can chat about dragons though so let’s get to it!

Dragons are a Girl’s Best Friend: A Fast, Feel-Good Urban Fantasy by Isla Frost
Fangs and Feathers Book 1 of 3
Pbblished: October 9, 2021
Amazon: 4,277 ratings, 4.4 avg
Goodreads: 3,454; 4.19 avg

My name’s Lyra Ridley, and I run headlong into supernatural danger for a living.

Of course, that’s not how I sold the ...

2023 Books 2: The Emperor’s Edge

High fantasy in an era of steam? An ensemble cast with a strong female lead? Recommended by a friend? I was definitely excited to delve into this one. Do you think I was thrilled or disappointed? Let’s take a look at the usual book stats then jump into my reviews.

The Emperor’s Edge by Lindsay Buroker
Book 1 of 9
Published: December 22, 2010
Amazon: 2,898 ratings; 4.4 avg
Goodreads: 14,337 ratings; 4.04 avg
1st person, limited dual POV

Imperial law enforcer Amaranthe Lokdon is good at ...

2023 Books 1: City of Wishes

It was a deliberate choice to start another year of Book Chat with a fun Cinderella re-telling. I needed something fun and light…but before we chat, let’s cover the basics!

City of Wishes 1: The Memory Thief by Rachel Morgan
Published: April 20, 2019
Book 1 of 6: completed SERIALIZED series
Ratings: Amazon 4.4 avg, 462 ratings; GR 4.02 avg, 1,411 ratings
Cinderella re-telling; FMC and MC points of view

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Cinderella retold: Fae, vampires, shifters, and a Godmother who’ll grant you ...

2023 Books & Cats Chat

I’m so excited for another year of books and chats! If you’re new to my blog, this is my 3rd year sharing a monthly fantasy book review which always includes a picture of the read with one of my cats. Yes, I’m both a crazy cat lady and a crazy book lady…and I’m happy about that!

Without further ado, I want to share the:

2023 Book Chat List  [individual post links will be added]
Jan      Rachel Morgan, City of Wishes 1
Feb    Lindsay Buroker, The Emperor’s Edge
Mar    Isla Frost, Dragons are ...