Sha Renee Writes Military Romance -

Ever meet a romance writer who almost got run over by a plane? Meet Sha Renee. I met Sha at the New Jersey Writers Conference in October, and I am so pleased she agreed to be interviewed on my blog. Sha served in the Navy and writes military romance.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I hate cooking but have a passion for good food, music, photography and the outdoors. I love God and believe every day should include a cup of hot coffee and a glass of chilled wine. I’m originally from New York but currently live in New Jersey. Right after high school I served four years in the US Navy and have always wished I’d served longer. I write Military Romance, because I still love all things military and who doesn’t love romance?

Is writing something that comes easy to you or not?

Writing does not come easy for me. My stories do. I have several books waiting to be written, but I’m a slow writer. I have difficulty staying focused, I’m easily distracted and it’s also very challenging for me to find the appropriate words to communicate what I need to. Because of this, it’s takes a lot for me to transform See Spot run into Spot’s ears flapped wildly as he sprinted across the lawn to welcome his owner.

What do you do when you are not writing?

My “day job” is Dental Assistant, which I love. I also enjoy relaxing in my back yard with a glass of wine, listening to music, watching JAG (an old television series about the Navy) and spending time with my family.

What was the most interesting place you ever visited?

Naples, Italy. I was in awe of how fresh and delicious the food was and shocked by the way motorists drove their vehicles. Stopping at a red traffic light was merely a suggestion instead of a law.

Is anything in your book based on real-life experiences or purely all imagination?

While my storylines are imagination, there are scenes based on real-life experiences. In Forbidden Kisses, there’s a sailor working on the flight line almost injured (or potentially killed) by flames from the engine exhaust of a plane about to take off. I based that scene on an incident which took place during my early days in the Navy. My first day working on the flight line was also my last. I was told to pull chocks from one wheel of the plane about to take off. So I did. No one told me what to do afterward. No one told me whether the plane would be turning right or left. So I pulled chocks and stood there waiting for further instructions. As the plane turned in the direction that would’ve put me in the line of fire – literally, I saw the plane captain abruptly hold up two fists for the pilot – the command to stop. Then he gestured to me what I interpreted as “get the f*** out of the way.”

What project are you working on now or what book will be next?

I’m currently working on Off Base, the sequel to Forbidden Kisses. Its themes touch on issues like cohabitation, how and when to discuss past relationships with your current partner and sexual assault. I’ve been working on it for a long time, which I feel bad about because many readers of Forbidden Kisses have expressed that they’re excited about the sequel. But I’m hopeful and confident that it will be released this year.

Is there an event in your life that affected you as a writer?

Yes, and it’s one of the reasons it’s taken me so long to finish Off Base. My ex-husband was one of the biggest supporters of my writing and my number one fan. He told me to make sure I save him a seat next to me at the opening premier when my book becomes a movie. He joked (and maybe believed) that Layla and Ethan, the characters in Forbidden Kisses, were based on him and me.

When he died last summer, my heart broke. I couldn’t write. I wanted to, or rather I wanted to want to. But I just didn’t feel like it. I didn’t feel like doing anything. I’d lost all interest in my story and my characters. There was no excitement to come home from work and spend time with Layla and Ethan. I felt indifferent toward them. So, my heart ached not only because I lost him, but also because I lost my desire for something that I love. It’s been seven and a half months and I’m just starting to write again.

Forbidden Kisses by Sha Renee

When Navy pilot, Ethan Parker falls for the woman he met at a coffee shop, he knows she’s the one he’s waited his entire life for. She’s sensual, sassy and smart. He doesn’t know she’s also in the Navy, and her enlisted rank means a relationship with her could potentially get him discharged from military service.

While on leave from teaching at a top Naval facility, Layla Matthews tumbles head-over-heels for the sexiest man she’s encountered in a long time. That he can hold an intelligent conversation is an added bonus. Her world is turned upside down when she later discovers he’s a Navy lieutenant. A senior officer. Her new boss. Definitely off-limits.

Continuing their relationship could ruin their military careers. Ending it would break both their hearts. Do they end their sizzling romance or keep it a secret… and pray no one finds out?