Paul Regnier’s fantasy novel, Bard Tidings, came out in June (and it looks pretty good–since Fflewddur Fflam, I’ve been a sucker for bards). You should absolutely give it a look. But we’re not going to talk about that today (hopefully soon)*. Today, we’re focusing on what being a writer in Idaho is like for him. Enjoy!
The way things are going around here, “soon” probably means February.
Before we get into things, why don’t you give the reader a brief introduction to you and your work.
I’m Paul Regnier. I’m a writer living in the Treasure Valley here in Idaho. You can find me online at www.PaulJRegnier.com.
Are you a native Idahoan? What brought you to Idaho in the first place? (answer whichever question applies) What is it about Idaho that keeps you here?
I’ve lived in Idaho for the last six years. I’ve heard once you cross the five year mark you’re an honorary native Idahoan. My family and I love it here. I love all the pine trees and the beautiful mountainous landscapes. Winters are mild and there’s very little humidity. I’m happy to call Idaho my home state.
I’m going to have to check the handbook on that five-year rule (is that akin the to 5-second rule?) and get back to you.
Are you tied into some sort of local author/bookish group/culture? If so, tell us about it and how it helps you as an author.
I’m connected with a group of local writers called Idahope (idahopechristianwriters.org). They have get togethers, conferences, and events all geared around writing. It’s a great group to be a part of.
I’ve been connecting with a few IdaHope members recently—what to you is the biggest benefit? Or maybe I should ask, why would you tell a local author to join up?
The writing journey can be lonely. Much of the time it’s just you typing away at the computer. It’s so refreshing to get together with other writers and creative people and talk about stories and books and movies and everything in-between. Online meetups are nice as well but nothing compares to face to face, personal interaction with fellow writers.
What kind of events in the area do you attend—either to sell/promote your books or to network with authors? Are there any outside of this area that you hit regularly and wish we had something like it here?
Besides the Idahope group I’m a part of, I’m looking into homeschool events that take place in the area. There’s one in Nampa that I plan on attending next year. Homeschoolers are big readers so the events are great places to connect as a local author.
That’s a great idea! And one that no one has mentioned before—a good fantasy novel and that crowd (at least those I know in that audience) sounds like a great combination. That’s not just a great market, but a fantastic way for readers to get to know you. Are you and your family part of the homeschooling community and is that why you thought of this, or did you get this tip from someone else? (thinking back to when I homeschooled, I don’t remember anyone doing this, but I’d have loved to see it)
We haven’t personally homeschooled our kids but my daughter had experience with online school and I was her learning coach so I got to experience it in a small way. I think homeschooling is such an amazing opportunity for families and if parents have the time and resources, I think it’s a great way to educate your kids, especially when it comes to imparting family morals and spiritual truths.
One of my favorite writing conferences is Realm Makers. It’s a conference focused on speculative fiction writing (fantasy, sci-fi, supernatural, superhero, etc…). Besides the annual conference, they go around to various homeschool events with their mobile bookstore. They always report on the great response they get from homeschoolers. That’s where I first realized what an amazing opportunity it was.
What’s the breakdown of your audience—do you have a strong local base, or are your readers from other parts of the world?
I would say my readers are more national than local. Generally people find me online through Amazon or from online recommendations. The internet is a wonderful way to reach readers around the country and around the world.
Do you have plans to change that—or is it early enough in your writing career that you’re still trying to see what works before you make solid plans?
Honestly, I’m open to anyone, anywhere that enjoys my books LOL. I’ve tried to go around to local libraries and give them free copies of my books but the response has been lackluster. With online accessibility, it’s just so much easier and quicker to “spread the word” to a wider audience.
Do you think there are particular challenges or advantages to being a writer in the Treasure Valley? (possibly both)
The latest series I’m working on is a fantasy series (the first book in the series is called Bard Tidings). Since the Treasure Valley in Idaho is filled with lush pine trees, hills and mountains, the scenic setting really helps in the creation of a fantasy world. I get inspiration for many of my scenes from the amazing locations around me.
Were you writing before you came to Idaho? If so, was the bookish community (writers or readers) noticeably different?
I lived in Southern California for many years but we moved here six years ago and never looked back. We love it here! I think my only tie to “local writing groups” in CA was a writing critique group that I was a part of. However, most of us are still in touch and we try to meet online as often as schedules allow.
Do you bring Idaho (or some sort of Idaho-sensibility, assuming one exists) to your work? Whether or not anyone else sees it, can you look at some aspect of your writing and think “That’s Idaho” or “I would do ____ differently if I was a Kentuckian or from Illinois?”
For me, the main aspect of Idaho that inspires my writing is the landscape. The trees, hills, and mountains. The beauty of creation. I created a fictious small mountain town in Idaho called Crystal Falls for my cozy mystery series. The setting was inspired by the area around Cascade Lake and Payette Lake.
One final question, is there a book (or two…or 18, if you get really carried away), that embodies Idaho/the Idaho spirit to you to recommend to my readers?
If there is, I haven’t found it. I think the “Idaho spirit” means something a little different to each resident and it probably varies in different parts of the state. For me, Idaho means peace, the beauty of God’s creation, and family.
Thanks for your time and participation! Hope you enjoyed it!
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