Created July 16, 2024 by Tanja Bauerle
Barbara Renner grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico but has lived in Phoenix, Arizona for over 45 years where she and her husband raised two children. Self-described as a “Jane-of-all-trades,” Barbara’s many careers have included retail store owner, banker, and educator, where she taught everything from language arts to financial services. When she retired from teaching, she studied the craft of writing children’s picture books, and her new career as an author began. Barbara enjoys being outside, traveling, and walking her dog Larry.
1. What’s one thing we should know about you that’s not in your bio?
Other than marketing and selling my books, I volunteer at my local library and as a judge for the Arizona Authors Association’s annual literary contest. I’m also on the Desert Foothills Book Festival committee, which will be held on October 19, 2024. In addition, I belong to Loving Literacy Authors, a consortium of authors who present at schools as literacy advocates.
2. What’s something that happens in your book that will cause us to run out and buy it?
Being a nature lover, most of my children’s picture books are about wildlife. The teacher in me wrote them as informational fiction, so I include interesting facts in my books as well as scannable QR codes so children can listen to the calls of the animals. Now, doesn’t that make you want to run out and buy them so you can listen to the calls of the loons?
3. Why did you choose to self-publish, rather than go the traditional route?
After submitting my manuscripts to lots of agents and traditional publishers, I decided to go the indie route and take matters in my own hands. I’ve published thirteen books that way and enjoy seeing my books get out into the world a lot sooner.
4. What projects are you currently working on?
I’ve published a book about a grandpa and his granddaughter, one about a grandpa and his grandson, and one about a grandma and her granddaughter, so in order to give the families equal time, I’m working on another picture book about a grandma and her grandson. I also have big plans to compile my humorous blogs in a book and publishing it for anyone who likes to read snarky tales about everyday life.
5. How has being a member of SCBWI helped you in your writing journey?
SCBWI was instrumental in my research on how to write children’s picture books. I’ve been a member of SCBWI since 2008. I attended a few of Arizona’s conferences called “Welcome to Our House” and was fortunate to have my manuscripts critiqued by attending agents. As a participant in the Kid Lit Mingles since 2018, I found a critique group and two of my illustrators – one of whom is Michael Hale. So, I would say that SCBWI has been extremely helpful in my writing journey.
6. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I appreciate all the support and knowledge I’ve received from SCBWI-AZ and its members. Thank you for this opportunity to talk a little bit about my writing journey.
Instagram: @barbararenner
Facebook: @barbara.f.renner
Twitter/X: @barbararenner
Pinterest: @rennerwrites
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCACt5E_aZAuob-_FREHPDEQ