Rien Gray is a queer, nonbinary (they/them) author devoted to writing F/F and F/NB romance. They love reworking classic tropes in new ways and adding a splash of heat to all of their works. Rien started as a poet but now shifts between short fiction and longer prose, although the subject matter is always about how love transforms us. They live in Ireland.
Harlequin: Tell us about yourself. Our readers want to know!
Rien Gray: I’m a queer, nonbinary (they/them) author and I just turned thirty. I was born in the United States, but I live and work in Dublin, Ireland. My port of call is actually writing for video games rather than books, but I’ve wanted to be a published author since I was twelve, and that desire has finally found a home.
H: Why did you want to become a romance writer?
RG: The women in my life have always been deeply invested in romances. For my mother, it was romcoms, and my stepmother tore through romance novels on a weekly basis. The first ones I read were ones she finished and left in the back of the car. As a queer person, stories with a strong romantic bent were the first time I saw LGBTQ+ folks treated as fully realized people in media – and the HEA! That guarantee is not only a source of joy for me, but of safety. I wanted to tell the same kind of stories that gave me a lifeboat when I was growing up.
H: What were the major steps in your journey to becoming a published author?
RG: About two years ago, I was suffering severe burnout from my previous job in the games industry, and decided I would write something just for myself. I’d technically finished novels before, but they hadn’t really gone anywhere. By writing something indulgent, I tapped into what I really wanted to do, and the resulting manuscript was my debut, a romantic suspense (Love Kills Twice). From there, it seemed like the floodgates opened. I’ve contracted two novellas, my novel with Harlequin, and sold a pair of short stories, all in the last year.
H: What one piece of advice would you offer aspiring writers?
RG: Spend time with other writers! I’ve learned so much exchanging stories with friends that have completely different genres, styles, and so forth. It’s valuable to have as many perspectives on writing as possible so you can find the path that works for you.
H: What did you do when you got the call from Harlequin?
RG: I did what I do when I receive most good news these days: I promptly got up from my laptop, walked several laps around my apartment to vent the sudden excess of excited energy, then sat back down to make sure the request was still real. Thankfully, it was.
Now let’s hear from Rien’s editor Stephanie Doig:
We’re thrilled to have Rien on board with Carina—HER WOLF IN THE WILD caught our attention right away with a high-stakes story and deep, heartfelt emotion. Welcome, Rien!
Stephanie Doig, Editor, Carina Press
Look for Her Wolf in the Wild by Rien Gray from Carina Press later this year! And read more I Got the Call stories at our archive!
One reply on “I Got the Call! Meet New Carina Press Author Rien Gray”
Rien! That is so great! Congratulations on this amazing accomplishment. I’ve added your book to my TBR list (so many good books, so little time…). Write another one, quick!
Comments ( 7 )
I spent the entire shutdown working. Had no time to wind down. I didn’t see my son much when school shutdown. My one co worker was told to stay home for 3 weeks so I picked up her hours. This year has been really crappy.
Ugh, Janell. Here’s hoping the rest of your summer is better.
Thanks for the info, Carol! Everyone is different in how they deal with the shutdown! I stay at home all the time since I don’t work so I haven’t been too effected but my shopping and errands sure have been effected!
Valri, I’ve been doing most of my shopping online. My local Target is still low on some items – mostly cleaning supplies. Grocery store is pretty much back to normal. Most of the dining in our town is outdoor. I can’t imagine have school-age kids!
Wow–getting your creative process on track must have been daunting–especially with “extra-large dog” glad to have you home. You don’t like coffee–I love coffee and have enjoyed my fortifying 2 cups in the morning even more than usual! How as COVID affected your story lines and characterizations? Best Wishes for all releases!
Interesting question, Virginia. You’ll have to tell me if the tone of my “COVID” books changed any! LOL
Life has changed so much! My dad passed Feb 2. The assisted living facility my folks were at went into hardcore lockdown the beginning of March. Mom couldn’t leave her apartment for 4 months! She was on the third floor, Will be 89 in two months & doesn’t use the phone. My husband and I remodeled the lower level completely and moved her in with us July 1. What a life change and difficult transition for the 3 of us! But we’re working thru it!