Marcie Rendon, author of Sinister Graves
Genre Fiction Category, sponsored by Macalester College
Each week leading up to the 35th annual Minnesota Book Awards, we are featuring exclusive interviews with our finalists. You can also watch the authors in conversation with their fellow category finalists here.
Would you tell us one or two things about your finalist book that you are particularly proud of, and why?
Sinister Graves was inspired many years ago while driving through Idaho and coming upon an isolated graveyard. That my imagination was sparked and the spark burned for years until I could formulate the story that became Sinister Graves is something I am proud of.
What advice would you give to an aspiring writer with an interest in your category?
My advice to aspiring writers is to read as much as you can in your preferred genre and to write, write, write and when you have a ‘finished’ piece, take the risk and submit!
Tell us about a favorite book. Why did you find it moving, influential, or otherwise memorable?
The book that I return to often is Victor Frankl’s book, Man’s Search for Meaning. I find his concept of ‘purposeful work, love and courage in the face of difficulty’ inspiring.
Tell us something about yourself that is not widely known.
On my road to becoming a distinguished artist, I once won a dance contest where first prize was a meatloaf dinner at the Chef’s Cafe on Franklin Avenue.
The Minnesota Book Awards is a celebration of writers, readers – and libraries. We’d love if you would share thoughts about the role and value of libraries.
I grew up in rural, northern Minnesota and my access to books was the Bookmobile. Saved my life!
Marcie Rendon is an enrolled member of the White Earth Anishinaabe Nation. She is the author of several books, and a recipient of the Loft’s Inroads Writers of Color Award for Native Americans as well as the 2020 McKnight Distinguished Artist Award.