Renée Carlino

I write contemporary romance and women’s fiction. I try my best to blend poignancy with purpose while infusing moments of humor. My stories center on the deep connections between character who, through their relationships, unravel truths about themselves and the world around them. I put a strong emphasis on character-driven narratives while exploring themes of love, fate, personal growth, grief, and second chances. My goal is to write stories that can illuminate the transformative power of human connection.

I grew up in San Diego and later moved to Los Angeles for college, where I studied film and worked in the industry. My early storytelling was crafted for the screen, but after having my two sons and spending more time at home, I found myself drawn to the depth and creative freedom of novel writing. I became fascinated by the art of long-form storytelling, driven by a desire to bring the stories in my head to life. My goal has always been to write the kinds of narratives I long to read—stories that resonate with readers but also maybe find a second home on the screen.

From a very young age—before I could even read or write—I was already creating stories in my head. I was deeply immersed in what people called "pretend play," though to me, it often felt entirely real. My imaginary friends were so vivid that I still remember them today.

As I grew older, I enjoyed reading, but I wouldn’t necessarily call myself a voracious reader. What captivated me most was the act of imagining and creating. I wrote stories and poems consistently throughout my childhood, drawn more to the process of storytelling than to consuming books. Don’t get me wrong—I appreciate a good book across many genres—but my true passion has always been in the writing itself.

If I had to choose, I’d want to write like Joan Didion—not just for her sharp, unflinching prose, but for the way she captures the human experience with such quiet, devastating precision. Her writing isn’t just about storytelling, it's about discovery along with many other things. I could go on for days discussing all the reasons why I admire her gifts and appreciate her writing, but I think she sums it up pretty well in this quote...

"I write entirely to find out what I'm thinking, what I'm looking at, what I see and what it means. What I want and what I fear."

— Joan Didion

For me choosing favorite authors is like trying to capture the ocean in a jar. Some authors sweep us away with prose so lyrical it feels like music, while others carve into our souls with the sharp precision of their truth. There are storytellers who build worlds so immersive we lose ourselves in them, and those who hold up a mirror to our own lives. I truly believe the the beauty of literature lies in its infinite shades.

I actually like to gift a copy of the next book I plan to read so we can chat about it later.

Every character I write is shaped by my experiences, the people I’ve known, and the moments that have stayed with me. They are amalgamations of every thing and every one I've encountered. Consciously or not, they inherit bits of my perspective—fragments of conversations, observations, and emotions that have left an impression. A character’s humor might echo a friend’s, their doubts might mirror my own, or their reactions might be shaped by something I've witnessed or something I am scared of.

This is like Sophie's Choice. Impossible. I don't play favorites. ;)

My writing space isn’t exactly the stuff of Pinterest dreams—it’s just a room with a desk. But it is bright, warm, always stocked with coffee. My chair and keyboard are two of my most prized possessions. I'm so used to writing with this old Apple keyboard and Herman Miller chair that I fear when their time is up, I will have to retire. In my space there is always music playing—sometimes instrumental, sometimes not, but always evocative. And then there’s my candle warmer housing a perpetually melting lavender candle that I’m convinced gives me super powers (or at the very least, keeps me from losing my mind).

In bed of course, the OG of book nooks.