Renée Hodges made a friend in the radiation center waiting room during a skirmish with breast cancer who inspired her to write a short story and that reignited her love for writing. With her three children out of the nest, she’s concentrated on completing her first two novels, Ona Mae’s Deli and Bait Shop and Caragin Farm. For down time, she and her husband enjoy traveling, having friends over, and hanging out in their easy pants watching cop shows and cooking competitions.