What do you get when you combine 1970s iterations of ancient Greek goddesses, a Californian College, and just a little bit of murder? You get Death by Chaos.
Four remarkable-in-her-own-unique-way young women become roommates at the fictional Parnassus Canyon University in Southern California. Each is modeled after a goddess of ancient Greek fame; Hera, Athena Eris and Aphrodite. Naturally, when you put four spitfires together, something’s going to spark. A book about their capers and ride-or-die camaraderie glows with secrets, sensation and sass.
The author who created these memorable characters, known to her readers as Renaii West, is somewhat of a memorable character herself in her own eminently readable life story; it has been full of both humorous anecdotes and poignant vignettes, moments of triumph and moments of tremendous pain. Talking to her about her book wasn’t an opportunity to pass up! Read our review of Death by Chaos here, find out more about Renaii here, and you can purchase the book here.
Q: Why did you write this book?
A: I have been writing and performing most of my life, and when the COVID pandemic lockdown began I was determined to be creative and productive and have something to show for it. Greek Mythology has always been a passion of mine and I especially enjoyed the antics of the female deities. But I also noticed that while each goddess had admirable qualities, they often did not get along, and their competitive and combative nature resulted in chaos and tragedy. I thought it would be fun to create four modern goddesses, but instead of them being adversaries, they would epitomize female empowerment and friendship.
Q: Tasha, Elizabeth, Dawn and Miranda were the undisputed goddesses of their Southern California liberal arts college with distinct talents, beauty, and accomplishments. Why are they so much fun to follow?
A: They are young, adventurous, vivacious, witty and willing to embrace the challenges and new opportunities that the 1970s are offering young women for the first time. While they may be highly accomplished and a bit larger than life, they are also very relatable in that they are flawed; they employ saucy language, make some dubious decisions in their romantic lives, and at times, get on each other’s nerves. The twists and turns of their journey do not derail them or destroy their deep friendship, but bring out the best qualities in each woman. In the beginning and at the end, their bond creates a strong sense of serenity and security that sees them through the rough times.
Q: Tell us about the venue: the college. Why and how is it different from your average university?
A: The fictitious college in Death by Chaos resembles my own college, which was in the Pacific Northwest. It was a small liberal arts institution, where most students were full-time, between the ages of 18 and 22 and living on campus. Interacting with dormmates and attending sporting events and other on-campus activities were the foundation of our social lives; and for good or for bad, it created a small-town environment where everyone seemed to know a great deal about each other. Many colleges in the United States have a larger and more diverse student population and are in urban college towns. The students socialize at off-campus venues and their social network exceeds the college environment.
Q: We write of what we know; how were your college days like theirs?
A: I have joked that nobody died during my tenure! However, as with my characters, I did attend college during the early 1970s and became active in the second wave of feminism, participated in theatrical productions and student government, was a cheerleader, attended games, dated a variety of guys, had many profound conversations in the dorm bathroom and enjoyed getting to know people from different backgrounds with different views of life. During my senior year, I experienced my own speed bump when late one evening, during a run around the football practice field, I was sexually assaulted by a total stranger. That moment did destroy my sense of innocence but also made me realize how resilient and strong I can be.
Q: The book has been called “not your typical mystery.” Please explain what you think was meant by that?
A: The big question in this novel is not who did it and why; readers will know all the facts early in the story. The question is how long the secrets surrounding the sudden death can be kept, or if they should be kept at all, and what will be the consequences for all once the truth is revealed. Making things more complicated for the goddesses is the arrival of a handsome stranger on a motorcycle who seems to know more than he should. The new questions are: Who is he really? Can he be trusted? What is his agenda? There is a lot to be considered.
Q: Are there any themes you are trying to convey to readers?
A: I am hoping the readers will appreciate the beauty and power of female friendship and recognize how diverse backgrounds, attitudes, skills and characteristics can be enriching with a community. Everyone has something unique and beneficial to bring to the table. I also hope readers will understand that unexpected events or twists and turns do not need to derail a person permanently. Not all paths are destined to be eternal and there is always a new, alternative path that is available. Sometimes the leap to a new path can be difficult, but it is always possible
Q: What is your next project?
A: I am currently working on my second novel, which hopefully will be available early next year. As with Death by Chaos, I am relying on characters that are a little larger than life, a bit quirky, and somehow can’t seem to stay away from suspicious deaths and feel the need to resolve the mysteries. This small, tight group of friends, which will include men this time, will be a collection of bohemian belly dancers, jugglers and fire performers who can be found at Renaissance Faires and other alternative settings.
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About Renaii West:
Renaii West has been writing and performing from an early age. After earning her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, she became the Dramatic Arts instructor in a performing arts program, where she wrote and directed many of her own productions. Desiring to expand her creative wings, she is now creating fun-loving and sometimes quirky characters who inadvertently find themselves in the middle of a mystery and must use their wits and cunningness to solve the case. Her passions and hobbies include mythology, classic films, travel, belly dancing, yoga, jigsaw puzzles, and of course, mysteries.
