Interviewed by Peace from Pieces

This interview took place during my Mally Biddle Blog Tour. I’d like to thank the runners of Peace from Pieces again for having me. You’ll notice in the interview that I hadn’t changed the title of my upcoming novel yet. It’s now The Orphan and the Thief.

Tell us a bit about your family.

My big brother started a sustainable vegetable farm a few years ago and I’m one of the workers there. My mom and dad also help tons at the farm. My older sister lives an hour away and is an English Professor.

What is your least favorite quality about yourself?

I fret. I worry over the silliest most pathetic things.

What is your favorite food?

Indian followed by Italian followed by Mexican followed by anything fried followed by…

When and why did you begin writing?

I think people who love to write just find themselves doing it. I remember playing at writing when I was really young. The same is probably true for artists and musicians. If it’s in your blood, you’ll do it. Simple as that.

When did you first know you could be a writer?

Oddly enough it was my mom who suggested the profession. I was busily penning my first novel and telling her all about it when she asked, “Melissa what do you want to do when you grow up?” (I was probably 15 at the time.) I said, “I don’t know.” (And I really didn’t.) She then said, “Why don’t you be a writer?” The question rather blew me away. It had never dawned on me that I could be a writer. But it was so obvious. I haven’t looked back since.

What genre are you most comfortable writing?

Fantasy. It’s always been my favorite genre to read as well as write. It’s my safety blanket.

What inspired you to write your first book?

I wasn’t doing much of anything. I was sitting outside in my backyard, thinking of nothing in particular, when I suddenly wanted to write a story. The main character of the novel popped into my head and it flowed from there. My first book in particular was heavily inspired by the movie adaptation of Peter S. Beagle’s The Last Unicorn. My early childhood WAS that movie.

Who designed the cover?

Ileana Hunter did the artwork. The reference photo was done by Sergiu Cioban.

Can we expect any more books from you in the future?

I hope I’ll always be writing. My third is getting closer to publication and I’ve got a handful of stories that are clamoring to be told. If you visit my blog, I post little glimpses into my future projects.

What are your current writing projects now?

I just finished the first draft of Quest for Milo. It’s now in the hands of my test readers. My editor is going to be getting it this summer. I haven’t yet decided which project (I’ve got a lot of them) will be the next one I’ll focus on, but right now I’m leaning toward one that’s set in a maze. I’m pretty energized about it. It’s going to be … twisted.