**Author Peek** Interview with Melissa McClone
**AUTHOR PEEK** Interview with
MELISSA McCLONE
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INTRODUCING…MELISSA.
Before we get started talking about your writing, tell us a little about yourself, where you’re from, what you do for a living (if you’re not a full-time writer) what hobbies you have, etc. Whatever you’d like to share to introduce yourself.
Hi! It’s so good to be back on your blog, Karen. About me? Let’s see…I live in the Pacific Northwest. Yes, it’s raining right now! I’m a writer and mom of many two-legged and four legged kiddos. I foster senior cats for a no-kill animal shelter and spend a lot of my time driving kids to various practices and places. My kids say I’m a crazy cat lady and a swim mom. I wouldn’t disagree with them! I enjoy reading, love Star Wars, and am trying to get back in shape so I can keep up with the family this summer.
1. What appeals to you about the genre that you write?
I love happy endings. It doesn’t matter if Im reading a book, writing one or watching a movie, the payoff for me is that happy ending! With Picture Perfect Love, I’m entering a new-to-me romance genre—Christian romance. There’s still a happy journey, and the story is similar to the sweet romances I’ve written before, but with the addition of a faith journey.
2. Are you a plotter or a pantser (one who writes “by the seat of your pants”)?
Plotter, no question about it. I have various forms/charts I’ve found and created over the years to keep me on track. I also write the last chapter after I write the first three. I must know where the story is going or I flounder.
3. What is your favorite part of writing?
Rewriting! Staring at a blank page can be intimidating. My first drafts are really bad, but I can get the story down and figure out the characters. The good stuff happens when I’m rewriting and doing revisions!
4. If you had to give up writing and do something else, what would you do instead?
It would have to be something creative. I love crafting, but not sure I could make any money at that. I do love making prize packages to give away on my Facebook page and more than one reader has told me I could make a living doing it so maybe I’d try that!
5. What’s your favorite meal of the day?
I’d say breakfast, and I’ll add that it’s my favorite meal to eat out!
6. Which are your favorite characters to write, the female characters or the male characters? Why?
I love writing male characters. Men are fascinating and writing one is a way to get into their heads. Plus I enjoy researching my guy characters. I’ve interviewed mountain climbers and rescuers, an internet dating site founder, police officers, firemen, farmers, hi-tech executives, venture capitalists, and many others. So much fun and educational!
7. If you had a superpower, what would it be, and how would you use it?
I’d want to be invisible so I could do in-depth research (and eavesdropping on conversations) for my stories.
8. Many writers dream of having the ideal location to write. If you could live anywhere in the world or live a particular lifestyle, where would you be answering these questions right now?
I’d be living in a log cabin near Bend, Oregon with a view of Ponderosa pines and snow-capped peaks out my window.
9. Do you have any rejection stories to share? Reviews that meant something special to you?
I’ve been very fortunate when it comes to rejections since I sold my first manuscript back in 1997. The books rejected before that point weren’t ready for publication and deserved to be rejected, but with each rejection letter, I learned something that helped make me a better writer.
10. Tell us about your next book & when is it being published?
Well, Picture Perfect Love goes on sale tomorrow, and I have a Harlequin Special Edition titled His Proposal, Their Forever that comes out on July 1st.
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Links to Melissa’s website, blog, books, etc.
Website: http://www.melissamcclone.com
Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/melissamcclo...
Twitter: @melissamcclone
Amazon Kindle:
http://www.amazon.com/Picture-Perfect...
BN NOOK:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pictu...
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BE SURE TO COME BACK to read more about Melissa, her release, and an excerpt from PICTURE PERFECT LOVE on Wednesday’s Karen’s Killer Book Bench. Happy Reading!
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**SPECIAL GIVEAWAY**: Melissa is giving away a prize pack that contains a $10 Amazon gift card, a Picture Perfect Love magnet, Ghirardelli chocolate bar and bookmarks to one lucky reader who answers the following question on her *Author Peek* Interview or Karen’s Killer Book Bench blogs. QUESTION: HAVE YOU EVER FOUND IT DIFFICULT TO FORGIVE SOMEONE WHO WRONGED YOU IN THE PAST? Don’t miss the chance to read this book! Thanks, Melissa, for sharing your story with us!
