Author Interview - Melissa Keir

Author Interview - Melissa Keir 

Melissa: Thank you Emily for having me on your blog. My latest book “Three’s a Crowd” releases this Friday on all major ebook retailers. I’m excited to share this sequel with you!

Emily: Melissa, it is a great pleasure having you here today. Let's start with some questions before we move on to more details about your book coming out tomorrow. Please tell our readers, how would you describe yourself?

Melissa: I always describe myself as introverted and shy but caring and silly. As a teacher, I have a way with children and love being around them. I also have a passion for animals and love to spend time in nature or with my small fur babies!

Emily: When did you start writing?

Melissa: I started writing when I was younger. We had typing class. I know that ages me! But we had to type for a set period of time and I would write stories about the students in the class. Most of the stories were horror stories with a touch of romance. After all, how many times can you begin a story with “It was a dark and stormy night”?

Emily: What genre do you write and why?

Melissa: I write contemporary romances that are short and sexy. I love that ebooks allow readers to read books anywhere including the soccer field or the subway. I want my stories to be ones that readers enjoy picking up when they have a moment to read, even with their smart phones! 

Emily: What other genres would you like to try, which you haven’t done before?

Melissa: I love so many different genres. I’d love to try my hand at paranormal or maybe back at some of the romantic suspense. There’s nothing like a hot man in uniform who can save the day! 

Emily: When do you usually write and where? Do you have a certain place or writing cave? 

Melissa: I love to write in my bed while curled up with my doggies. Luckily for me, my laptop goes with me everywhere. Just this past month, I have created a small office for myself in my guest room. I’m looking forward to having a place of my own, but it isn’t as comfortable as bed! 

Emily: Where does your inspiration come from? 

Melissa: I love to watch people. There are so many interesting things that go on around us that make for great stories. I also pull information from my past and my family. For example in "Three’s a Crowd", Lissa’s son is injured. I used my own feelings when my son was injured from a fall to help me write that part of the story. I believe that it helps draw my readers into the story. 

Emily: How do you deal with bad reviews?

Melissa: Bad reviews are a part of life. They sting quite a bit. I’m not going to lie about that. But the best thing to do is to use them to motivate you keep writing. I know I’m not going to please everyone but to engage in a debate about a review is only asking for trouble. 

Emily: Do you prefer writing series or stand alone books? 

Melissa: I love writing series books. They are also the books I love to read. After all, when you have fallen in love with a character, you don’t want your romance to end! I feel that way with my books. I want to return to the town, setting, character or family! 

Emily: Do you plan your book carefully before you start writing or do you let yourself go and see where the story takes you? 

Melissa: I usually have some idea about the storyline but let the characters and the story take over for me and tell it for themselves. Sometimes they surprise me. :) 

Emily: Tell us something that might surprise our readers. 

Melissa: When I was growing up, we had nine cats, a dog, rabbits and chickens. We didn’t live on a farm but having so many opportunities to care for animals taught me about patience, love, and life and death. One time my dad had the chickens butchered and fed them to us. He told us while we were eating! I gave up chicken and turkey for approximately fifteen years!

Emily: Thank you, Melissa, for stopping by. I wish you great success with all your future books! 

"Three’s a Crowd" - releases tomorrow, May 17, on all major ebook retailers

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book blurb:

Single mother Lissa Vincent found her soul mate in her best friend’s ex-husband. Alex Hunter couldn’t believe his fortune when his ex-wife told him her best friend was available. After divorce, finding love again could be a challenge but it appeared Alex and Lissa had gotten lucky. Yet as they start their lives as newlyweds, Alex and Lissa don’t realize just how difficult it might be to blend a family.

When Alex’s ex new marriage begins to unravel, she sets her sights again on Alex. Does Alex still have feelings for the mother of his child? Will Lissa keep her best friend or lose her husband?

Fairytales promise a happily-ever-after. But what really happens after the after.

Excerpt:

Sipping a glass of ice water while I waited, I looked forward to seeing Chloe. We’d been co-workers and friends for years.

When Chloe walks in, I watch as all the men’s heads turn to stare as she approached our table. Her beauty always drew gazes and left me feeling like a weed planted next to a stunning flower.

After Chloe and I make a bit of small talk and order, I ask the question I’ve been dying to ask since I ended our phone call. “What is going on, Chloe? What can I do to help?”

“Mike’s quit his job at the college and decided to open his own catering business and the stress of having no money coming in is taking its toll on us. All we do is fight. I can’t stand that I have no say in how our money is spent. Would you believe he bought a delivery truck for his business but hasn’t even gotten the brakes fixed on my car?”

“I’m sorry, Chloe. What does Mike say when you talk to him about this?”

“He really doesn’t understand. He has stars in his eyes about what the future holds and can’t see what’s happening right in front of his face. My salary is the only thing paying the bills. With the way Mike’s spending money, it’s going out as fast as it’s coming in. You know, Lissa. You’re so lucky to have Alex. He’s a wonderful provider. What I wouldn’t give to have him back in my life.”

Ouch. Chloe’s words hurt. I knew Alex was a wonderful husband, but he was mine now. Was she really indicating she wanted him back?

“Alex is a fabulous husband, father, and friend. I’m lucky to be his wife.” Needing to establish my territory, I made sure to point out Alex was mine.

“Yes, he is. I’d give anything to have him back. Just to make it clear, if you ever hurt him or let him go, I’m going to be right there to pick up the pieces. After all, we have a child together. We’ll always be in each other’s lives.”

“Well, Alex is very happy and I’ll do anything to keep him that way.”

    The rest of lunch passed in a blur. I couldn’t keep my mind off her ultimatum. Maybe Chloe was just reacting to all the problems in her own marriage by lashing out at me. I was willing to give her the benefit of doubt. However, all I wanted to do was to escape the original lunch from hell and get home to Alex to reassure myself of his love. For me.

Melissa has seven different books available. Her book “A Christmas Accident” won third place in the Short Fiction Writer’s Guild awards. Her covers and first chapters have been up for best of the month on various websites. In addition, she was nominated as Best New Author of 2012 at Sizzling Hot Book Reviews.

Author contact links:

Website: www.melissakeir.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/melissaakeir

Fb fan page: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorMelissaKeir

Twitter: www.twitter/melissa_keir

Buy links for the books:

All Romance Ebooks: https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-three039sacrowd-1185386-148.html

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Keir/e/B0078TCJX2/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/melissa-keir?store=allproducts&keyword=melissa+keir