Describe your book in five words or less.
Emotional exploration of secrets, friendship, & love. (Does “&” count as a word? Lol)
How did the ideas for your books come to you?
The ideas for my books come to me in different ways. Megan’s Way, for example, grew from an event that happened with my mother years ago, while the idea for my second book, Chasing Amanda (released this month in paperback), came to me while jogging down a very creepy road and letting my mind wander to the scarier side of our world. My mind is always taking bits and pieces of thoughts and things that I see, and weaving them into fictional stories. Some of those thoughts stick, while others are merely to distract me at the moment.
What is the hardest part of writing for you? What's the easiest?
I find the most difficult aspect of writing to be editing. When I read my own work, I tend to see the story in my head rather than the words on the paper, so it’s easy for me to miss errors.
The easiest part of writing—and the part that I find the most exciting—is the meeting and creating of the characters, and figuring out the storyline. It never fails to amaze me how much joy writing brings to my life. I look forward to finding out what happens next with my stories, probably just as much as my readers do.
What's next for you? Are you currently working on or have plans for future projects?
I have few exciting projects on the horizon. Megan’s Way is currently being adapted for film. Casting began in May, and we hope to begin filming later in the summer. I’m also almost finished with my third manuscript, Come Back to Me (working title), an international love story/tragedy. I’ve also begun writing a young adult novel, Shades of Gray, which has thrown me (mentally) back into being a teenager, and is surprisingly fun to write.
Why did you choose to write for specific genre?
You might have noticed that I don’t choose to write for specific genres. Megan’s Way is literary fiction, while Chasing Amanda is mystery with a women’s fictions slant. Come Back to Me is probably going to fall into either general commercial fiction or women’s fiction, and Shades of Gray is young adult/women’s fiction crossover. I write what comes to me. I tend not to follow the typical path of writers who find their nitch and stick with it. I find my stories and stick with them.
What's it like hearing that readers are eagerly awaiting your book's release date?
I’m surprised every time I hear that. It’s such a thrill to know people are enjoying my writing. I’ve said it before, and I truly feel this way; handing a book to the public is like standing on a street corner naked. You never know if readers will throw tomatoes at you or whistle. I much prefer the whistles.
What is one question that you've always wanted to be asked in an interview? How would you answer that question?
That’s a really difficult question. I’m usually asked about The Women’s Nest, the social and support community for women that I founded, and my writing, of course. Let’s go with something fun! I’ve never been asked what my favorite meal is. I’ve got a wicked sweet tooth, so skip the conventional dinner and bring on the tiramisu or a thick, fudgy brownie with mint chocolate chip ice cream from Baskin and Robbins with whipped cream from a can (yes, I prefer that to the real whipped cream) and chocolate jimmies. Hold the nuts and cherry, please.
I would like to say thank you again. Those were very thought-provoking questions, and I thoroughly enjoyed answering them. Thank you for hosting me on your site.
I’d like to let your readers know that I have a Kindle giveaway promotion going on all summer, and it’s very easy to enter. For details, please see my website
One of the most fun things about being an author is chatting with readers and meeting with book clubs. I’d be happy to answer questions, and welcome friendly emails. Thinkhappygirl (at) yahoo (dot) com.
------
Author Bio
Melissa Foster is the author of two novels, Megan’s Way and Chasing Amanda. She is the founder of the Women’s Nest, a social and support community for women, and is currently collaborating with Director Wendy Crouse, Dream Real Pictures, in the film production of Megan’s Way. Melissa has written a column featured in Women Business Owners Magazine, and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa is currently working on her next novel, and lives in Maryland with her family. Melissa's interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping women see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape Cod.
Member: Maryland Writers' Association
Please leave a comment on this post in appreciation of the author.
Can you share with us the subject matter of the new book you are working on? Thanks, Rae
ReplyDeleteBest O' Books
Hi, Rae,
ReplyDeleteI'd be happy to. It's an international love story/tragedy. here's a brief summary:
Coming Soon: Come Back to Me (working title)
Tess Johnson has it all, Beau, her handsome photographer husband, a thriving business, and a newly discovered pregnancy. When Beau accepts an overseas photography assignment, Tess decides to wait to reveal her secret—only she’s never given the chance. Beau’s helicopter crashes in the desert.
As Tess struggles to put her life back together and deal with the pregnancy she can no longer hide, a new client appears, offering more than just a new project.
Meanwhile, two Iraqi women who are fleeing Honor Killings find Beau alive in the middle of the desert, his body ravaged. Suha, a doctor, and Samira, a widow and mother of three young children, nurse him back to health in a makeshift tent. Beau bonds with the women and children, and together, with the help of an underground organization, they continue their dangerous escape.
What happens next is a test of loyalties, strength, and love.
BTW, Rae,
ReplyDeleteIf you'd like to chat about my books, feel free to email me, too. thinkhappygirl (at) yahoo
Thanks for the interesting post. Melissa is very talented!
ReplyDeleteI'm a new follower from the OVER 40 hop!
Have a great weekend!
Hope you can hop by and visit!
http://stylendecordeals.blogspot.com/
Thanks for your interesting interviews ...
ReplyDeleteMegan's way grabbed my attention right from the beginning and held to the end. This is one of those books you can't put down. I enjoyed it completely. It took me through the entire emotional spectrum. Melissa Foster hit the mark with her first novel.
ReplyDelete