Melissa Kate is a new author who lives in a small town along the coast in sunny South Africa. She writes for the pleasure of living in a new story and all the quirks and crazies that go with each character. A true romantic at heart, she loves the moment of falling in love. Her pet Beagle and maniacal lovebird keep her company while writing and often inspire senseless moments in her stories.
When she’s not furiously typing away on her laptop, Melissa can be found cooking or baking up a storm. Even she has to admit, she’s a pretty awesome chef. She has a small addiction with shoes which she attributes to her petite stature or as she likes to call it “Short girl problems”.
She balances her day job and conjuring up new romantic tales with a local personal blog with arb ramblings about her life in Durban. She’s been writing for years now, any bits that she can and she can't wait to share that with you!
http://www.melissakatebooks.com/
https://twitter.com/MelissaKate_1
https://www.facebook.com/melissakatebooks
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Do you plan everything or just let the story flow?
I always start out with a basic plot idea so I can see the bigger picture. Individual scenes flow in the direction the characters take them, with a little corralling from myself of course. If I get an idea for a scene then I tend to jot it down on a post it and stick it in my plot book. It works like a charm because you often forget “grand” ideas that you get while driving or in the shower.
Do your characters ever want to take over the story?
All the time! Particularly the hero when he wants the heroine but there’s a pace that needs to be set. The build up is what makes a good read.
What is your favourite food?
I love most spicy food but Portuguese is my favourite!
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Definitely morning person.
Where do you dream of travelling to and why?
I love going to places with rich culture. My idea of a holiday is not sitting on a beach and roasting. I much prefer adventure and learning about other ideologies. I have wanted to see Dubai, Thailand, Bali… all of which I have visited in the last year. Greece and Italy are other destinations that are on my Bucket List
Do distant places feature in your books?
Technically yes because I am from South Africa and the home base in my books are in America. But nothing completely set in an exotic destination just yet – it’s still early days.
Do you listen to music while writing?
I listen to music before I start writing – it helps to put me in the mood or give me inspiration but I can’t work with ANY sort of background noises. I need the dead silence to hear my characters voices.
Could you tell us a bit about your latest release?
This story is about Adam and Audrey who shared the latter part of their adolescence as neighbors. Adam is the quintessential playboy and Audrey is very much the girl next door. She’s liked him from afar and so gives herself up to him one night before she goes off to college. A misunderstanding between them leads Audrey out of Crystal Valley for years and when she returns, divorced and alone, the years apart force them together. Just as they start to find common ground again, Audrey’s past comes back to haunt her in a deadly way.
What have you learned about writing and publishing since you first started?
Wow so much! Getting published and seeing my name in print was just a pipe dream for so long. When you get rejected as much as I did, you can’t help but feel that you’re just not cut out for it. Misty from Fiery Seas Publishing gave me a chance and she changed my life. There is so much that goes into the process: Line edits, copy edits, marketing. I need an assistant just to keep me straight!
Is there anything you would do differently?
I believe everything happens for a reason and life events brought me right to this moment. I wouldn’t change anything.
Who, or what, if anything has influenced your writing?
I grew up reading Sweet Valley High and since then I feel in love with books. My writing journey I could say was influenced by Rachel Gibson who was my very first favorite romance writer. She writes with humor and heat and everything in between.
Anything you would say to those just starting out in the craft?
Don’t give up. It’s not an easy road but it’s worth it. Put in the effort. Nothing in life is given to you for free. Work for it and your labors will come to fruition.
What are three words that describe you?
Loyal, drama-queen (that’s one word right?), Fierce
What's your favorite book or who is your favorite writer?
Way too many favorite books but my favorite authors are Jill Shalvis, Lauren Layne and Marina Adair.
List of previous books if any
None yet but there are a few upcoming books.
Any websites/places readers can find you on the web?
You can also catch me at:
Website: www.melisskatebooks.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/melissakatebooks
Twitter: www.twitter.com/melissakate_1
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/melissakate_1
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/melissakate1
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Melissa Kate
Contemporary Romance
Fiery Seas Publishing, LLC
May 24, 2016
Book Description:
Audrey Kelly finds her way back home to Crystal Valley with her bruised pride and a shattered dangerous past mocking her rear view mirror. What she didn’t expect was to be face-to-face with Adam Parker, resident bad boy, sexy Navy SEAL and one of the reasons that Audrey ran all those years ago.
Audrey was the last person Adam had ever expected to see back in Crystal Valley. Over a decade ago, they shared a sizzling night together before he received the worst news of his life and he hasn’t seen her since…until she’d moved back unexpectedly. She was no longer the sweet innocent girl he once remembered, but Adam has his own problems without having to deal with Audrey’s ice princess recital, no matter how tempting the auburn haired seductress may be.
Sparks begin to ignite between them but can they accept Audrey’s past when it threatens to engage them in a dangerous twist? Can they save each other from themselves and stop running once and for all?
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Giveaway:
5 ebook copies
2 print copies(US only)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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