Search here...
0
TOP
Interviews

Interview with Marliss Melton

4 Views

Good morning. Today Coffee Time Romance has the pleasure of speaking to Marliss Melton. Welcome Marliss, the readers would love to hear more about you and your fantastic works. Please grab a seat and get comfortable where the coffee is always fresh and hot, and the chairs most comfy.

I just read Don’t Let Go and I have to tell you it is nail-biting. I do not know how you do it, but this story captures the reader and takes them on an incredible ride. I am sure you are asked this many times, but where do you get your ideas to form these likeable characters that really touch upon the reader and leave a lasting impression?

I’m so glad you enjoyed the book, Cherokee. The ideas for my characters mainly come from people I know and places I’ve been. For example, my hero, Solomon, is a mix of my husband and the charming town of Camden, Maine. Camden is where I found my husband’s wedding ring with the inscription You fill my life with magic and grace. Because Solomon is from quaint, romantic Camden, he has a deep romantic streak which he keeps deeply buried. And since Camden is downright frigid and inhospitable in the wintertime, being on the coast of Maine, Solomon is also tough-minded and sometimes cold-hearted. Other heroes of mine have been based on real people, like Pat Tillman, the former NFL player turned Army Ranger who was killed by friendly fire and Marcus Luttrell, the only Navy SEAL to survive the worst disaster in SEAL history.

The emotional heart-tugging feelings with Solomon, for his son, just tore into my heart, not to mention, Jordan and her deepest desires to adopt Miguel. While writing this part in the story, was there something that touched upon in your life that you could draw on that made this part of the story more realistic?

Absolutely. When I was ten years old, my family and I lived in Thailand, where we fostered a baby girl in the hopes of adopting her. She was my heart and joy and I played with her every day. But after six months, we were told that she would be adopted by another family and we were made to leave her behind when my father was transferred back to the United States. This was a heart-breaking experience for me which made it easy for me to convey both Jordan and Solomon’s grief upon being separated from their children. In Don’t Let Go, the secondary love story between Jordan’s widowed sister and FBI agent Rafe Valentino is also a familiar story for me. Like Jillian, I’ve been widowed with young children. Being given a second chance at love is both a terrifying and exhilarating experience.

I noticed that you spoke to a Navy SEALs Commander to help in the making of some of the book. The story is so life-like it practically jumps from the pages. Did you spend many long hours with your research?

Honestly? No. I wrote the story the way I wanted to write it, sent it to this wonderful Navy SEAL commander who tweaked it here or there to make it more realistic (like the language on the helicopter requesting “redirect extremis”). Commander Mark Divine, who owns and operates Navyseals.com, isn’t just a true professional, he’s an incredible human being. I can’t thank him enough for taking the time to offer his expertise.

What do you think makes a good writer?

Can I change the question because I’m not sure if I’m qualified to answer. I’m working on becoming a better writer. What I can do pretty well is to tell a good story. To be a good story teller, you have to have a true sense of who your characters are in order to understand the conflicts between them. Then you need to create and environment that magnifies those conflicts and makes them build to a point of crisis. You then resolve the differences in an emotionally rewarding way so that readers are swept through all the upheaval and distress toward a peaceful and promising resolution. Sounds easy, right?

What time of the day is more productive for you, to do your writing, morning or night?

I’m definitely a morning person, but not too early. I like to write from 8:30 AM – 2:30PM.

How long does it take you to finish a book from start to submission?

It depends on how clearly defined the characters are to me, but it generally takes me 6-8 months to write the initial manuscript. I always say that writing a book is like having a baby. The characters and the general premise have to develop in the womb of the imagination for a while before putting pen to paper.

Do your characters ever wake you up in the middle of the night and insist you write?

When they do, I tell them to shut up and go back to bed. I love to sleep, even more than I love to write. However, you bring up a very important component to my writing that occurs every night before I fall asleep. In that zone between consciousness and unconsciousness, I review what my characters have been doing in my book and I advance forward into scenes I haven’t yet written. Often they appear very clearly to me, and when they do, I’m able to jump onto my computer the next morning and write down what I envisioned the night before.

You have been given a proposal to draft a story on the ultimate wedding, what preparations would you create so the bride will always remember her wedding day?

I pondered this one for a while before I realized that weddings, in my humble opinion, aren’t really for the bride and groom; they’re for everyone else. I believe there is a special moment preceding the actual wedding when two lovers “marry,” and that’s the most magical, unforgettable moment of all. For me, it happened on the island of Bermuda when my future husband and I pledged our eternal love under a moon-gate, where it is said your souls become one if you pass through, holding hands. It was late at night, under a clear and starry sky. I remember the smell of succulent seafood, of chlorine from the pool nearby, and the words of my soul mate promising he’d be mine forever.  The wedding, which came months later, was lovely, but as is so often the case, it came and went in a blur that culminated all my frenzied preparations. My night under the moon-gate, however, I will never forget.

What three words describe you?

Eclectic, compassionate, and blessed.

You are called upon, at a school, to tell those interested in becoming an author, all the ins and outs of good writing skills and getting published. Name three important elements in writing, publishing and promoting that you would give them.

To anyone interested in writing for a living, here is my advice. First, don’t expect to make a lot of money. Write because it’s what you love to do, because you’re “pregnant with book” and you’re going to give birth to a story no matter what. Second, in regards to publishing, my advice is not to let anyone persuade you to give up. One of the most motivating moments for me was when I was told by a well-known publisher that my writing just wasn’t good enough. I realized she was right, so I set about getting better. Also, be patient. It takes a long time to make a name for yourself—about fifteen years longer than you think it will. Finally, in regards to publicity, my advice is to set a modest budget, but write a great story, and let your story sell the book.

You have been given a free vacation trip to, Japan, Antarctica or just sailing the seas for thirty days, which would you choose and why?

I’d have to say Japan because there aren’t any new and interesting people in Antarctica or on that damn sail boat, where I’d get sea sick the moment I saw someone else get sea sick. Japan has a rich history, beautiful architecture, and fascinating cultural values. I’m sure I’d meet people everywhere I went—locals, tourists, even flight attendants—to populate the pages of my books to come.

You wake one morning to find that you have changed identities for a whole week with a famous person, dead or alive. Who would be the famous person and what fun things would you do that week?

That would have to be Oprah Winfrey, who gets to meet all kinds of fascinating people, from celebrities to child prodigies. She’s not afraid to ask them questions, to pry into their lives like I am, because she has the clout to do it. If I were Oprah for a week, I’d get to eat all those delicious, exotic foods cooked by her personal dietician/cook. I’d have millions of dollars to give to charities (which she already does). I’d have a line up of fascinating people to interview and take them out to dinner afterwards—people like Marcus Luttrell, who inspired my book NEXT TO DIE, and child prodigy Aki Anna, who paints visions of God and heaven. I’d probably even recommend another romance for my book club. Which one, you ask? I don’t know. I haven’t read it yet…

Do you have a favorite pizza?

Yep, artichoke. No, joke.

Do you have a favorite dessert that you could eat everyday?

Can I substitute a glass of red wine for dessert? Make it an Australian shiraz, bold and spicy.

Is there a favorite vacation spot that you enjoy visiting?

I love visiting my lake house on Lake Anna. (There’s a photo of it on my website). The house made of lovely red cedar, with a spiral staircase, pine floors, a soaring ceiling, and a loft with acoustics perfect for singing. Every summer I look forward to spending hours boating, sticking my feet in the sand under my umbrella (I burn easily) and watching my children splash around. In the winters, I enjoy a cozy fire and putting together an elaborate jigsaw puzzle. Vacations are all about relaxing, and that’s what I get to do at the lake house. 

Marliss, I cannot thank you enough for this interview. You are a very talented author and I look forward to more of your great works.

Share:

Coffee Time Romance & More

We are your one stop shop for your books and authors on the web since 2004. We bring you book reviews, interviews, contests, events, and more. Thank you for being apart of our favorite things....books & authors!

Read More Posts from Coffee Time Romance & More

«

»

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Follow Me on Instagram

Only days left in our 20th Anniversary Event Win Kindle, a 12-month Kindle Unlimited subscription, or a surprise box of goodies Lots of ways to win! #booklovers #readers #authors #publishers https://bit.ly/CTRmore ...

2 0

Designing the Perfect Romance Cast Register by April 29th and save $5, use code ROMANCECASTKNIGHT2024 at checkout! In this brand-new month-long online class, New York Times bestselling author Angela Knight discusses the importance of creating the perfect cast for the kind of romance you’re trying to write.

A memorable romance cast is more than the sum of its parts. To create an effective book, all the characters – protagonists, antagonists, and minor characters – must work together as a unit. And each must fit the kind of book you’re trying to write. Leatherface of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre does not belong in a Rom Com. Nor do you want minor characters to steal the book.

But how do you create a good cast for this particular book and the audience you’re aiming for?

Angela discusses how to design your heroic couple for each other, along with the minor characters and sidekicks who help make the protagonists three-dimensional.

She’ll also talk antagonists and their henchmen, and how to use them to create tension and excitement.

Next, she’ll explore dialogue, humor and arguments as a way to develop character and conflict.

The result will be a firm foundation for your book so you won’t be flailing in the dark, trying to figure out why the heck your book isn’t working.

Lessons in this month-long online class will be posted on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, students may email scenes to Angela for her private critique and suggestions.
https://bit.ly/AngelaKnightMay2024
...

0 0

Save $$ on #new #erotic #ebooks @changelingPress for authors @harleyWylde #marteekakarland #wandavioleto https://bit.ly/CPsNewRelease ...

5 2

Check out #marteekakarland #hot #MC series #GrimRoad series. Save at #changelingPress #Rocket #Lemon #Bullet These belong on your #keeper shelf

Rocket: My life pretty much took a hard left a year ago when I first met Lemon. She’s wise beyond her years and as abrasive and sarcastic as they come. The second she busts my VP’s balls -- literally -- I know I’d never be able to forget her. A year later I’m still infatuated with the vicious woman. When she runs off to charge hell with a water pistol, I’m right behind her wondering how we’re gonna get out of this one alive. But I have a smile on my face and a determination to give this woman anything she wants. Even if it means some things in my club are going to have to change.

Lemon: Look. This is supposed to be all about how Rocket caught my eye and I decided I wanted him but there were obstacles and… phfffffff… Forget all that. What you need to know is when people are stupid, they need a kick in the… Crap. I’m not supposed to swear here. Grrrrr! Anyway, this is where I come in. Grim Road needs fixing. I’m not exactly qualified to do club… garbage, but Rocket? Yeah. I might have decided I’ll keep him, so… I’m great at whipping people into shape. Grim Road, meet Lemon. See me, love me, MF’ers.

Rocket: Just pass me the beer and popcorn…

Lemon: I’m settling in at Grim Road in my role as vice president. The men test me, but it’s all in good fun. I think I enjoy it as much as they do. Then, out of nowhere, things go horribly sideways. I realize how much weaker I am physically than everyone else in the club. That weakness can be a horrible liability. Yeah. Things are going great. Until they aren’t. I may have bitten off more than I can chew…

Rocket: My little sourpuss is a force to be reckoned with. She takes everything dished out to her and gives it back in spades. She’s my VP, but she’s also my old lady. Sometimes, I need to take care of her. More importantly, she has to let me. That fact is never more apparent than when a small team of roughnecks think she’s a woman from another club.

Watch for Knox....he`s coming
https://www.changelingpress.com/grim-road-mc-s-674
...

3 1

"I wrote a blurb. Now what?" by Kayelle Allen ...

2 1

@angela.knight.7161 has a new series of books that have genetically engineered warriors @changelingpress Sign up for her newsletter https://bit.ly/AngelaKnighteNews so you don`t miss a thing Read a has steamy excerpt #erotic #ebooks https://zc.vg/VbgXT?m=0 ...

0 0

Here`s is a cute Instagram reel about how they filmed the models to do the cover for Karen Widdon`s next release Colton Mountain Search. Thanks Harlequin, love this video! https://www.karenwhiddon.com/books.html☕ ...

2 0

#authors #free #advertising every month Sign up for our SPIFFY newsletter full of goodies & author news https://zc.vg/wRytQ ...

9 0

@changelingpress blog day (8th of each month) Win a $10 GC for ebooks! Winners from this blog event and others are announced in our Newsletter We have a ton of events going on this year and prizes galore! April`s Newsletter https://zc.vg/eeLJw?m=0 Don`t miss a thing and sign up today https://zc.vg/R6Ri6 check Changeling author`s blog posts! https://bit.ly/CTRCPBlog ...

0 0

@changelingpress blog day (8th of each month) Win a $10 GC for ebooks! Winners from this blog event and others are announced in our Newsletter We have a ton of events going on this year and prizes galore! April`s Newsletter https://zc.vg/eeLJw?m=0 Don`t miss a thing and sign up today https://zc.vg/R6Ri6 check Changeling author`s blog posts! https://bit.ly/CTRCPBlog ...

0 0

Shield of Fire - Out Now!
Book 4 : The Relic Hunter Series
code DISCOUNT20 (as written) to get 20% the price!
A new relic hunt. A new evil…

Resident Relic Hunter for Deva’s Fae Council is a title Bethany Aodhán never wanted, but it isn’t like she has a choice. And in truth, the appointment might just aid her quest to find her mother’s murderers—because at least one of those responsible is a member of the council, and getting access to their records could give her the connection and their identity.

But before she can be given her first task or even start her behind-the-scenes hunt, a building belonging to Cynwrig Lùtair—the highborn dark elf who is not only her council liaison but lover—is set alight, and they barely escape with their lives.
www.keriarthur.com
...

1 0

Save $$$ on Changeling Press` new releases. Ghost by @danacask changeling by @shelbymorgen Beast by @marteekakarland Darker by @aknevermore Fox Hounds by @liaconnor Raven`s Song by @angela.knight.7161 Lemon by @marteekakarland Tough Love by @Kirastone Cressida`s Betrayal by @Mikalaash Over Their Heads by @alexwinters and Vicious by @marteekakarland ...

3 0

I`ve got a secret and I haven`t told a I`m pregnant to my deadbeat ex-husband and thousands of dollars in debt.

So when the chance comes up to become an escort with Monstrous Deals, I jump at it. After all, it sounds like my dream job. I wear pretty lingerie, I flirt and serve drinks and the perks are I can play with a whole herd of unicorns if I want to? Sign me up!

I`m in my ho era, OK. Gotta have fun while I can.

Only one of the herd won`t stop watching me. Stirling is big and strong and hung like a horse! During the party he makes my pleasure the main attraction and I`m absolutely swooning.

But when he tells me I`m his bond mate and he wants me to join his herd, I run a mile. I`m not looking for anything serious. Not again. Besides, there`s no way he`ll stick around when he learns my secret.
https://ami0099.wixsite.com/ami-wright/copy-of-ancient-myths-and-monsters
...

7 1

Today on our blog the #changelingpress #authors are sharing their latest releases You can win a gift certificate to @changelingpress for your next book
https://bit.ly/ChangelingBlog
...

12 0

Kissed by the Alien is the second book of the Holiday Heartmates series by Julie K. Cohen.

Lexi is amazing! She’s strong, brave, resourceful, fearless, stubborn and feisty. And she has such a kind and compassionate heart. Even more, I loved her courage, determination and confidence to do the things she does and to face any challenges and hardships thrown her way. Lexi is a wonderful woman and I loved her so, so much!

And Lutan is such an incredible male! He’s brooding, quiet, fearsome and not very fond of Earth. And he’s also honorable, kind and fiercely protective. But the Zyanthan warrior also carries so much guilt and pain inside his heart. Nevertheless, Lutan is amazing and I adored everything about him!

I absolutely loved everything that happened between Lexi and Lutan! While on a mission to track down illegal blasters that keep finding their way on Earth, Lutan captures a male who turns out to be no man at all. I loved those two together! I loved their instantaneous attraction and their chemistry was fantastic. Even more, their banters, bargaining and teasing were so much fun to read. Lexi and Lutan might seem to be on opposite sides of the law, but they fit so well together. I loved how protective Lutan was of Lexi and I adored Lexi for standing her ground and never backing down from challenges and danger. And, yet, both had so many things they needed to deal with. Lutan also really did his best to stay away from Lexi, but fate cannot be denied. And when they couldn’t resist the undeniable need for one another anymore, the passionate moments they shared were so hot! I just love the Zyanthan warriors and all their… extras! Lexi and Lutan were so perfect for each other and, after everything both went through, they deserved to find happiness and love together!

Overall, Kissed by the Alien is another fantastic addition to the series! It’s filled with suspense, danger, action, drama, angst, twists, betrayals, humor, scorching hot passion and magnificent characters.
https://midnightstemptation.wordpress.com/2024/03/07/kissed-by-the-alien-by-julie-k-cohen/
...

2 0

Author AK Nevermore chats with staffer Tory about lude, books, and other things
https://coffeetimeromance.com/interviews/ak-nevermore/
...

0 0

Meet the love Jennifer Snow thru this months interview with Tory https://coffeetimeromance.com/interviews/jennifer-snow/ ...

1 0