Author Spotlight/Interview/Giveaway: Melissa Wright

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Melissa Wright is the author of the Frey Saga and Bound by Prophecy. She is currently working on book two of the Descendants Series, and when she is not writing she can be found on Goodreads and Pinterest! Since Melissa lives in such a small town, she prefers to be the author being the author behind the curtain writing me my Oz in secrecy. She has provided us with some cute pictures of her pets, a beautiful landscape nearby her home, and two beautiful paintings Melissa did of her doggies back in 2005!

Bound by Prophecy
  Twenty-two-year-old Aern is done watching his brother destroy the only thing that matters. He never wanted to take Morgan’s place among council, never wanted to rule their hidden world. But when the key to the prophecy is found, a young girl named Brianna whom Morgan will destroy, Aern knows he has to take action.
  What he really wants, is for things to go back to normal. But now he’s kidnapped a girl, and his brother’s men are after him. His only hope is to join with the Division, but they have plans of their own, and it’s the last thing Aern is willing to do.
  Emily just wants her sister back. She doesn't care about the prophecy, or realize what’s at stake. But when she goes after Aern, the truth of the matter uncoils, and Brianna isn't the only one who’s in danger.
  Suddenly, they’re at the center of a secret war, and unless they can work together, they’ll both have a sacrifice too big to make.

Book One in the Descendants Series - Available Now
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Read the first chapter free

Melissa, can you please share with us a little about yourself

I live in a quiet Midwest town, where most people don’t even know about my secret obsession with books. I love the outdoors, warm weather, and have a soft spot for pretty much any baby animal (even the nasty ones).

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Actually, before I wrote my first novel it had never crossed my mind. I come from a family of creative types, so there were a few writers around, but I was mostly interested in painting and drawing. I wrote Frey on a bit of a whim, just another creative outlet, and I was as surprised as anyone when I finished and had an actual book. It wasn't until midway through the rest of the series that I knew this was something I couldn't live without.

Can you share with us your typical writing day.  Is there anything you have to have while writing?

My time is very limited right now, so a typical writing “day” is only a few hours long. I usually have a (digital) list of notes that includes scenes or ideas that came to me during the day, so my iPhone is propped beside a wireless keyboard (I fidget a lot and hate those stupid cables), as well as at least one bottle of water. I don’t know why writing makes me thirsty, but I can go through a half dozen drinks on a good day, which is why I switched to water. Aside from that, all I really need is silence and solitude. But those are a lot harder to come by than water.

Most challenging or rewarding part of writing?

The most challenging is probably having the patience and/or stamina to get through the “middle” of the book. It’s always so much fun to create the first chapters because you’re inspired and it’s all new, and the end stretch is awesome because you know you’re almost there and you can’t wait to share it with the world. But those months in between can get pretty tough. Sometimes it just feels like you’ll never make it. This probably isn’t my normal answer to this question, but that time is still fresh in my mind. But once the book is off to the editor, you completely forget those days of doubt and it’s all reward.

Can you please tell us about your latest book?

I just released a short story I’d been working on while writing the Frey Saga. I have a terrible tendency to get carried away with an idea for a new book while I’m in the middle writing. Usually I make as many notes on the story as possible (characters, settings, dialog) so I can come back to it later, but sometimes the best thing to do is run with it. That’s how A Vision for the Future came about, and I only recently had the chance to edit and publish the result.

How did you come with the idea for this story?

This was another story that attacked me while I was writing the Frey Saga. I’d been toying with Frey’s ability to control others and kept returning to the idea of how much fun a power like that would be in the current world. I made some notes and finished up Rise of the Seven with the intention of working on an entirely different project, but this one wouldn’t stop nagging at me. Aern simply had to be written.

Can you share with us your current work in progress?

Right now, I’m working on the second book in the Descendants Series, which focuses on Brianna. This one picks up two weeks after Bound ends, and will continue Aern and Emily’s story as well as add some new details about the ancients, their powers, and what’s in store for Council and the Division.

Who are some of your favorite authors?

Ahh, there are so many. I’m reading a lot of Molly Harper lately, and Kevin Hearne. They both have a great sense of humor and excellent pacing. I fell in love with the Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater, so I’m looking forward to trying some more of her books. I also love the classics, Jane Austen and the like. And I’m always reading something by RK Ryals.

Do you feel that any of your favorite authors have inspired your writing style?

Absolutely. I think to some extent, it’s impossible not to be influenced by everything you read, but a great story will inspire you beyond that. I love a book that wraps you up in a character, that makes you forget the world outside of the pages. My favorite stories are character-driven, and I find that it’s the part I focus on, and the most enjoyable part of creating. I think that’s why I prefer the first person point of view. I like a book that’s easy to read, that’s fun to read, and I like to be in the main character’s head… so that’s what I strive for when writing.

Open your book to a random page and please reads us a few lines.

She huffed. Crossed her arms. “I’m not doing it. It’s stupid.”

I held the flashlight again to her face and shrugged. “There’s no other way. If you’re afraid—”

She suddenly came at me, or at least that was what I thought was happening, and I jumped back. But she shoved past me and climbed onto the concrete half wall surrounding the garage.

“Emily, wait.”

But it was too late, I was talking to air.

What is in your To Read Pile that you are dying to start or upcoming release you can’t wait for?

My To Read Pile is massive. It’s also widespread. I have ebooks on my phone and tablet, paperbacks scattered around the house and car, and audiobooks filling up my mp3 player. And still, there are books I plan on buying the moment they are out. I’m very much looking forward to the sixth book in the Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne and Dreams of Gods & Monsters by Laini Taylor. And many, many more ;)

Is there anything else you would like to add?

I’d just like to say thank you. The best part of writing is sharing with the readers. Nothing is more rewarding than hearing someone has enjoyed your story and can’t wait for more. I appreciate every one of you.

Thanks for having me, Bridgette!

Be sure to add Descendants Series Book Two (Descendants ) to your Goodreads TBR list and be on the lookout for it later this year!!

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