Dawn, I am happy to have you here today at Pen to Paper.  We have a lot to cover so let’s get started.

1. Tell us something about you and your books. I write paranormal interracial romance. There are always several stories running around in my head at once, so I always have more than one WIP.

1.  Are there any new authors who have grasped your attention? Too many to mention. I’ve really been impressed my fellow authors in Taming of the Wolf.

1. Do you have any advice for other writers? Read avidly, and keep computer files for your ideas. Add to and develop your stories as ideas come to you. You don’t have to travel with your laptop. Your mind should always be developing another idea, character, or plot twist.

1. What’s your latest book about? My newest release is in the second Got Wolf? Anthology, Taming of the Wolf. It’s entitled “Raven’s Shelter,” and it’s about a veterinarian and a wolf shifter.

1. Where do you get your information or ideas for your books? For me, it doesn’t take much to inspire a story. I’m always reading something from romance to history to reference books, and I have some pretty colorful dreams.

1. What promotional ideas can you give to other beginning authors? Get to know other authors and writers. Writers’ boards are great! There is no greater resource, and writers are fantastically colorful, creative, innovative marketers when they decide to be. Marketing should not feel like you’re hanging onto Mt. Everest by your nails. It’s such a big part of writing that it should be enjoyable. Developing relationships with fellow authors can help you stay on top of things and relieve a great deal of stress.

1. What advice would you give to somebody trying to get a literary agent? Unless you want to write for a traditional publisher, it’s probably more trouble than it’s worth. If that’s your goal, however, I think one of the best ways to acquire one is to attend writers’ conventions and workshops.

1. Are there any words you would like to say to other aspiring writers? Get organized. Keep a calendar for promotional activities and file your research. It also helps me to develop character analyses for each major character. It’s tedious and I don’t always do it, but every time I manage to get it done, it comes in handy.

1. As a child what did you want to do when you grew up? Everyone thought I’d be a veterinarian. In fact, my nickname is derived from that. I kept insects in jars in our windows and fed them, collected sick or lost animals, and had a knack for creating peace between natural enemies in the animal kingdom. That explains, in part, why I like to write about shifters and weres J

10.  As a writer and published author how do you feel about e-publishing. Love it! It’s the best of two worlds for writers. Your opinions are actually considered, and you have the support and endorsements of other professionals, yet you still have a great deal of responsibility and control.

1. What advice would you give to other aspiring authors about getting their work placed with

a big publishing company? Think carefully about what aspects of publishing you    value most, and do your research. Also, consider the piece you’ve elected to publish – in which market does it best fit?

12.  Please give us a list of all of your books currently available.  

Taming of the Wolf – “Raven’s Shelter” available from The Wild Rose Press:    Vashti’s Star

 Authorhouse, Amazon.com, Black Classics (251-476-1060), and as they say, other fine bookstores J

13.  How long does it take you to do research on the books you write? It really depends on how much I already know about the subject matter. In a sense, I’m always doing research. I read for enjoyment, but my brain is always ticking away in search of ideas and unexpected connections for my stories.

1. How do you give credit to any research you do? I like to actually mention the place or person in my story – makes it more real.

1. What inspired you to become a writer? I started writing stories and drawing pictures to go with them when I was in elementary school, and I’ve always loved a good book. I wanted to be someone who brings the same pleasure to others that so many writers have brought to me. I know – really mushy, but true.

1. How did you go about getting published? My first book, Vashti’s Star, was a learning venture. My goal was to finish a book and publish it myself so I could learn more about every aspect of publishing. Let’s just say I learned a lot, and I learned there are better ways to get published when you write romance. “Raven’s Shelter” won second place in the Got Wolf? Contest. The main prize was publication in an anthology with other winners.

1. Where do you do most of your writing? I do most of my writing on my desktop in my dining room. It’s in the center of my home surrounded by windows, reference books, music, and inspirational artifacts like a sandalwood candle, stuffed animals, an antique brass clock, a wooden doll house, you get the idea.

1. Are you working on other things, if so what are they? I’m nearly finished with Aidan’s Will, a reincarnation piece. It’s a full length novel about a romance between a former slave and a Native American whose entire bloodline has been cursed. Also working on a novella, Jordan’s Wings about a descendant of disinherited angels and the human woman destined to be his mate. I’m also working on a couple of others, but you’ll probably see Aidan’s Will and Jordan’s Wings soon

1. What do you enjoy most about your writing? What don’t I enjoy!? I enjoy the process of developing characters to the point where they determine the outcome of the story. I enjoy seeing a project from a kernel of an idea to a finished work of art. I enjoy creating my characters’ worlds so that they overlap ours. I enjoy the rollercoaster of emotions as my characters face obstacles. I enjoy overcoming those obstacles and bringing my characters together for a happy ending. Mostly, I’m grateful to God for the gift of imagination and the ability to bring fantasy to fruition.

1. Considering your published novels and WIPs, do you have a favorite character at the moment? If so, what are some of his/her characteristics? Probably David in Aidan’s Will at the moment. He’s tortured and believes himself to be unlovable, but he’s willing to take any risk for a chance at love.

Dawn, I really enjoyed the interview today.  Hope to have you back on Pen to Paper soon.

Walk in peace and harmony,

Melinda