Melanie Atkins Interview

Joining us today is Melanie Atkins.  Melanie is a multi-published author of romantic suspense, a fan of crime dramas, and an avid reader. Writing is more than an escape for her—it’s a way of life. She grew up in the Deep South listening to tall tales and penning stories about her cats. Now she writes gripping stories of love, suspense, and mystery with the help of her furry little feline muses.

[Anne] When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

[Melanie] In high school, but I didn't know what to do about it. I studied film and English in college, and then got a regular job as a secretary. Wasn't until years later, after my divorce, that I rediscovered writing and decided I wanted to write books.

[Anne] Tell us about your latest book.

[Melanie] CHOSEN TARGET is a 70k romantic suspense (definitely not sweet) set in post Katrina New Orleans. In this story, Jadan Calloway’s latest night out on the town ends in the death of the man who charmed her off her feet. Now the people who killed Kent are after her, and the only man who can save her is Cole McAlister, the rugged, willful detective who believes she is behind his brother’s death. Together they become wrapped up in a web of terrorism and intrigue, and must rely on each other to survive.

[Anne] Well, here goes another book onto my TBR list *grin*. And I love the names of your characters. What inspired you to write this story?

[Melanie] I love New Orleans, mystery, and intrigue. Writing a story centered around Mardi Gras in a place I know so well was a no brainer.

[Anne] I visited New Orleans in ’84 during the World’s Fair and loved it. How did you go about researching your book?

[Melanie] I visited New Orleans several times, spoke to various law enforcement professionals, and consulted the Internet. I live only three hours north of the Big Easy, so research for books set there isn't too difficult.

[Anne] Well, it’s a great setting. All of your books sound awesome. Do you have anything new in the works?

[Melanie] I'm currently working on a second series for Desert Breeze Publishing, Keller County Cops, which will see the release of its first book, MARKED FOR MURDER, next April, before my six-book New Orleans Detective series comes to an end in June.

[Anne] What is your writing process like? Are you a plotter or a pantster?

[Melanie] I'm a semi-plotter/pantser. I come up with a basic plot and get to know my characters, then I wing it the rest of the way.

[Anne] Say your publisher has offered to fly you anywhere in the world to do research on an upcoming book, where would you most likely want to go? (Okay so maybe this isn’t very likely to happen but since I’m asking the questions…)

[Melanie] New York City. I love it.

[Anne] What type of books do you like to read when you’re not writing?

[Melanie] Suspense and thrillers.

[Anne] Name three things you can’t live without (excluding spouses and family because that’s a given).

[Melanie] My laptop, the Internet, and my cats.

[Anne] What advice would you give to any aspiring writers out there?

[Melanie] Never, ever give up. Write every day, and you can't go wrong.

[Anne] Where can we find you on the web?

Website: http://www.melanieatkins.com

Blog: http://melanieatkins.wordpress.com

GroupBlog1: http://romanticsuspense.blogspot.com

GroupBlog2: http://murdermayhemandmore.blogspot.com

Facebook: http://www.face-book.com/melanie.atkins

Twitter: http://twitter.com/melanie_atkins

Crimespace: http://crimespace.ning.com/profile/MelanieAtkins

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Melanie-Atkins

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/melanieatkins

Yahoo group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Murder_Mayhem_and_More

[Anne] And where can we purchase your books?

http://stores.desertbreezepublishing.com/-strse-template/MelanieAtkins/Page.bok

[Anne] Is there anything else you’d like to add?

[Melanie] Thank you for having me! I've enjoyed visiting your blog.

[Anne] Thanks for coming Melanie. I’ll definitely be checking out some of your books.