Romance at Heart Magazine Author Interview: Melanie Atkins

Interview with Melanie Atkins:

Hi Melanie. Thank you for doing this interview. I would like to welcome you to the Romance at Heart Interview and Author Grilling session. *bg* We are interested to find out as much about you as we possibly can, so lets get started...

- Please tell us about your latest book.

CHERISHED WITNESS is scheduled to be released from Triskelion Publishing in October 2005.

Kelly Watson, aka Teresa Pastral, threw the Fifth Amendment out the window when she testified against her mob boss husband at his murder trial. Now divorced, she has begun a new life in the Witness Security Program. Only the mob finds her, thanks to handsome lawman J.T. Romano, who uses her as bait to lure the man who murdered his wife and unborn child to town. To ensure her safety, she is forced to trust J.T., the man who has betrayed her to the mob. But can she also protect her heart?

- How do we find out about you and your books?

You can visit my website at melanieatkins.com

- How may readers contact you?

Via email at: mnoto2001@yahoo.com

- What is your writing routine?

I have a day job, so usually write in the evenings between 6 & 10 p.m. I sit in my chair with my laptop on my lap and my furry little muse, Flip the Wondercat, curled up on my armrest. He gives me great inspiration.

- Do you have a set schedule for writing or do you just go with the flow?

I have a full-time day job, so I usually write in the evenings between 6 & 10 p.m. It’s much easier now that I have only one child at home. He’s almost 17, so he does his own thing anyway. I sit in my writing corner with my trusty feline muse, Flip, curled up on the armrest and let the words pour out.

- Where do your ideas come from?

From dreams, the news, and my imagination. All life is material, and I find ideas everywhere. For instance, I got the idea for one of my single title manuscripts from seeing three garbage cans turned upside down in a park. That’s what makes writing so much fun.

- What kind of research do you do?

I write suspense, so I do a lot of research into law enforcement, crime and the like. Last year I was fortunate to be able to participate in the Jackson, Mississippi Police Department’s Citizen’s Police Academy. On one of my ride-alongs, I witnessed four prostitutes being busted for possession of crack cocaine in a carjacked vehicle. It was very exciting!

- Are you a member of any author groups - RWA, critique groups, etc.?

I’m a member of RWA, Vice President and PRO Liaison of the Magnolia State Romance Writers (MSRW) in Jackson, MS, and I also belong to Kiss of Death (KOD), the mystery-suspense subchapter of RWA and Gothrom, the gothic subchapter. I critique with a couple of my local chapter members and online with a member of KOD. It’s extremely helpful.

- Are there any words of encouragement for unpublished writers?

Don’t ever give up! Keep writing, writing, writing, and this will help you to hone your craft. The more you write, the better you’ll get and the more you’ll learn.

Thank you very much, for taking the time with us and answering our questions. I really appreciate this interruption to your busy schedule. Good Luck, and we will be looking forward to the next delightful creation from your talented imagination!

Yours in good reading,
Rose!

Melanie Atkins Interview Buy Melanie Atkins Books