Melanie Anderson Interview and Contest
Posted on Sunday, November 11, 2007 at 11:02 amCategory: Author Days, Contests, Interviews
Today is Melanie Anderson Day on the blog! Tomorrow (Monday - November 12th) I will choose two winners from those that comment.
What can you win?
One lucky winner will receive a download of Book 1 in Melanie’s Racing Series, On The Run.
Another lucky winner will receive a download of Book 2 in Melanie’s Racing Series, Born To Run.
All you have to do is comment!
Ask Melanie a question and I’ll throw your name in the hat for an extra chance!
Now on to the interview…
First, I’d like to congratulate you on your great reviews for your Racing series, On The Run and Born To Run. Can you tell us a little about these books?
Thank you. Sure, I can tell you a little about them. They are set in the world of the SCRL - Stock Car Racing League, my little tribute to NASCAR. Plus, it makes it easier for me to remember the rules when it’s my league! I have about 6 or 7 books plotted out right now. There could be more! New characters are always coming up demanding their own books.
For those that are new to your books…How long have you been writing and what was your first published book?
Well, I’ve been writing most of my life but my first published book is On the Run.
Do you plot out your stories first or do you let the characters lead you?
I have the basic plot points before I start, but most of the time I let the characters lead as well. If I plot it out too much, the book will get boring.
Of your published books, do you have a favorite? If so, which one and why?
On the Run because it was my first.
Of your published books, do you have a least favorite? If so, which one and why?
No least favorites right now since there is only two.
What are you currently working on?
Right now I’m working on the fourth book in my racing series which I have not titled yet. It’s a bit ofa departure from the racing world since this book is a ghost story as well as a romance. I’m also working on editing my third book called Racing for the Shore. That should be out around December.
When you’re not writing, what genre do you enjoy reading and who are some of your favorite authors?
I like contemporary romance the most. Some of my favorite authors are Nora Roberts, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Jennifer Crusie, LaVryle Spencer, Rachel Gibson, Linda Howard…well, you get the idea.
Describe a day in the life of Melanie Anderson.
Well, its so glamourous where do I begin? I wake up around 6 or so then get ready for work before putting my son on the bus. I work 10 to 6 at a telecommunications company in Northern Virginia doing data entry. After sitting in traffic, I get home around 6:30 to 7:00 and make dinner for my family. Then after everyone is in bed I get some writing done.
Favorites…
Favorite Season?
Fall.
Morning person or night owl?
Night owl.
Favorite movie?
Wow…just one? Huh. Pride & Prejudice with Colin Firth.
Favorite song?
I Believe, Brooks & Dunn
Favorite color?
Well, all my clothes are black, but that’s not a color. I’d say blue.
Fun Questions…
If you had a shrinking device, what’s the one thing in your house you’d miniaturize first?
The big pile of boxes in my dining room I haven’t unpacked yet.
If you were a superhero, what would your super power be?
Sarcasm.
If you could build your own robot, what would it do?
Cook. Or grocery shop. Type my books while dictate them. Oh and then edit them!
Instead of leaves or money, what do you wish would grow on trees?
Books!
If you had to smell like one thing for the rest of your life, what scent would you pick?
New car smell…if that could mean I’d have a new car for the rest of my life.
Melanie, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy schedule and doing this interview with me!
No problem, Cindy. Thanks for having me!
Estella said,
November 11, 2007 @ 2:13 pm
Melanie,
What do you do when you’re not writing?
Ann M. said,
November 11, 2007 @ 3:20 pm
Are you books interconnected? And have you thought of writing in any other romance genres?
You books sound wonderful with yummy covers.
Melanie said,
November 11, 2007 @ 3:23 pm
Hi Estella!
When I’m not writing, I work. Or I play games on the computer. Lots of computer games. Way too many. :oP I also have a husband and son
who sometimes want attention. :shrug
Thank you, Ann. I love my covers, too! Yes, my books are interconnected. They are all part of the racing world. Although my new book coming out
son is also set at the beach. As for other genre’s, so far I like contemporary. Although my current WIP does have a touch of the paranormal.
Thanks for the questions!
Connie said,
November 11, 2007 @ 3:25 pm
There’s already a program or 12 out there that will type your stuff for you as you dictate. Not as cool as a robort, but much easier on the wrists.
Melanie said,
November 11, 2007 @ 4:02 pm
Really, Connie? Huh. I might have to look into those. Although having a robot would be much cooler! I was hoping to find one
that look like Patrick Dempsey. ;
Connie said,
November 11, 2007 @ 4:26 pm
Dragon Naturally Speaking (or some configuration of those words) is a big one. You train the program to recognize your voice, and you’re off! And you can hold a picture of Patrick Dempsey in your hot little hands while you dictate your feverish prose.
Brandi V said,
November 12, 2007 @ 12:28 am
How did you decide to write your books about racing?
Maria V said,
November 12, 2007 @ 7:44 am
Interesting comments, Melanie. Do you have plans for any other series in mind, other than NASCAR?
Melanie said,
November 12, 2007 @ 9:32 am
I’ll definitely check that out, Connie!
Hi Brandi! Well, I’d always known I wanted to write, but I hadn’t really been inspired by anything. Storylines would pop up, but I never
really complete them. I was a huge racing fan who was very passionate about the sport. I read everything I could get my hands on. That’s
when five storylines came to me just like that. I opened up a document and wrote up the rough plots of each of them. I still have that document
and even though some of them have changed, and I’ve added a few, I’ve pretty much stuck to the plan.
Good question, Maria! I’ve been trying to think of another series or even a single title book for after I’ve exhausted all my racing plots, but
so far nothing has inspired me yet. I’m hoping that when the time is right, they will just come to me. Like the racing books have.
Thanks for all the questions!
Beth W. said,
November 12, 2007 @ 1:18 pm
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you like to go and why?
Melanie said,
November 12, 2007 @ 2:11 pm
Hi Beth! :hi Hmm… Where would I go? Probably England. I’ve always thought I would fit in there.
Other than the lack of an accent, of course!
In the US, it would probably be Las Vegas. Or New York City.
Laura K said,
November 13, 2007 @ 6:19 am
This was a good interview. I like books that are inter-connected. A quick question, did you (or have you) see Talledega Nights? Wonder what your thoughts are about the movie. I found it funny at times but condenscending about people who enjoy NASCAR.
Melanie said,
November 13, 2007 @ 7:11 am
I love Talladega Nights!! The first time I watched it I did think, “WTF?” But after my son watched it a oouple times and would quote it back to me, I tried
“If you’re not first, you’re last!” It could seem like it’s bashing NASCAR fans, but when it comes to Will Farrell movies,
it again. Now I can quote it.
it doesn’t bother me. I take it for what it is…a spoof.
auto racing history said,
November 15, 2007 @ 2:04 am
hi melanie…. had you ever drove a car and you run with a speed of 200mph?
I’m a car racing fanatic… I wanna see you driving a car with the highest speed…. ;
visit my site? click auto racing history link….