Interview with Author, Melissa Keir

 

Hello Everyone,

Please welcome, author, Melissa Keir to my blog today.  Today, you'll have a chance to learn about Melissa as I ask her questions about her life.  Her books are lovely and deal with every day issues that all of us can relate to. 

Thank you Sandy for having me on your blog. I love visiting with you and reading your blog each week. You have some interesting posts on things that are really important in the world around us.

Bio:

As a writer, Melissa likes to keep current on topics of interest in the world of writing.  She’s a member of the Romance Writers of America and EPIC.  Melissa is always interested in improving her writing through classes and seminars.  She also believes in helping other authors and features authors and their books on her blog.

Melissa doesn’t believe in down time.  She’s always keeping busy.  Melissa is a wife and mother, an elementary school teacher, a book reviewer, an editor for a publishing company as well as an author. Her home blends two families and is a lot like the Brady Bunch, without Alice- a large grocery bill, tons of dirty dishes and a mound of laundry. She loves to write stories that feature “happy endings” and is often found plotting her next story.

 Q. Melissa, when did you decide to get serious about writing?

 

A. I decided to get serious about writing about a year ago. I was working as a book reviewer for Sizzling Hot Book Reviews and had just begun working as an editor for a new publishing house when some other authors suggested that I write my own stories. It’s been a wonderful experience.

Q. What genre do you write?  Are there any other genres you would like to try writing?

 

A. I write contemporary romance, short novellas. I love to write the shorter stories that are perfect for e-readers and allow the reader to read them while sitting in the doctor’s office or at their child’s soccer game. We live in such a busy time, I like to think that people can read a story at any time of the day.

I would love to write paranormal romance or horror romance. I know that second one sounds like a strange combination but I’m seeing more and more stories that cross the lines of what we think of as traditional romance.

Q.  Do you have a set time of the day to write?

 

A. I don’t have a set time to write. Usually I try to fit it into my busy schedule. I’m an elementary school teacher which takes up a large part of my day. I also am co-owner of a publishing house, so I do all the formatting and work for that in my spare (laughs) time. Writing seems to fit in when I can. I’m really looking forward to the summer when I have more time for writing.

Q. Where do you get your ideas for your stories?

 

A. I like to get my ideas from the world around me. I might have a dream that I can use a piece of or overhear a conversation that I can use. Mostly I take from what I know and experience. My stories come from things I know about like divorce, blended families and small towns. These are all experiences I’ve lived through.

Q. What is the most difficult to write: the beginning, middle or end?  Why?

 

A. For me the middle is the hardest. I know how the story is going to begin and end, but getting to the end from the start is where I struggle. Sometimes the characters like to throw a wrench into the story and other times, I get stuck.

Q. Which appears first when contemplating a new project: A character, the plot and/or the title?   

A. The title is certainly last. Plot and characters are sometimes simultaneous. I can have a plot idea and then the characters fit it, or sometimes the characters come with the plot.

Q.   Okay, let's try a couple of fun questions:  Do you have a bucket list of things you want to do in this life?

A. I do have a bucket list. Mostly they aren’t written down but things I want to do. Because of my family medical history, I’ve never expected to live to be 80 or 90. My mom passed away at 55 and so I’ve always tried to live life to the fullest now. Becoming a published author was one of my bucket list items! One of the things I’d like to do is travel to Europe.

Q.  Are there any places you would like to visit some day?

A.  My husband’s family is all Scottish decent, so I’d love to see Scotland. My family is from England. In fact there are still streets and pubs with my family name on it. I’d love to see them. I’d love to see Hawaii and the Dakotas. Traveling is a big dream of mine!

Q.   Is there anything else you would like to tell us about yourself, Melissa?

A. I grew up dreaming of being an actor or singer and used to put on plays in the basement for my mom. But that dream wasn’t meant to be. I have huge stage fright, although I did perform in some plays in junior high. I’ve always wanted to drag race funny cars. There is something about the speed and the control of a fast car that makes my heart race. As I tell my students, I’m not done yet, maybe someday I’ll do it!

Now to learn about Melissa's story, Three's a Crowd. 

Three’s a Crowd by Melissa Keir

Blurb:

For Lissa, the second time at love was a charm but in marriage, three’s a crowd.

Single mother Lissa Vincent found her soul mate in her best friend’s ex-husband. Alex Hunter couldn’t believe his fortune when his ex-wife told him her best friend was available. After divorce, finding love again could be a challenge but it appeared Alex and Lissa had gotten lucky. Yet as they start their lives as newlyweds, Alex and Lissa don’t realize just how difficult it might be to blend a family.

When Alex’s ex new marriage begins to unravel, she sets her sights again on Alex. Does Alex still have feelings for the mother of his child? Will Lissa keep her best friend or lose her husband?

Fairytales promise a happily-ever-after. But what really happens after the after.

 EXCERPT #1:

Sipping a glass of ice water while I waited, I looked forward to seeing Chloe. We’d been co-workers and friends for years.

When Chloe walks in, I watch as all the men’s heads turn to stare as she approached our table. Her beauty always drew gazes and left me feeling like a weed planted next to a stunning flower.

After Chloe and I make a bit of small talk and order, I ask the question I’ve been dying to ask since I ended our phone call. “What is going on, Chloe? What can I do to help?”

“Mike’s quit his job at the college and decided to open his own catering business and the stress of having no money coming in is taking its toll on us. All we do is fight. I can’t stand that I have no say in how our money is spent. Would you believe he bought a delivery truck for his business but hasn’t even gotten the brakes fixed on my car?”

“I’m sorry, Chloe. What does Mike say when you talk to him about this?”

“He really doesn’t understand. He has stars in his eyes about what the future holds and can’t see what’s happening right in front of his face. My salary is the only thing paying the bills. With the way Mike’s spending money, it’s going out as fast as it’s coming in. You know, Lissa. You’re so lucky to have Alex. He’s a wonderful provider. What I wouldn’t give to have him back in my life.”

Ouch. Chloe’s words hurt. I knew Alex was a wonderful husband, but he was mine now. Was she really indicating she wanted him back?

“Alex is a fabulous husband, father, and friend. I’m lucky to be his wife.” Needing to establish my territory, I made sure to point out Alex was mine.

“Yes, he is. I’d give anything to have him back. Just to make it clear, if you ever hurt him or let him go, I’m going to be right there to pick up the pieces. After all, we have a child together. We’ll always be in each other’s lives.”

“Well, Alex is very happy and I’ll do anything to keep him that way.”

The rest of lunch passed in a blur. I couldn’t keep my mind off her ultimatum. Maybe Chloe was just reacting to all the problems in her own marriage by lashing out at me. I was willing to give her the benefit of doubt. However, all I wanted to do was to escape the original lunch from hell and get home to Alex to reassure myself of his love. For me.

Excerpt #2:

“Hi, honey. I’m home.” I called as I entered the house. The boys were spending the night with their father but I could see Alex was on the phone and he quickly waved me toward him. Sitting down next to him on the couch, I listened patiently, curious as to what was going on.

“Yes, I suppose we can switch days for Joe to come over. I’m sorry things are that way at your house. Joe’s always welcome here. Just let me know what I can do to help.” Chloe. Frowning, I listened for more. “Mike seems like a great guy. If you two are having issues, maybe you can talk to a counselor or something. Let me know what I can do to help. I’m always willing to listen. Bye.”

“What’s going on? Your conversation seemed pretty edgy.”

“She and Mike are having issues. She thinks he might be having an affair. She wants us to get Joe early and maybe keep him a few days extra so she can spend some time with Mike and try to talk things through. She doesn’t want to put Joe in the middle. You know how he feels about Mike.”

“I’m sorry to hear it. She mentioned the stress to me at lunch yesterday but nothing about an affair. I didn’t want to bring it up to you or share things I shouldn’t. The boys love spending time with him and it’ll be good for Joe to spend more time with you.”

Alex put his arm around me and kissed me softly. “You’re wonderful, Lissa. I know this will take more work on your part, but I really appreciate how you’re willing to do anything for my son.”

“I love Joe, you know that. But honestly, I’m worried about something. Chloe seems to want to rely on you for support. I don’t want you to get caught in the middle of their issues. The other day at lunch, she told me how much she still cares for you and warned me away from you. It was uncomfortable.”

“Lissa, I love you. Not Chloe. You have nothing to worry about.” Taking my face in his hands, he kissed me deeply and made me forget all of my worries. “Let me show you how much you mean to me.” Alex picked me up and carried me to the couch. Undressing me slowly, he worshiped my figure with his mouth, making me cry out in passion. Then he moved me to our bed and showed me again, this time with his hard body, just how much he loved me.

This is what readers are saying about Melissa’s books:

Amazon 5 star review for Second Time’s the Charm- “Such a sweet and heart warming story. As I read it, and the details unfolded, I was engrossed to see if that I thought was going to happen, would really happen.” – Lacey Wolfe, Romance Author.

Barnes and Nobel 5 star review for Protecting His Wolfe- “Great read. I couldn't put it down. I really liked the characters, especially Betsie and the Pigg brothers. A love story with suspense and surprise.” – Anonymous

Buy Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Threes-a-Crowd-ebook/dp/B00CTCDHVQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1368974389&sr=1-1&keywords=melissa+keir

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/threes-a-crowd-melissa-keir/1115320553?ean=2940016615738
All Romance Ebooks:https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-three039sacrowd-1185386-148.html

Melissa loves hearing from readers!

www.melissakeir.com
http://www.facebook.com/melissaakeir
http://www.facebook.com/AuthorMelissaKeir (fan page)
www.twitter/melissa_keir

Melissa, it's been a pleasure having you here today.  Thank you for visiting with me and you're welcome to come back any time. 

Thank you Sandy. I appreciate you having me on your blog. It’s been a pleasure visiting and I hope people will let me know what is on their bucket list as well! I certainly could use some more ideas!  For one person who adds to my bucket list, I'll give away a PDF of Three's a Crowd.

Have a great week everyone and come back next weekend. 

Sandra K. Marshall

http://www.eirelander-publishing.com