1. What is your name, where were you born and where do
you live now?
Melisa Hamling. Born in Soiux
City, Iowa but didn’t live there long. I lived most of my youth in Colorado,
then moved to Nebraska in my late teens. I have lived here with my husband and
three daughters since.
2. What is the name of your latest book, and if you had
to summarise it in less than 20 words what would you say?
Twenty Weeks is my debut novel
aimed at teens, preferably fifteen and above. To summarize in less than twenty
words . . . something I am terrible at! But, I’ll do my
best.
An unplanned pregnancy. A
friend's devastation. Maya's life teeters on a single decision. Will she get a
second chance?
3. Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part of
a series?
The plans are already in action. I
am currently working on an adult romance novel. And loving it!
Twenty Weeks is solo. I do have a
trilogy, Finding Forever, which is in rough draft, but I do intend to complete
the editing and final book after I finish my current novel
(WIP).
4. How long have you been writing, and who or what
inspired you to write?
In my head, I’ve been writing all
my life. Ha! But I really started my journey in 2007. My biggest inspiration are
people, all types and ages. I like to speak to the heart, trigger numerous
emotions, and in the end, I hope I’ve left my readers
satisfied.
I have a lot of future ideas
for novels, which have already been plotted out. If only I had more
time!
5. Do you gift books to readers to do reviews?
Definitely. I appreciate the time
one takes to review my work. It is a gift to an author to have such wonderful
people who want to take the time to do reviews.
6. How do you come up with the Title and Cover Designs
for your book/books? Who designed the Cover of your books?
The Title for Twenty Weeks came
easily. It was the topic on the local news ‘The Nebraska Fetal Pain Law goes
into effect’ that sparked the idea, and I knew just what I was going to write
about.
I had several ideas for the book
cover, but after pondering on them, I came up with a new idea with which is now
the cover you see.
I used the very awesome and
incredibly talented Willsin Rowe. He sent me a cover art form to fill out and
with just a few simple answers, he magically created what was in my head! So, we
all know who I’ll be using for my upcoming book covers.
;)
7. Have you ever based characters on people you know or
based events on things that have happened to you?
I can’t say that I’ve ever based a
character off anyone I know. I do, however use characteristics of people I know
personally. The trilogy I wrote is based in a world, a hidden place, that I
would love to live in and be the main character. The greatest joy in writing is
building your own world and living in the eyes of the characters we create.
Reading a great novel can do the same thing.
8. Is there a certain Author that influenced you in
writing?
No. There are many great authors,
but as of lately, I only want to read and support new writers. And I can tell
you I have read some pretty good stuff!
9. Which format of book do you prefer, ebook,hardback, or
paperback?
That’s easy! All three! I love
ebooks because I can get it on demand. Paperback makes a better gift and I
prefer it. Hardback is best for a collectible or a series. So there is something
good to say for each format.
10. What is your favourite book and Why? Have you read it
more than once?
Well geesh! I have lot’s of
favorites. There is one book that gripped me enough that I had to put the book
down (to weep!). A Child called IT. It was horrible and amazing. Horrible that
anyone should suffer the way David Peltzer did. Amazing that he lived to tell,
and now has a son of his own.
As of lately, I have been reading
independent author’s novels. I am an avid supporter of new writers and recently
reading some really great stuff. There are some awesome writers that haven’t
published yet and when they do, I’ll be shouting out about their novels.
11. Do you think books transfer to movies well? Which is
you favourite/worst book to movie transfer?
Some do, but there are always more
details in novels. Stephen King’s books are always more terrifying than the
movies produced.
Twilight was a good movie transfer
and I never would have read the books had I not seen the movie
first.
12. What are you currently reading? Are you enjoying it?
What format is it?(ebook, hardback or paperback)
Holy cow! I have so many! Ok, I’ll
list a few I have recently read and loved along with my currently reading
novels. ~Not What She Seems by Victorine E. Lieske. ~Tick Tock Run by HC
Elliston. ~Rae of Hope by Wanita Mae. ~Agartha’s Castaway by Chrissy Peebles.
~House of Immortal Pleasures by Katie Salidas (naughty but awesome!) My current
read is ~Karma and Melodies by Katie Salidas and so far, it’s fantastical! All
of the novels/authors listed, are quickly becoming my
favorites.
13. Is there a book you know you will never read? Or one
you tried to read but just couldn't finish?
Yes. Dare I say which one?
Probably not. She is a well-known author, but I couldn’t get past the forth
chapter.
14. Are there any New Authors you are interested in for
us to watch out for? and Why should we watch out for
them?
There are a lot of them! I listed
them above but I will mention them again.
Published: Katie Salidas, Wanita
Mae, Chrissy Peebles, Victorine E. Lieske, and HC
Elliston.
Future/not yet published:
Tiaclare, and Veronica Colt. (pen names).
Each has the great ability to draw
the reader into their wonderful creations.
15. Is there anything in your book/books you would
change now if you could and what would it be?
Nothing comes to mind, so I’d have
to say no, other than the trilogy, which I can still change the things I feel
need to be changed.
16. What do you think about book
trailers?
Love
them!
17. What piece of advice would you give to a new
writer?
Never give up. Write because you
love the art of it and not for the idea of getting rich.
18. Do you or would you ever use a pen
name?
I don’t believe I would. It’s hard
enough to remember usernames and passwords. I’d surely stumble if I used a pen
name.
Where can readers follow you?
At the moment, facebook or my
blog. I am currently building a website and will post it on facebook and blog
when it’s up and ready.
Your blog details?
New to blogging!
Beware!
Blog title: Life is . . .
Fiction.
Your web site ?
Under
construction.
Your facebook page?
Fan page: Twenty
Weeks
Your Twitter details?
https://twitter.com/#!/melisamhamling
And any other information you wish to supply?
Anyone with further questions or
wanting more info can contact me at the above websites.
~I want to personally thank you
for taking time and interest to do an author interview with me.
Melisa M Hamling
Thank you for taking the time to take part in this
interview and being in the October
Giveaway
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