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?
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
Thankyou for taking the time to take part in this interview and being in the October Giveaway
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