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Just walking off the docks today is Melissa Bradley, author of Nathan’s Angel, Byzantine Provocateur, Maxie Brisco Werewolf, Encore Performances, Michael’s Keeper, Dream On, and Love Haight. I was really lucky to snag her. She’s recently had a potentially fatal encounter with EMP killing snow. Well, it killed her access to internet. And she lived! Impressive display of courage and survival right here on Spacedock 19.
MP: Welcome, Melissa! I’m so glad you decided to pop up to Spacedock 19 for a visit. I’m really looking forward to spending the day with you. First off, would you care for a drink?
MB: I would, thanks. I like the looks of that electric blue concoction being served to the purple-skinned lady. You know, I have to say this place is definitely worth the long journey. Though I did get a bit sick from the lightspeed travel. Still…Wow!
MP: Those are good. I’ll order a pitcher.
With seven books under your experience, you certainly have a lot of useful knowledge to share. So yeah, have a lot of drinks. lol Anyway, I admire how uninhibited you are when writing. How did you become so fearless?
MB: Aww.. thanks. I was not born this fearless. It is an attitude and an outlook forged from some very difficult experiences. That attitude helped with my writing because I knew that I liked to write many different kinds of stories and that I never wanted to be labeled in one genre or another.I also want to write everything under my own name whether its my erotica tales or my as yet unpublished historical, sci fi and horror tales. Sometime I may have to rethink that, but for now, I’m going for it.
MP: It’s a healthy attitude to have. I remember reading somewhere, I can’t remember which famous author said this, but we should write what scares us – stretch beyond our comfort zone. Is there some technique you go about when writing to push yourself? Something others can use when writing what scares them?
MB: When I run up against fear or intimidation, I take a breath and step back. I take a break from writing and take myself on an art date. It’s something I learned from Julia Cameron. I go do something creative that is as unlike writing as possible. I find that I get re-inspired to try new things that way.
MP: That’s quite brilliant. I use art as a writing prompt when I’m trawling about for ideas. Do you find it easier to be brave the more you publish?
MB: I wish I did, but the truth is I always have what I call my panic moments. The ones where I say “What are you doing? This is terrible, they’re going to hate it.” When I am in the midst of one of these I don’t feel very brave. Mmm…This drink is delicious. I think I’m going to top mine off.
MP: Please have more. heh, heh… That sounds similar to my ‘everything sucks’ phases. I’ve read Byzantine Provocateur, and was well entertained by your talent. So, I hope you keep going, and I know you have a new book on the horizon. Publishing is… to be polite in quite a state. How did you decide to publish and why?
MB: Aww.. I’m so glad you enjoyed Byzantine. I loved my characters very much. Thalia and Murat were so much fun to write and I’ve always wanted to visit Istanbul. It’s one of the most gorgeous cities in the world.
I got into publishing back in ’94 when I started writing reviews for a women’s fiction magazine. It wasn’t until a fiction contest in 08, though that I finally was able to get into publishing my own fiction. It had always been a dream of mine, ever since I read my first romance back at age 11. Violet Winspear’s Bride of Fortunato. However, I’d been around the industry enough to know that it was really difficult, almost impossible to get your books out there.
Publishing has blown up with ebooks and I’m very excited by all the possibilities. What scares me is the marketing we authors have to do. It is daunting and challenging, but go through or go home, my grandpa always said. Still, authors have such huge opportunities to make their own unique voices heard. I love it.
MP: You write with a lot of skill, Melissa, and fun. I need to pick up more of your books.
The marketing is tough. To me it’s like pushing a boulder up a steep hill. And it seems the same thing works differently for different people. One of my friends says, figure out what you’re good at, what your strengths are, and exploit them like heck.
Another friends says, we’re in this for the long haul. Have you seen a build up as you’ve gone along in your publishing career?
MB:Why thank you. That means a lot coming from a fellow author. I’ve definitely seen a small build up in terms of an audience, especially for my blog and author pages. Sales still fluctuate widely. with my paranormal stuff selling the best. The sexy beast werewolves I write about are far and away my most popular. In particular, Maxie Briscoe: Werewolf. People really love the idea of a female werewolf, something not too often seen when you compare the sheer numbers of books out there featuring female vampires, demons, angels, etc.
MP: I’ll have to check her out. Thanks for stopping in, Melissa. Maybe tell us a bit about your next book before we fade out and down this pitcher away from prying eyes. Heh, heh.
MB: Anytime! (sips her drink) You know, these things really go to your head…Anyway, back to stories. I’m really excited because I have a steampunk tale that will be out soon from Amber Quill Press. it’s called the Physician’s Lieutenant and tells the story of a British airman and a Turkish doctor who find love as their respective countries become swept up in the fires of war and revolution. I’m also working on the sequels to Maxie Briscoe: Werewolf and Michael’s Keeper.
It has been a pleasure to while away the afternoon here with you at Spacedock 19. Say, do you think the bartender will part with his recipe for this wonderful drink?. He’d make a killing on Earth.
More About Melissa
Melissa Bradley grew up on the southeast side of Chicago in a book-loving, story-telling family. She is drawn to stories of romance, adventure and suspense, with a hint naughtiness, of course. When not toiling away at her day job, you can find her lost in the stacks of books at the library or bookstore. Follow her latest imaginary journeys at http://melissasimaginarium.blogspot.com/ or on Twitter at https://twitter.com/melbwrites
Stretch you Imaginarium with
Nathan’s Angel
Maxie Briscoe: Werewolf
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National Wormhole Day Blog Hop:
Only one round trip? I have a really hard time deciding between checking out ancient Sumer and a trip to the Andromeda galaxy so that I can look at the Milky Way through a telescope, and then the splendors of the Andromeda galaxy. Both would be awesome.
Versus
Still can’t decide. Where would you go?
What scares you to write? How do you find courage?
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Go for the Andromeda galaxy!
What scares me? Just attempting another book scares me right now. Although I like what you said about finding one’s strength and exploiting the heck out of it.
I read Byzantine Provocateur too. Nearly melted my Kindle. :))
And of course you would travel through the Milky Way and glaxies far, far away! Perfect.
Great interview with Melissa! EMP killing snow…too terrifying to even contemplate! I’ll have to read about Maxie.
Ancient Sumer…I’d love to see that but I’m afraid if I went back, I’d do something inoccuous like step on a snail and return to the present to find an Egyptian pyramid in my backyard. Hm, on second thought, that might be pretty cool.
Seven books is amazing. Good luck to you Melissa! Andni wouldnlove to gonback and see the Sumaritan culture. Maybe bring back a souvinier too.
Great interview!
I’d go back to the ancient world, personally. I love a bit of history!
I follow Julia Cameron’s advice as well– I’m thrilled Melissa does too!
I knew you would have a dilemma, on your hands, Mary– you love time travel :)
Really enjoyed the interview with Melissa. I had to smile when she said that she doubts her writing sometimes – still. I wonder if writers ever get past that :) And as for the wormhole – it is hard to decide! But the pictures are wonderful!
Yes, seeing the stars in such a different perspective would be amazing! I agree!
Great interview with Melissa! Always nice to learn more about her. And I’m not surprised her sexy beast werewolves are very popular. :D
I’d have to go with the Andromeda Galaxy for you. I can just imagine the amazing photos you would come back with. We’d be entertained forever here.
You already do that very well with your clones, Alex
I would like to see what our galaxy looks like, LG. We’ve only guessed, because nothing has yet to leave our solar system let alone the galaxy. But I’d still also like to see Sumer. It’s another passion of mine.
I need to read Maxie, too, Laura. Walk like a Sumeriannnn :)
I would love that, too, Stephen
I love history, and particularly Sumer, Annalisa, which is why I have a hard time deciding
I do, Damyanti, in either direction
I haven’t gotten past it yet, Tonja. I would hope at some point it evaporates
I wonder what else I’d learn if I could go, MJ
Melissa really does knit together a great story, Julie. It’d be fun to check out Andromeda with you. We might snag my friend Jim for some great photos.
@MPax Thanks so much for the awesome visit! I had the best time at the Spacedock. I’d have to go Andromeda, too.
@AlexJCavanaugh Thanks! I’m with you on being scared about starting a new story. And I love a good intergalactic trip myself. :)
@L.G. I melted your Kindle?!! Whoa.. now that’s what I like to hear. ;)
@Laura Thanks! I hope you do get a chance to check out Maxie. She rocks if I do say so myself. :)
@Stephen Thank you so very much Stephen.
@Annalisa Thank you!
@Damyanti Julia is so amazing! I love hearing from others who follow her. :)
@Tonja Hi! I’m so happy you enjoyed the interview. I think writers are inherently insecure, it’s in our DNA, so we think what we write is just dreck sometimes. :)
@M.J. I’d love to go to the Andromeda galaxy myself. Seeing the stars up cose would be indescribable.
@Julie Aww…thanks so much! My werewolves are very sexy if I do say so myself. ;)
Great interview and picture Melissa. I’ll have some of that electric blue concoction myself so I can get more fearless. Mary, I’ve always been fascinated by ancient culture, so I’d stick with the ruins.
I had something relevant to add, but then I scrolled past Nathan and my brain went blank. Ahhhh.
Oh, I remember! The ebook explosion! I think it’s wonderful. Daunting at times, okay well, most times, but it’s exciting. I feel like a pioneer. And I think that’s cool.
Difficult choices, no doubt! Just be sure you decide before your ticket expires. :) Space… the last frontier… Just suggesting.
I’d go with Andromeda in the past and a great telescope ;)
Great interview! I agree that it doesn’t get easier the more you publish. I think what scares me the most is when I write non-fiction. Like an article or guest post.
Oh, that’s a difficult decision. I’d choose to find the Doctor and then travel everywhere in the TARDIS!
A pitcher would help us all be fearless, Maurice. Great idea!
Yeah, I can see that Elizabeth. It’s a … what was I saying?
I’ll probably end up going to Andromeda, Nancy
Great decision Adriana
The Tardis would be awesomely fun, Christine. I mostly fear running out of ideas.
Great interview!
Boy, a choice between ancient Sumer and the Andromeda galaxy, huh? That’s SOME choice! I think I’d have to go for Andromeda. With my luck, if I went into the past, I’d do something stupid, and screw up history beyond belief.
I’ve actually read one of those. Usually on these interviews I have never heard of the author.
Dropping by from A to Z Challenge. This will be my first year participating.
Brett Minor
Transformed Nonconformist
That was a very fun & frank interview. Hope you girls enjoyed the after drinks. I like that Melissa writes where her muse takes her instead of forcing herself to stick to one specific genre.
As for your wormhole – tough decision, but I think in the end you’d go for the Milky Way. I saw how affectionate you were with that telescope. ;)
Re Wormhole Day – I’d choose the future rather than the past. To go in time to an era when humans have finally left the Earth for other venues, although Earth would still exist somewhere. 1000 years into the future for me. I believe we can be better than we are. And I like my Literati World. . .
Since I still can’t make up my mind, Susan, I guess I’m not going anywhere
Excellent that you’ve read Melissa before, Brett
It was a very fun visit, Nicki
I’m not sure I want to know what’s going to happen, but I’ll still ask you a ton of questions about it, DG
I love ancient stuff too, but I think for me there’d be hardly any contest – it’d have to be outer space :)
That would be a pretty cool wormhole trip. I do enjoy a good meteor shower from time to time :)
great interview! Love seeing Melissa here. I think I’d pick the Andromeda!
Nutschell
http://www.thewritingnut.com
Huge fan of MB! (And MP, come to think of it. :)
The marketing stuff can swallow you alive, because there’s literally always something more you could be doing. I think at some point you have to just say, “I’m going to do what I can and let the rest happen organically. If that takes longer, fine.”
Because unless you can pay for all of the publicity to be outsourced (most of us can’t), you’ll spend your entire life blogging, tweeting, Facebooking, etc. and not writing.
So glad to see so much of your work coming out Melissa! :)
I love Melissa! *hugs and great interview. You are such a talented person, and I’m definitely going to check out one of your books as soon as I can clear some things off my TBR pile. Sigh. Until then, I shall continue to talk Walking Dead for at least three more weeks with you (hopefully you are a Game of Thrones fan so we can switch to that at the end of March!)
Mary, I saw you gave my book five stars on Goodreads, and I want to express my gratitude. You are so awesome.
@Maurice Electric blue concoctions definitely take away the inhibitions ;) You are fearless in your writing too. I love your posts as they always encourage such clever comments and discussion.
@Elizabeth That cover model is tasty, isn’t he? LOL I couldn’t think when the cover was first revealed.
@Christine Guest posts sure can be intimidating. I always get very nervous when I do one and wonder what people will think or if I got everything right. I think I’d want to ride in the TARDIS, too.
@Susan Thank you so much!
@Brett Thanks! I hope you enjoyed my story and I’ll be seeing you around teh Challenge. It’s a great time I know you’ll enjoy it.
@Nicki I’m really happy you enjoyed the interview. I had a lot of fun and those drinks were awesome, ;) I grew up listening to, reading and watching so many different kinds of stories that it was impossible for me to choose one genre.
@nutshell Thank you very much!
@E.J. I am huge fan of yours, too. :) I find myself getting more and more overwhelmed by the marketing, but you’re right, unless we are Stephen or J.K., we have to do our own hustle.
@Michael Aww… Hugs! I love you too. And I adore talking WD with you. I have not had an opportunity to see GofT, but I hope to very soon so we can discuss. We also have American Horror Story which should be incredible with Kathy Bates joining the cast.
I am always one to g back in time. Would love to live in the Wild, Wild West.
When I first start a new book, I am always a little afraid that I will write myself into a corner that I can’t easily get out of. I am a pantster, so I only start out with the crime and the criminal, but have no idea how the detectives are going to solve the crime. Thank goodness my characters are pretty good at getting me out of trouble.