Friday Friend--Melissa Kier

Please welcome Melissa Kier, a fellow Rebel Ink Press author, to our blog today!

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.

Thank you Jennifer for having me on your blog. I’m excited to share my books with your readers. Hello everyone. I hope you are looking forward to the weekend as much as I am.

When did you first start writing? 

I first started writing in high school. I had a typing class and had to free type during part of the class. I’d write stories and give them to my friends to read. I was also writing poetry at that time. Over the years, I’ve written for online blogs and online newspapers as well as continued to write poetry. A little over a year ago, I wrote my first novella. I was working as an editor for a publishing company and book reviewer and was encouraged to give my own writing a try. The rest is history. I currently have seven novellas and short stories published, as well as many more in the works.

Where do your ideas come from? 

My ideas come from my own past as well as daydreams. I love to wonder “what if”. Usually on the drive to work, I come up with some amazing plot point and wish I could pull over to write.

Do you sit down and write, waiting to see what happens next? or do you otline first? (i.e. pantser or plotter) 

I sit down and write. Most of the stories, I have a general idea of who the characters are and where the story is going to go. I guess you could say, I outline in my head. But when I sit down to write, the story and the characters come to life. Things change and surprises happen. With my day job, I have to find time to fit in the writing so I don’t sit and write a set number of words each day. I like to find time to curl up in bed with the dogs or on the couch and let the story unfold.

What is the best thing about being an author? And the worst? 

The best part about being an author is getting to tell your stories. I love being able to share my ideas and be creative. I get a kick out of knowing that someone else reads them or enjoys them. The worst part about being an author is that there isn’t enough time in the day to do everything that I want to do. With the day job, being a wife and mother, I don’t always have the time to devote to writing each day. I have to let something slide. Sometimes that’s the house cleaning or enjoying a good book…sometimes It’s sitting down to work on my WIP. If only I could clone myself or figure out how to go without sleep!

What is the best compliment you could receive from a reader. 

The best compliment I received was from a reader who told me that they cried when they read the story. I knew that they were invested in the characters and felt the joy and loss along with them. I knew that I’d connected with them on some level. It really makes writing all worthwhile!

Tell us about your latest book. 

My latest book, “Three’s a Crowd” is the sequel to my first book “Second Time’s the Charm”. It tells the tale of Alex Hunter and his new wife, Lissa. They met through his ex-wife and blended their family of three boys. As newlyweds, they were looking forward to a happily ever after but when Alex’s ex-wife interferes in their lives, things quickly change.

Here’s the 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

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.

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

What are you working on now?

I’m working on a story about a teacher who has a one night stand with a parent of one of her students but doesn’t realize it. The story will share their relationship and how they get together.

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

Melissa loves hearing from readers!

www.melissakeir.com

http://www.facebook.com/melissaakeir

http://www.facebook.com/AuthorMelissaKeir (fan page)

www.twitter/melissa_keir

Thank you again Jennifer for letting me stop by. I hope that I’ve entertained your readers and would love to hear from all of you about your thoughts on what is great about being an author.