Author Interview with Melissa Hanson + A Giveaway

Today I have the pleasure of sharing an interview with you guys from Melissa A. Hanson, author of A Healing Heart. I recently read the book and enjoyed it very much. Check out my review here.

Check out the Facebook page for A Healing Heart!


1. Where did you get the inspiration to write your novel?

At the end of summer in 2010, I had just finished a set of books, which I flew through in less than a week. By the time I finished the last page, I just had this burning urge to write again. I couldn't get it out of my mind; it was there taunting me when I was driving, at work, lying in bed.

While brainstorming ideas for my book, I tossed the question out to one of my babysitters, asking her what I should write about. She offhandedly said “Why don’t you write a story about Cole (my youngest) and all his babysitters.” I tossed ideas around in my head for a few weeks, and then one evening sitting on the couch watching tv, I grabbed some paper, and before I knew it the prologue was there on the paper. And while the story is indeed a work of fiction, that one statement gave me a direction to move forward. A couple of days later I had a rough draft for an ending, and from that moment on it was something I knew had to be written

2. Which of your characters is your favorite and why?

Riley. Some of his comments and things he does with Bailey are based on my youngest son and some of the adventures he had with his awesome babysitters. And Collin, because he has characteristics of my husband. :)

3. When you are not writing what else do you like to do?

I’m a licensed architect, so I spend most of my days working on residential and commercial projects. I also enjoy reading and scrapbooking.

4. Describe your family (Are you married? Do you have kids? Pets?)

I’m married to my first and only love. We’ve been together for over 20 years now and married for almost 18 years. We have two boys, as well as 3 dogs.

5. Do you prefer cold, snowy weather or warm, sunny weather?

Spring is my favorite time of the year, just like it was Bailey’s favorite. I love the smell of the orange blossoms in the air.

Thanks for joining us Melissa!

And now I have a giveaway for everyone. There will be 2 winners of Melissa's book - 1 paperback and 1 ebook. There are no mandatory entries, just enter with which ones you like. The first winner chosen will receive the paperback and the second winner will get the ebook.

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On The Bright Side Author Interview & Giveaway

Today I have an Author interview and giveaway for you guys! On the Bright Side is a cute, fun paranomal middle grade read. You can check out my review here.    

All about S.R. Johannes (taken from Goodreads.com): When Shelli was younger, she spent all her time outdoors, hiking, camping and living the Girl Scout Way.

Somewhere along the way, she got away from nature and earned an MBA in Marketing, kicking off an 18-year marketing career in Corporate America.

Eventually, Shelli traded in her expensive suits, high heels, and corporate lingo for a family, flip-flops, and her love of writing. She started her own marketing & communications business, www.bilaninc.com, where she worked with Spanx, Goody Hair Products, Chick Filet, and the Boys & Girls Club of America.

In addition to juggling nap schedules and client meetings, Shelli focuses on her writing. She is a frequent speaker on marketing and book publicity at SCBWI conferences across the U.S, and runs a popular book marketing blog, Market My Words (www.faeriality.blogspot.com).

In her spare time (yeah right!) and if the kids allow (yeah right!), Shelli obsesses over movies, reads children’s books (over and over), and still dreams of sleeping in on the weekends. But most importantly, she is finally getting back to her roots by running her own Girl Scout Troop in Atlanta, helping girls get back to nature.

She currently lives in Atlanta with her dog (Charley), British-accented husband, and the huge imaginations of their little prince and princess that someday will change the world.

1. What is your favorite color?

            Blue

2. Where did you get the inspiration to write your novel?

            My husband came home one day from camping and talked about being so deep the wilderness that anything could happen and no one would know. That planted a seed that later developed into Untraceable.

3. Which of your characters is your favorite and why?

             Grace. I wish I was more like her (and not because of Mo! ;) . That I had one thing in mind and fought for it no matter what. Especially as a teen. I love that she's spunky, confident and insecure all at the same time.

4. When you are not writing what else do you like to do?
              Family stuff. If I am not with my family, or watching The Walking Dead, I'm writing or marketing my books :)

5. Describe your family (Are you married? Do you have kids? Pets?)

              Hubby is from Great Britain - we have been married 10 years. I have two kids - a 8 year old daughter and a 5 year old son who is starting kindergarden this year (what?) I have a goldendoodle who is actually black named Charley after John Steinbeck's dog. We also have 2 crabs (hermie and bilbo) and 2 fish (scaly and blueberry - don't ask ;)

6. What is your favorite holiday and why?

              I'm going to say Groundhog day because no one else will. :)

7. Do you participate in any sports/clubs/groups?
             Writing ones :) Unless you count the PTA at my kids school. I'm boring.

8. Do you prefer cold, snowy weather or warm, sunny weather?
            Beach all the way. Though I love to write in the mountains.

9. What would do if you won the lottery?
            Finally find a charity I can contribute to.

10. What is your favorite genre to read?

            YA :)

11. What question are you never asked in interviews but wish you were?
           How did you get so brilliant...and cute...and hilarious - all at once? ;)

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