Welcome, Author Melissa Keir

I'd like to introduce a friend of mine, a new writer at Rebel Ink, Melissa Keir, who volunteered to be our interviewee for today.

Welcome, Melissa!

Hello Anne and readers. Thank you for having me stop by today. I’m excited to reveal a little bit about myself with your friends. As a new author, I’m currently floating on air over being able to finally share my stories with the world.

How did you get into writing?

I’ve been working as a book reviewer for Sizzling Hot Books for about six months and a friend suggested that I submit a story to a publisher. Luckily, I was offered a contract and currently have two stories that will be published this year, one with Rebel Ink Press and one with Ruby Lioness Press. And that is just for now. I’ve already written more stories that are in the submission process.

What's the earliest story you can remember writing?

The earliest writing that I can remember was the sappy love story poetry that I wrote in high school. Would you believe that I still have all of them? It is funny to look back at them and see just how much my writing has changed.

How did you find the experience of seeking a publisher?

Would you believe I was nervous? It is scary to send your baby out to someone and hope that they like it enough to want to publish it. The first time that I submitted and was accepted was with a new publishing house, Midnight Magic Press, but unfortunately they closed before my story could be published. That was a huge disappointment. Other author friends recommended some other publishing houses to me and I gave them a chance after doing my research on the publishing house and getting recommendations from other authors.

What did it feel like when the acceptance notice came?

It felt like winning the lottery. I danced around the house, hollering and crying at the same time. I couldn’t believe that it was really happening. I kept wondering if I would wake up and find out that I had been dreaming.

What inspired you to write the future release?

Both of my future releases are about finding love again. My family is a blended family, sort of like the Brady Bunch but without Alice (that would make it heaven to have an Alice!). I was married for twenty years to my high school sweetheart, then after a divorce, I found love again and remarried the love of my life. I wanted to provide hope for people who are out there alone or recovering from a broken heart that love still exists and will find you again.

What books have most influenced your life most?

My first experience with romance, Captive Bride by Johanna Lindsey, introduced me to a whole new world of passion and alpha males. A Spell for Chameleon by Piers Anthony introduced me to the fantasy genre where anything is possible. Piers Anthony has an amazing way with words and helped me hone my word choice. Good Bones and Simple Murders by Margaret Atwood taught me how to twist familiar tales into my own unique ideas. Her short story, “Gertrude Talks Back” inspired me to write a series of poetry from a different character’s point of view.

Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

The biggest thing that I’ve learned by writing was through the editing process. It’s easy to write, but being a quality author requires constant honing of your craft. I’ve been working on point of view and showing instead of telling.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

My advice is to keep writing and submitting. Never give up and always try to stretch your writing. I’m a firm believer in being a lifelong learner and experience is a wonderful way to grow!

How important is the support and friendship of other writers?

I honestly don’t think that I would be here today without the support of authors like you. Other writers are very encouraging and helpful. They want everyone to succeed and are the reason that I’m where I am today.

How does your family feel about your writing career?

My family is amazing. I couldn’t do this without their support. My husband has been so encouraging and understanding about my many hours on the computer. He’s always asking about my writing and is a great sounding board for ideas. Just yesterday we were working on coming up with a title for my latest submission and it was fun to bounce ideas around with someone else.

Thanks, Melissa, and best of luck with your work! Be sure to tell everyone where they can find you...

Thank you again for letting me stop by and share a little bit about myself with you.

You can read more about my upcoming releases- “Second Time’s the Charm” from Rebel Ink Press and “Forever, Love” from the Valentine anthology from Ruby Lioness Press- on my webpage at www.melissakeir.com.