New Interview Tomorrow!

Yes, I know it's been awhile, but tomorrow I will have an interview with Ron Adams, mystery writer! I believe this is a first for me. Be sure to come back tomorrow and see if he kills me off in one of his books! ;)

In the meantime, be sure to check out my friend Shiela's, Dark Craving's blog. I helped her with Penetration. Seriously. Check it out. Dark Cravings

Why I'm a bad friend...and a new interview.

I've been a bad friend. Impossible, you say? Oh, it's possible. Do you remember that kaleidoscope I mentioned the other day? Well, while those thoughts were whirling around, I forgot to mention that my friend Shiela Stewart has been having a Halloween party on her Dark Cravings blog all this week:



You can get to it here: Dark Cravings

Today I posted my interview with a very special guest: Melly's Interview with a Vamp.

But please make sure you stop by often from now until tomorrow! There will be PRIZES! Whoo-hoo! Free stuff. ;)

Ok, I lied...

We had internet for a couple hours last night and then it cut us off again. Grr... I'm not sure if it will be fixed when I get home tonight or not. *sigh*

On my downtime, I've been doing my critique thing with Shiela's new book (soooo good!) and reading a book called, Novelist's Boot Camp, by Todd A. Stone. 101 Ways to Take Your Book from Boring to Bestseller. Yes, it's gotten to that point now. I need boot camp! But this is a great book. I know I've said this before about my hundreds of other writing books, but this one is great because it's broken up into many small chapters (or missions) and gives you ways to get the book done in a very direct manner. Which is what I need!

Even if it doesn't help, it definitely can't hurt! Oops, almost time to go home. Maybe we'll have internet! Fingers crossed!

Procrastination-er-Moving time

I'm at home today, packing up all the odd's and end's that just won't jump in the boxes by themselves...dammit. What's up with that?

But if you get a chance, please check out the blog, "Drawing Stories...With Words," where my blog is featured!

Drawing Stories...With Words

Me and my friend Shiela were discussing her Halloween plans for her blog, which got me thinking I'd like to do something fun here too. Any suggestions? Funny costumes? Where people can send me the funniest costumes they've worn? And I'm not talking about the costumes you wear at night when it's not Halloween. ;o) Not this time anyway...

I've also had a couple requests for interviews (yay!) so I'll try to work on those too while I'm avoiding packing...er...I mean, when I need a break from all the hard work I'll be doing!

Now I need to get some coffee... Hmm...No fridge-no half and half...guess I need to go out! Darn. There goes valuable packing time!

Bittersweet Thoughts

This will be just a quick blog post since I'll be leaving to go to the memorial service in a little while.

My friend Shiela and I were talking the other day and she mentioned how at one point, she was thinking about using the name S.S. Stewart as her pen name. I told her that it sounded like a name of a ship. Me, being me, of course, started coming up with all kinds of catchphrases for her new name. If you know me, once I have something to tease you with, can go on for hours, so she told me to write them all down and she'd blog about it. Well, she did and you can read it on her blog (For those at work, she does have music on her blog, so turn the volume down): Romance with Shiela Stewart

I really need to get ready now, but I've been feeling a bit crampy (I know... TMI!) and I've been feeling really sluggish. Plus, I'm dreading what I know is going to be a really hard day for all of us. But it's family. You do what you have to do for family. Which is rally around and support one another.

I stole this picture from my husband's cousin's Myspace page, but I think it really does him justice. Kevin always tried to look like a tough guy, but inside he was really a softie. I'll never forgot how when he was a groomsmen for my husband, he was so proud to be one, he took out his tongue ring and most of his piercings. lol That's love for you. He was just such a great guy. And funny. He always had me laughing. I can still remember when I met my husband, and how he was still just a kid, roughhousing with my BIL and the other kids that would come over during my in-laws poker nights. It's just so freaking unfair...

Kevin, buddy, we miss you. Say hi to my dad for me...

Mixed Emotions

It's so hard to express what we're going through right now. Here we were, still dealing with our grief, when something so unexplainable happens and shakes it all up again. My husband's cousin was so young and about to be a daddy and something so small as a curve in the road is what ends up taking his life. He was living down here last summer and even helped my husband with this house. I can still remember him at my husband's uncle's funeral, making us laugh during such a time of tragedy. Yet, here we are going through the same thing for him, while still coming to grips with my father's death. Not to mention our dog and other things that just aren't going our way right now.

How do you deal with it all?

Maybe that's why I finally started writing again. What else is going to help me escape? Maybe if I can control my characters lives, then that will help me come to grips with things in my own life I can't control.

Oh, and I'm also reading my friend Sheila's latest vampire book. I always look forward to reading them and get slightly impatient for her newest installment. Sadly, her role as my critique partner as been less fulfilling since it's been awhile since my last book. But I swear she'll be rewarded soon!

I want to make sure I thank those who commented in my last blog. Knowing so many people are thinking about us is always a comfort. The memorial is this week and I'm not sure how I'm going to deal with that. Sadly, I've become an old hand at going to them now. Isn't that awful? But this will be different. Most of the people we've lost in the past have led full lives. Yes, they should've had more years, and it was unfair, but in this case, Kevin was 26 and his life was just about to begin. How can you explain that one?

I don't know. I guess I'll just keep writing and taking it one day at a time and be thankful I'm still around to do that. My MIL said that she now lives with the fear of who is going to be next. I've found myself doing that too, but try not to. As understandable as it is, considering what we've been through, it will just drive you mad.

Okay, I don't want to have a sad blog. I really don't. But I'm glad I have it. I think it's saved me thousands of times the last couple months.

The Darkness Arrives!

My friend and critique partner, Shiela Stewart, has a new vampire series coming out today. The first book is called: Seducing the Darkness. I LOVE this series! As soon as I read STD (heh) I told her she HAD to submit it. And if you know me, I'm not a big fan of the paranormal.

Here is the official press release:

Seducing the Darkness

If you’re afraid of the dark…you’re screwed!

The long awaited release of Paranormal Romance Author Shiela Stewarts first book in her Darkness series is now available for purchase.

Seducing the Darkness begins a tale of vampires desperate to stop a ritual to blot out the sun and raise the greatest evil ever created.

Miss Stewart’s world of vampires is like no other and her explanation of vampirism is not what you’ll expect. And the love she weaves amongst her characters will surely melt your heart and leave you panting for more.

Cast out by her kind, Trinity Ford has learned to live on her own…not an easy thing to do when you’re a vampire.

Trinity was once a fragile girl. Being taken by a powerful vampire prince changed her. Discovering him in the arms of another woman changed destiny. Alone, she’s learned fast how to be tough, how to survive, and how to protect the people in her city from the evil that lurks in the dark. She was managing just fine, until Basil walked back into her life.

Basil Hawthorn has been the reigning prince of vampires since banishing his father to the Realm of Dark Mystics decades earlier. When a prophetic dream makes him realize Trinity’s life is at risk, he decides the only way to save her is to push her away. Doing so is not easy. Trinity is the only woman he has ever loved, ever will love, and he can’t seem to let her go.

When rumors arise of a plan to raise the King and blot out the sun, both Trinity and Basil know they must do everything to stop it. Even if it means working together. Despite the betrayal and the threat, they find themselves drawn to each other. Love has no boundaries, especially in the face of danger. But will they be able to stop the ritual before it’s too late?

Or will the darkness capture them both?

To purchase the book go to:
www.lindenbayromance.com
www.allromanceebooks.com
And check out Shiela Stewart’s website where the darkness begins. www.shielabooks.ca

So I was trying to think of a way to express my love for this book, but the only way I could think to do it right, was to cut and paste the email I sent to her as soon as I read it. (Late at night after I stayed up to finish reading). I took out some of it, but you get the jist:

Seriously wow. This book is hot, girl. I hope to God this gets published and people realize how truly good it is. This is your passion. This is the one that will take you over the top.

....You HAVE to write a sequel. Seriously. I will not rest until you do. LOL I'll bug the shit out of you. I can't believe you don't have one already. Usually you do. LOL Slacker!!! ;o)

....Chat tomorrow! It's 12:16 and I really need to go to bed. LOLOL Hopefully my son's school will be delayed because it'll be hard waking up at 7:30 to take him to the bus stop.

BTW, she already has a sequel...and a few more after that I'm sure.

If you do anything this summer, make sure you read this book!

Oh, and just so you know, Shiela really thought I was going to roast her in this post. Probably because I kind of told her I would. *grin* But that's my job. To keep people guessing. Maybe next time, Shiela!

Ack! I've been tagged!

Well, I still haven't thought of a song yet, and since I was tagged by my friend Sheila, I thought I'd do that for now. Maybe I need a different Tuesday feature? I'll have to think about it.

The rules:

Tell seven random and/or interesting things about myself. Get five blog buddies to play, too and link to their blogs. Don't forget to post the rules.

1. I'm left-handed. No big deal except whenever people find out they say, "Oh, I didn't know you were left-handed!" So I guess someone cares. *shrug*

2. My son is going to high school next year, which is freaking me out.

3. When I was in elementary school, I wrote a story about girl who had a heart attack. I'm not sure why. I must've heard it on TV or something.

4. My first published piece of work was a letter to the editor of the Washington Post magazine. I think I still have it somewhere.

5. I have way too much Neil Diamond on my iPod. Seriously! What's up with that? And what exactly does Cracklin' Rosie mean? Although, I do like the work cracklin'. Crack...cracklin'...crackhead Oh, what? Where am I?

6. I really like this Folger's Chocolate Silk coffee. (It said random!)

7. Nuts help me concentrate. Hmm...should I rephrase that? Any kind of nut (heh), like peanuts or pistachio's seem to help me focus my mind on what I'm doing.

I don't have time right now to think of five people to tag, but anyone can play!

My first Interview! Shiela Stewart

I decided to bring a new feature to my blog. Interviews! Who doesn't enjoy a good interview, right?

My first victim-uh, interviewee was my critique partner and best writing buddy, Shiela Stewart. Her books are awesome! She has three books out right now that are part of her Passion series. I've read them all, and LOVED them.

Anyway, I asked her if she'd do an interview with me and she was very excited. Until she read the questions. Then she called me strange. Weird, huh?

So without further ado, the below is my interview with Shiela Stewart. The uncut version.

1. On a scale of 1-10, how awesome do you think I am? Be honest. You can go higher than 10 if you like.

10 1/2 I would have given you 11 but you didn’t share any cake with me a few weeks back.

2. Is Vic still mine?

He’s still yours I have to warn you, Julia just bought this really kick ass meat cleaver for her restaurant and she’s not afraid to use it to defend what’s hers.


3. I guess I should ask about you. What do you think of my writing?

I like your writing but you’re not fast enough. ;)

4. Time for the hard hitting questions… What did you have for breakfast?

Toast and coffee with a dollop of tasty lips.

5. I heard you live in Canada. Any igloos?

Oh sure, they’re everywhere. I live in one myself though it’s tough in the summer. I have to have the air-conditioning cranked on high to keep it from melting. LOL

6. If you had a choice between having lunch with me or Nora Roberts, who would you pick? (Not that I have to ask…we all know what your decision would be. Right? I’ll have cake!)

You of course, because I’ll be having dinner with Nora. LOL



7. Do you think bribing someone with cake so that they pick you over Nora Roberts is wrong?

Absolutely. Especially when there really is NO cake. Give it up woman. LOL


8. Okay, I guess I should get back on track. I heard you’ve written like a hundred books. Is that true?

Yes I have, and I‘m working on the one hundredth and one now. It’s called, “Strangling Mel in the Fast Lane” LOL

9. Can you slow down your writing so I can catch up?

Only if I end up having a lobotomy. LOL

10. Okay, this is your turn to add whatever you want. Promote, etc… I’ll be over here napping-err-paying close attention.

Stop snoring so loud so I can talk about myself.

What’s to say that hasn’t already been said…wait, nothings been said here so I have free reign.

I have five books out right now, in both ebook and in print. Kidnapped, Secrets of the Dead, Discovery in Passion, Escape in Passion and Mercy in Passion. And coming this July, the first book in my Darkness series, Seducing the Darkness will be released. There are a total of five books in the series.

I have a contest right now for all those that sign up for my newsletter. You’re name will be entered in a draw to win a free signed copy of Discovery in Passion. To sign up, send me an email at: Shielas@shaw.ca with the subject line “ Newsletter sign up” And your name will be entered.

To find out more about me and my books, go to www.shielasbook.ca.

Thank you Mel for this wonderful and bizarre…I can’t call it an interview because there really was no interview to be had so I’ll call it a conversation. Always a joy to chat with you. Now get busy writing.


I want to thank Shiela for being such a good sport! And please keep an eye out for her vampire series. I've read and loved all three of them and that's saying something for someone who doesn't like paranormal!

Also, don't forget to look at yesterday's post where you can win a $20 gift certificate from Amazon.com!

Tomorrow: Melly's Thoughts.

Coming Soon!!

I'm going to be revamping this blog, so keep checking back. I'm going to have interviews and interesting articles...okay, I wouldn't go that far, but it will all be new. I'll have a schedule up tonight or tomorrow highlighting the new features.

First up will be an interview with my friend, and critique partner, Shiela Stewart. She learned lots of new things about me-uh, I mean, I learned interesting things about her during our interview.

Stay tuned!

I'm writing!

Not a whole lot, but I am writing! I took the advice of my critique partner and friend, Shiela, and just started writing what was in my head, and my heart. This story had been running through my mind all night and I finally told myself to write it down.

I'm not sure how it's going to go, but it's fun, and that's all that counts. Shiela also told me that I needed to stop worrying if people were going to like what I wrote. I was getting hung up on that. She was right!

That doesn't mean I'm abandoning my racing series. I also wrote a little on my fourth book as well. I'm hoping this other book I'm writing will get me in the writing mood again.

Fingers crossed!