Melissa Foster – author of both Megan's Way and Chasing Amanda and founder of the Women's Nest. A current resident of Maryland, with another book – Come Back To Me almost complete (synopsis after the interview).
1. What do you find yourself rambling about?
It depends on who you ask. If you ask my kids, I ramble about things we want/need to do as a family. If you ask my husband, I ramble about my characters and plots, and if you ask my friends, I ramble about everything from The Women's Nest and my books to my kids and my cat.
2. When looking at your female leads, do you put a piece of your own personality into the characters?
I don't try to, but people who know me say that I do, so I'd have to say sometimes, yes. I have really worked on getting out of that habit for my third novel, Come Back to Me. I think you'll find the female lead quite different than both Megan, of Megan's Way, and Molly, of Chasing Amanda.
3. As a current resident of the DMV (DC, MD, VA area), what is one historical landmark that is on your must visit list?
We have so many great historical sights around our area, that you'd be missing out if you are unable to visit any of them, but one of my favorite spots is the Smithsonian, the building itself is magnificent, and the contents, of course, are interesting and exciting for all ages. If you are looking for an outside venue, then Swain's Lock is one of my favorite places to escape.
4. When did you realize you wanted to be an author? Have there been any speedbumps along the way?
Speedbumps . . . hmmm . . . I've never called the little people who run around my house that before, but yes, there have been. I have wanted to write since 1990 (at least) and was unable to focus my attention on it until all six of our kids were in school full-time. Time with the children moves so quickly — although I recognize that while you're in the thick of raising toddler and small children, days can seem like months — but I also know how quickly time passes. I wanted the time with them while they were at the age to want to share their time with me. I'm happy that I waited to write. I appreciate every second I spend in front of my keyboard and every moment with my chlidren.
5. What is next on your plate?
I'm almost finished with my third novel, Come Back to Me, an international love story/tragedy, and I've started my fourth, Shades of Gray, a YA/women's fiction crossover.
Sneak peek at Come Back to Me:
Tess Johnson has it all, Beau, her handsome photographer husband, a thriving business, and a newly discovered pregnancy. When Beau accepts an overseas photography assignment, Tess decideds to wait to reveal her secret – only she's never given the chance. Beau's helicopter crashes in the desert.
As Tess struggles to put her life back together and deal with the pregnancy she can no longer hid, a new client appears, offering more than just a new project.
Meanwhile, two Iraqi women who are fleeing Honor Killings find Beau alive in the middle of the desert, his body ravaged. Suha, a doctor, and Samira, a widow and mother of three young children, nurse him back to health in a makeshift tent. Beau bonds with the women and children, and together, with the help of an underground organization, they continue their dangerous escape.
What happens next is a test of loyalites, strength, and love.
Melissa Foster is a New York Time and USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes contemporary romance, new adult, contemporary women's fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page.