Writer's Rest Takes 5 with Melissa Foster

FIRST, TELL A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF.

Let’s see, I’m a forty something mom to six awesome kids. We live in Maryland and vacation on Cape Cod every year. I adore my family and spend all of my time with them when I’m not writing. Prior to my writing life I owned and operated a career consulting firm and worked in the H.R. field for many years, and also sold real estate while raising my children.

The urge to write sort of snuck up on me. One day I felt an urge to write, and when I sat down with my pad and pen, I knew it was what I was meant to do.

1. WHAT DO YOU WRITE ABOUT?

I write about my relationships, worst fears, strong women, and insecurities. My characters are easy to relate to, and I think my subjects are such that most women and men can relate.

2. WHY DO YOU THINK YOUR STORIES CHOSE YOU?

I’m sure I choose my stories because they call to me. The topics, losing your mother (Megan’s Way), child abduction (Chasing Amanda) and losing a spouse(Come Back to Me) are all topics that I think about, worry about, and generally spend time mulling over.

3. HOW HAS PURSUING YOUR DREAM CHANGED YOUR LIFE?

Mostly, writing has provided an avenue for me to help others. I’m very luckily in a position where my books are doing fairly well, and I can learn from what I’ve done to promote them and pass that information on to others.

4. WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE QUOTATIONS?

“Enjoy each and every day, no one else can do it for you.” It’s my motto.

5. DESCRIBE SOMETHING THAT MAKES YOU HAPPY.

Such an easy and fun question! Helping others, seeing my children smile, watching my husband read, hearing my mother’s voice, being outside, running, laughing, music, dancing, friendships, writing, colors, animals, flowers. Shall I go on?