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Meet Durban Writer Melissa #LocalisLekker

Last year I met Melissa online on Instagram, lil did I know that this sweet young lady would be releasing her own book this year. For every blogger this is inspiration seeing your work come to life in a book. Today we find out more about Melissa , her book and her life.
Melissa Kate - Durban Writer

  • Tell us a little about yourself and your background?

 
“I’m a 30 year old homebody with a flair for words and an affinity for my fur babies. I have been writing for as long as I could string words together, creating stories and alternate realities. When I was younger, I used to watch day time soapies and always hated it when my favourite couples would break up and so began the tantalizing tales I would create, always closing with a happily ever after. When I am not furiously tapping away at my keyboard then I can be found browsing the popular online stores. Confession! I am a (just a little bit) shoe addict and really now, who doesn’t love a new outfit or two (or five!). I’m a self-professed foodie. I LOVE food with flavour and texture and deliciousness. My husband is a Masterchef addict so I tend to get sucked in. The fois gras and the fancy jus. Ok sorry I’m getting off course.
I found my passion for writing during my early days in school. I would write plays in primary school and then later my creative writing in High school took over in speeches and dramatic stories. Although in Matric I did tend to sleep through my English classes. And I mean hard core sleep, dreaming and the full bit. Shakespeare was absorbed through osmosis.”

  • What is your upcoming book about?

 
“The blurb reads: Audrey Kelly finds her way back home to Crystal Valley with her bruised pride and a shattered dangerous past mocking her rear view mirror. What she didn’t expect was to be face-to-face with Adam Parker, resident bad boy, sexy Navy SEAL and one of the reasons that Audrey ran all those years ago.
Audrey was the last person Adam had ever expected to see back in Crystal Valley. Over a decade ago, they shared a sizzling night together before he received the worst news of his life and he hasn’t seen her since…until she’d moved back unexpectedly. She was no longer the sweet innocent girl he once remembered, but Adam has his own problems without having to deal with Audrey’s ice princess recital, no matter how tempting the auburn haired seductress may be.
Sparks begin to ignite between them but can they accept Audrey’s past when it threatens to engage them in a dangerous twist? Can they save each other from themselves and stop running once and for all?”

  • How long on average does it take you to write a book?

 
“If I am dedicated to my writing deadlines then I can get the book out in 3 months writing part time. I must admit it does take longer, especially when my lil fur child decides to be cute and sleep ON my laptop.”

  • Do you ever get writer’s Block?

 
“Oh yes! Who doesn’t?”

  • Any tips on how to get through the dreaded writer’s block?

 
“Take time away from the manuscript. Listen to music, watch a movie – live your life! The flow will come to you. Just keep writing. Think about things from a different angle, maybe change your last scene. It will all eventually come together.”

  • Do you read much and if so who are your favourite authors.

 
“I read A LOT! Over the past two years I have read over 200 books. I know I’m such a nerd. I love the escape of a good book. My favourites are Lauren Layne, Jill Shalvis and Marina Adair – they write with heart and humour. Their character antics always have me turning the page in anticipation.”

  • For your own reading, do you prefer ebooks or traditional paper/hard back books?

 
“Nothing beats a paperback but ebooks are pretty convenient – especially with the volume that I read.”

  • What book/s are you reading at present?

 
“I am getting through some of the Lauren Layne books that I have missed out – I’m really vegetating with it.”

  • Do you proofread/edit all your own books or do you get someone to do that for you?

 
“I do this on my own for now – not yet at the stage where I can warrant an assistant but soon (hopefully if I ever get rich and famous). I have an assigned editor through Fiery Seas Publishing for line and copy editing and Thank God for them because they whipped my story into shape.”

  • Do you let the book stew – leave it for a month and then come back to it to edit?

 
“I think it makes sense to do this. It gives you a fresher experience with the story.”

  • What advice would you give to aspiring writers?

 
“Do not give up on a dream. Learn about your craft, read blogs and author advice and keep trying. I almost gave up on trying to get published and it happened for me on a whim. It’s not an easy path but if it’s your passion, then it’s worth the journey.”
Find Melissa here online :
Website: www.melisskatebooks.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/melissakatebooks
Twitter: www.twitter.com/melissakate_1
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/melissakate_1
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/melissakate1
Thank you Melissa for inspiring all writers out there to never give up on your dream. All the best for your launch and we look forward to reading your book in the future.
Be Inspired !
Ciao
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