Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m a paranormal romance/urban fantasy author with 12 books published, as well as 4 short stories. My books have been described as new age suspense in a fantasy setting and that’s pretty spot on.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Music, #9 in the Little Flame serial is my latest published work. The entire series was inspired by the magic that happens at concerts, big or small. There’s this synergy between the musicians and the audience and it’s hard to say who inspires who. The musicians, the venue, the concert goers all seem to bring something supernatural to a show, and they all seem to get more than they give.
Music #9 is the second to last book in the series, and it’s name is derived from a concert venue in Charleston, South Carolina where the hero of the series, Maximillian, is putting on his latest concert. The entire series follows Max and his resident healer, Fiamette Jurato on a wild adventure all around the country. Fia is searching for a long-lost lover who can fix what ails here, but there’s just one problem: he’s been dead for 200 years.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I don’t know that they are unusual, but I do have some routines that seem to set me up for my best writing sessions. First, I have to workout in the morning, and I mean first thing after coffee. If I don’t, my mind and body are restless and it’s impossible to sit still long enough to get into the writing groove. It doesn’t have to be some killer workout session; a walk in the park does the trick.
Second, I need to prep my desk or writing location. There must be at least two beverages at hand, usually water and tea. I make a big tea carafe of whatever I’m in the mood for: green tea, herbal tea, or Earl Grey. I don’t know why having things to sip is so important, but is.
And last, I need to “clear the decks” so to speak before I finally sit down to write. It means something different every day, but basically I need to pick up and put away any clutter, light a scented candle or diffuse some essential oils, and generally create a relatively clean and clutter-free environment. Doesn’t have to be perfect, but enough to keep me from getting distracted by my messy house.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
My biggest influence is Stephen King, which may sound strange when you realize I write Paranormal Romance as well as Urban Fantasy, but he was the first author I ever fan-girled over. I had to have his books as soon as they released, which was kind of expensive. Hardbacks are not cheap.
I stayed up all night long with my new King novel, unable to sleep until I found out how the entire scary mess was going to play out. His supernatural elements and gift for the scary has seeped into my subconscious and you’ll find a few terrifying moments in my works.
I also love Angela Knight, Laurell K. Hamilton, Anne Rice, and Terry Prachett.
What are you working on now?
I am currently finishing up the last novel in the Little Flame Serial, #10 Head. It’s been really difficult, which totally surprises me because Fia novels tend to fly from my fingers as if I’m possessed by her. I think it’s because it’s the last novel. I have so many things to wrap up and want to get it right. My readers have stuck with me through 9 novels so I feel this huge pressure to deliver an AMAZING ending. Isn’t that what we all want from our favorite series?
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I would have to say my author newsletter, my website, Facebook, and a few email promotion companies. However, companies like Fussy Librarian I’ve read are coming under fire from Amazon. I’m not sure what that means for readers and authors, except we may need to look at new ways to connect. I know Pixel of Ink has shut down, unable to make money since Amazon has revoked their Affiliate status.
I think the lesson for both authors and readers here is to understand that Facebook, etc. is someone else’s sandbox. They can kick us out at anytime. We need to create our own sandboxes where we can talk books, authors can promote, and readers can find new books to read. I haven’t done a lot with Goodreads so far, but that’s my next social media venture.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write the damn book. Do your research. Know your audience. Want to write a Paranormal Romance that readers will love? Go look at what’s selling. Study the titles, blurbs, covers, and the 5 star reviews. If you are already a member of a community that discusses your chosen genre, ask what books people can’t forget.
I’m not saying you have to “write to market” and try to catch the latest trends. I’m saying if you are at all interested in actually selling your book, know your audience.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Know your why and know your audience.
I follow a group of guys who are successful indie authors: Johnny B. Truant, Sean Platt, and David Wright. They have a podcast called Self Publishing Podcast you can find on iTunes, as well as Blab. They are constantly saying know your why and know your audience, and they are spot on.
Why are you doing ANYTHING in your life? What motivates you every day when you wake up? I’ll tell you my why: I want a heart at peace AND I want to move other people’s hearts closer to peace.
I want to tell stories that make people gasp and feel and maybe even cry, thus the metaphysical fantasy and romance combinations I’ve been writing. And I want that to translate into conflict resolution, whether it’s with themselves, their spouse, a family member, or even with people of different faiths, nationalities, and political ideologies. Because here’s the thing: If our hearts are at war, we will never achieve peace in any aspect of our lives.
I can go on and on about this. My why is personal and epic and kind of intimidating, but it’s 100% mine.
My audience? People who love magic, fantasy, and romance. People who are looking for peace in their lives, or maybe even don’t know it yet, but something’s nagging at them. Something’s missing, you know? And they’re looking but not sure where to look and then they pick up my book…
What are you reading now?
I just finished reading Veracity by Laura Bynum. Holy cow! What an intense book. It’s not romance, but it is a metaphysical dystopian novel that spoke to my heart. It’s about a woman living in a future where the government has Red Listed certain words and people have “slates” implanted in the necks to prevent them from saying these Red Listed words.
I have to say it struck a deep cord with me. Have you read Fahrenheit 451? It was required reading when I was in high school and now I MUST read it again, and then read Veracity again.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I have so much planned I’m kind of scared. I have a new trilogy I’ve been working on but it will have to be released in 2017. It’s a bit outside my usual genre: a metaphysical sci-fi, maybe dystopian although it doesn’t really follow dystopian tropes of evil government conspiracies to hide the truth from the people.
I’m also working on a novella to be included in the multi-author Hotel Paranormal series. The first novella releases this August, 2016, so be on the lookout for it. My contribution, Skin Thief, will release November 2, 2016.
I’m also embarking into non-fiction in 2017. I have a lot to say about health, happiness, and living a life you can get passionate about. It’s not about following any one eating regiment or “thinking” your way to success (although it helps to think positive), it’s about creating your own life on your terms. That requires an honest look at yourself AND a bit of bravery. Keep an eye out for A Hungry Heart: the care and feeding of you in 2017.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
I would bring The Stand by Stephen King, War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy, The Stranger by Albert Camus, and Cerulean Sins by Laurell K. Hamilton.
Author Websites and Profiles
Melissa Lummis Website
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