Welcome to Author Spotlight! Each week will feature a different author. We’ll get the scoop behind their writing life and dish a little. The authors will also be giving away a copy of their latest book. FUN.The winner from last week’s Author Spotlight with Dorothy Love is Diane Lankford! Please email my assistant Christen with your mailing address. (ckrumm@litfusegroup.com)
This week please welcome back Melanie Dobson in the spotlight! To win a copy of her new book Where the Trail Ends, leave a comment on this post!
What was your biggest break?
In 2008 an author friend told me about an upcoming line of novels from a new publishing company called Summerside. They wanted to publish novels set in small towns across the country. I had published three contemporary novels at the time, but my desire was to write historicals and I loved small towns. I contacted the editor about a story that had been burning inside me for awhile about a woman who hid runaway slaves in her home. It turned out the town of Liberty, Indiana had been a major hub on the Underground Railroad. My first “Love Finds You” book was published in 2009, and I’ve been writing historicals with Summerside ever since.
What is the smartest writing advice you ever got?
I’ve gotten some wonderful advice at conferences over the years, but there is one piece of advice that I still think about almost every time I sit down at my computer—don’t edit as you write your first draft. I find that if I critique my writing at the same time I’m putting my story on paper, I can paralyze mentally. It’s best for me to write out of passion first and then clean up the story on the second round (my edits usually happen the morning after I’ve written the first draft).
I’m inspired by…
Deadlines! ☺ I’m also inspired by old houses, abandoned towns, crumbling tombstones, a great story, and a salted caramel mocha.
My great adventure has been…
My husband and I spent a month backpacking Europe in 2003. We didn’t know it at the time, but while we were trekking through seven countries, a birthmother was in the midst of selecting us to adopt her infant daughter. Within weeks of our return home, we were parents of a beautiful girl named Karly. Europe was an amazing adventure, but I would have to say that parenting has been the greatest adventure of my life.
If I could go anywhere, it would be…
New Zealand. It’s been my dream since I was a kid to go there and explore.
If you have only…an hour…
I love quiet hours to sip tea and read. Or take a long walk as I work through the plot of my latest novel.
Describe yourself in one word
Dreamer
If your house were on fire, what one thing would you save?
My laptop (for my pictures, emails saved from friends, and all my writing)
What has been your most surreal, “pinch-me-I’m-dreaming” moment so far?
On my wedding day when our pastor said, “Jon has written a song for you.” Standing there, listening to the man I loved sing about his love for me, in front of my friends and family. Well, that was almost fifteen years ago, and I still get goose bumps thinking about it.
What drives you to succeed?
The story that Jesus told in Matthew about the talents. My desire is to be faithful with the talents and gifts God has given me. I may fail as much or even more than I succeed, but I pray I’ll never be accused of burying His gifts.
Best Surprise
My 40th birthday party. My husband pretended we were road tripping for the weekend and then he drove our family to the airport. We ended up in Colorado and had a fondue dinner with our closest friends. One of the best nights and best surprises of my life.
Best Sunday Afternoon Read
I love curling up on the couch during our family’s “Sunday afternoon quiet time” with a mug of green tea and Jan Karon’s Mitford series.
Best Way to Break a Sweat
Line dancing
Best Indulgence
An afternoon at the peaceful Allison Spa. This involves a yummy salad of hazelnuts and veggies grown in their garden. Resting in the steam room. Sipping tea as I read in a most comfy chair. And then a massage. I start feeling relaxed just thinking about it….
this book would be a great start for me to read your books. 🙂
I love Christian fiction books! Have a blessed day!
Looks like a great book to read. I love reading about the Amish people, their life is so layed back and different from the people now days.
Melanie Dobson sounds like a delightful author. I don’t have any of her books yet, and would love to win one.
Melanie, I love that you refuse to bury your talent. 🙂 What a beautiful legacy to leave to your children as well.
I read the description of Where the Trail Ends on Amazon, and Samantha’s story sounds fascinating! Thank you for the opportunity to win your book. 🙂
nicnac63 AT hotmail DOT com
would love to win! I love Christian fiction books!
The sweet mild personality of the writer comes through in her interview and her love for reading is great. A person who reads usually writes the best books.
Ooooh, I’d love to go to NZ as well! It looks like a beautiful place to visit 🙂 I will have to put this author on my every growing “to read” list!
I love your books Melanie!
Wow…sounds like a book that I would definitely read.
Love your books, this one looks wonderful!
this sounds like a really intersting book and I would love to have it
I love to read books by new authors.
Love finding out about new authors! Thank you 🙂
Sounds like another great book that depicts what life must have been like on the frontier. I can’t wait to read it!!
What a wonderful interview – I have found a new author to add to my reading list!
Such n interesting interview. I really look forward to reading this book and my own copy would be even better! I wish you much success.
Great interview. I would love to win a copy of your book. ejs8741@hotmail.com
Love to read so I would love to win a copy please .Thank you ,Dana”Girl” Spille
wow it sounds wonderful
Hi Sue Hess from your prior assistant, Kathleen.
I would love to be chosen for a copy of your new book, Melanie! Historical Fiction is the genre I read and review! I loved Jane Kirkpatrick’s novels about the Oregon Trail. Kathleen
lanehillhouse[at]centurylink[dot]net
Sounds like a good book! I would love to win this one!
I love these cameos of different authors. Loved the story of back packing in Europe and then being selected to adopt her child. Blessings to all. Susan
This book sounds so good!
I would love to win! Thanks for the interview and the chance to win! makeighleekyleigh at yahoo.com
thanks for the chance to read this beautiful story 😉
A great interview! Would love to win your book!
I love Suzanne’s books, and I’d love to win this one.
Really enjoyed reading about Melanie. Would really like to have one of her books.
♥ Thanks for the interview and the opportunity to win the book. ♥