20 Questions is a new feature on The Knight Agency blog where you can get to know more about our clients -- from soup to nuts. Various authors will answer the same set of questions you see below for the rest of the year. Learn their go-to sources for information on writing and publishing, how they like their coffee, what they did when they got "The Call," and much more. Yeah, it's kind of like the email forwards you keep getting from your BFF, but better. ;-) Our inagural 20 Questions post spotlights Melissa Mayhue, author of the Daughters of the Glen series.
1. Where are you at this exact moment?
– Curled up on my living room sofa, hunched over my laptop!
2. Are you a “seat of your pants” writer or do map out the story like a meticulous cartographer?
– Definitely ‘seat of your pants.’ When I begin a book, I know who my hero and heroine are, what their major flaws or problems are, and that they’ll end up happily together. That’s it. All the middle is an adventure for me to discover!
3. What one item is a must have or what ritual do you absolutely have to perform in order to get your writing mojo going?
– My only true writing ritual is to read through what I wrote the day before to get myself back into the story. I put on some music [can’t have words or I get distracted!], grab a cup of coffee or tea and go to work.
4. If you were stranded on a deserted island with only one book to entertain you, what would you want it to be?
-- THE LONG DARK TEAM TIME OF THE SOUL by Douglas Adams. I absolutely love this story every single time I read it. Though the ending isn’t what I would have ended with, that’s the beauty of it. It sets my imagination free to finish the story in my own way. And if I were actually stranded on a deserted island, I’d want to spend as much time lost in my own imagination as I possibly could!
5. What is the first thing you did after receiving “The Call” from your agent?
– After I finished squeeing? I ran downstairs to share my news with my husband…who just happens to be my best friend!
6. Do you have an old manuscripts gathering dust that you think should still be published, or, in retrospect, did they turn out to just be a practice run?
– No old manuscripts since I was fortunate enough to sell my first book! But I do have a few old ideas that I still want to play with one day.
7. Are you a member of a critique group?
– Yes. I have two wonderful critique partners who have been there for me since before I sold. [Big wave to Kirsten Richard and Rena Marks!]
8. If you were a literary character, who would you be?
- I don’t think I can pick just one. To me, that’s the wonder of being a writer… I get to spend time in the head of LOTS of characters!!!
9. Do you prefer reading a physical book or downloading it on your Kindle/Nook/Sony Reader/insert name of any of the other myriad e-readers?
- I think I still prefer an actual, physical book. My husband bought a Kindle for me for Christmas and though I’ve downloaded several books, I’ve yet to read one all the way through – which might just be the electronic equivalent of my physical To Be Read stacks!
10. What is your favorite go-to blog or website for writing advice?
– To be honest, I don’t really have a go-to spot for writing advice. For better or for worse, I just write.
11. What is your favorite go-to blog or website for industry happenings?
- I like Publisher’s Marketplace best. If you don’t want to subscribe, their freebie version, Publisher’s Lunch, is a good snapshot - http://www.publishersmarketplace.com/lunch/free/. It’s also amazing how much you can learn by being on Twitter and following people within the industry.
12. What’s the strangest place or incident that’s inspired one of your characters or storylines?
– I don’t know that any inspiration I’ve had actually qualifies as ‘strange.’ The most memorable one was on a trip to Scotland and a hike back into a place called The Fairy Glen. That was the inspiration for my whole Daughters of the Glen series. Since then, almost every place I go and everything I do results in something that ultimately translates into one of my stories!
13. Rollercoaster rides: Let’s get in line or I’d rather keep my feet on the ground while eating a delicious corn dog? (I know, random right?)
– I’m SO not a rollercoaster girl! It’s that whole inner-ear, motion sickness thing. Even without the corn dog, I’m feet on the ground!
14. What was the hardest lesson that you had to learn about publishing as a newbie?
– That there’s SO much about this business to learn and that even the tiny details can impact you years down the road. Every time I think I have a handle on it, there’s another piece I’ve never heard of! Everything moves VERY slowly – except when the publisher needs you to hurry up -- and, unlike almost any job I ever had, it’s always difficult for you to know exactly how you’re doing. [Thank goodness for my fantastic agent, Elaine Spencer, who keeps me grounded and continues to fill in the blanks for me!]
15. Coffee: keep it simple (black); liven it up a little (at least cream and/or sugar); everything but the kitchen sink (caramel, raspberry, mocha java latte with extra whip and a few of those dark chocolate curls on top...); I’ll pass (yuck, coffee tastes like cigarettes). – I usually drink it black – to save the calories. But what I actually like best? Everything but the kitchen sink!! Nothing like a Starbucks White Chocolate Mocha to put a smile on my face!
16. Animal lover or is keeping a goldfish alive too much to ask?
– Animal lover, definitely. We have three dogs, one cat, a turtle and an aquarium full of fish at my house.
17. Which one of your characters would you most like to meet in person?
– The Faerie Prince, Pol. Of all my characters, I’m convinced he knows much more than he’s willing to share right now – even with me!
18. What is your current release about?
– My latest release, A HIGHLANDER’S HOMECOMING – is about a thirteenth century Scottish Highland warrior who was sent forward in time by Faerie Magic to save him from death. Now, after a decade in the modern world, he returns to his own century to fulfill a promise to protect a small child, only to find the child is a grown woman and the death he once escaped is waiting to reclaim him.
19. What projects do you have on the horizon?
- I’m currently working on the eighth book in my Daughters of the Glen Series.
20. Where is the best place for readers to find out more about you?
For information on all my books and characters, my website is www.MelissaMayhue.com. I’m on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MelissaMayhue and Facebook [where I’m horribly addicted to Farmville!] as Melissa.Mayhue. For up to the minute news, there’s my brand new blog: www.MelissaMayhue.blogspot.com. I’d love to hear from readers at any of those spots!!
Melissa Mayhue Chat Transcript Available & Kindle 2 in the Spotlight
Melissa Mayhue was kind enough to stop by the TKA chat room last night. She dished about what's in store for her DAUGHTERS OF THE GLEN series and how she comes up with her awesome ideas. - Chat Transcript
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"Why do Kindle owners hate books?" is the question a recent article on MSNBC.com asked. With the advent of Kindle, and now the sleeker, pencil-thin Kindle 2, books are seemingly becoming obsolete...well if you have $400 laying around to drop on this fancy-schmancy technology. MSNBC.com interviewed an unlikely Kindle owner to find out why she decided to forgo traditional books. Ah, the lure of technology is strong! Perhaps if the as the cost comes down, we'll all be Kindled. What do you think? - MSNBC article
Chat with Melissa Mayhue and Win an Autographed Set of the DAUGHTERS OF THE GLEN Series!
Melissa Mayhue will be chatting online with TKA this Thursday, February 19th @ 9pm ET. During the chat, she will give away an autographed set of her DAUGHTERS OF THE GLEN series, as well as dish about her upcoming books and journey to becoming a published author. This is an event you definitely don't want to miss!
WHAT: Online Chat with Melissa Mayhue
WHEN: Thursday, February 19th @ 9pm ET
WHERE: The TKA Chat Room
HOW DO YOU CHAT: 1. Click on this link: http://client1.addonchat.com/sc.php?id=115545 2. To enter the chat room, fill in a username and password (passwords are not pre-set, you can enter any name/password combination) 3. Click Login *Computers must be Java enabled to chat.
UPDATE: The winner of the February 17th edition of "Take Home Tuesday" is Jeanne Ryan. Congrats! I know you will enjoy both of these awesome books :). Please email your physical address to contests(at)knightagency(dot)net. Thanks to all our participants!
RWA's Houston Bay Area Chapter awarded Melissa Mayhue's SOUL OF A HIGHLANDER second place and Robin Owens's KEEPERS OF THE FLAME fourth place in their "Judge a Book By Its Cover Contest." In honor of their win, we are giving away both these titles in today's edition of "Take Home Tuesday." Remember, Melissa Mayhue is chatting online with us this Thursday @ 9pm ET. She'll be giving away an autographed set of her ENTIRE series. Click here to bookmark the chat room!
Leave your name in the comments below to enter the book giveaway for SOUL OF A HIGHLANDER (Pocket Books, June 2008) by Melissa Mayhue and KEEPERS OF THE FLAME (Pocket Books, January 2008) by Robin Owens. The winner will be announced tomorrow morning.
Nine years ago, Faerie Magic saved Mairi MacKiernan at the cost of her dreams of happiness, snatching her from her life in 1272, and depositing her in the twenty-first century. Now, she must save the last Daughter of the MacKiernan family...who was murdered in 1295. Transported back in time at her request, Mairi finds herself captured by the same evil men as before! Is this the price the Faerie magic requires of her this time?
Ramos Servans has dedicated his dreams to service as a Guardian, but when he discovers the evil unleashed on the Mortal Plain by his father and their people, he swears he will atone by ridding the world of Nuadian deceit. Part of his mission involves rescuing a lovely Highland lassie, and in the passion that grows between them, Ramos and mairi find a new dream.
But falling in love can be dangerous when Faerie Magic is involved. Dreams may not be the only cost..._________________________
Two sisters born to serve… The sorcerers of Lladrana have already Summoned three women to help fight the evil attacking their world. Yet their fourth Summoning brings the unexpected—twin sisters. And ones with strong ties to Earth.
Both have a special gift to heal. But while Brigid Drystan has explored that gift through unorthodox means, Elizabeth has poured herself into getting a medical degree and denying her powers.
Now, stuck in a strange land, fighting a plague sent by the Dark to weaken Lladrana, they must use all their resources to save lives. And one twin will risk her own on an experiment that might doom them both.…
Did you know that romance author extraordinaire Melissa Mayhue is chatting with The Knight Agency next week? She'll be giving us the skinny on her time-traveling series, DAUGHTERS OF THE GLEN, which is set in present day America and Medieval Scotland, and you'll be able to ask questions about her writing process and journey to becoming a published author. Also, Melissa has generously agreed to give away an autographed set of her entire series to one lucky winner during the chat. The series includes: THIRTY NIGHTS WITH A HIGHLAND HUSBAND, HIGHLAND GUARDIAN, SOUL OF A HIGHLANDER and A HIGHLANDER OF HER OWN. (Photo: Edinburgh Castle)
Make sure to mark your calendars for this awesome opportunity! To learn more about Melissa, visitwww.MelissaMayhue.com. WHAT: Online Chat with Melissa Mayhue WHEN: Thursday, February 19th @ 9pm ET WHERE: The TKA Chat Room
UPDATE: The winner of February 3rd's Take Home Tuesday is Audery A! Congrats! Next week, we'll be skipping Take Home Tuesday. Instead, we have the fabulous "Tunnel of Love Week" planned in honor of Valentine's Day. It will feature wonderful guest bloggers and plenty of great contests -- so make sure to check in on the festivities!
Leave your name in the comments below to enter the book giveaway for A HIGHLANDER OR HER OWN by Melissa Mayhue (Pocket Books, January 2009). The winner will be announced tomorrow morning.
Also, don't forget to mark your calendars for Melissa's upcoming chat, Thursday, February 19th @ 9pm ET! Melissa will be giving away an autographed set of the entire DAUGHTERS OF THE GLEN series!!! Click here to bookmark our chat room. TEXAS, PRESENT DAY. Ellie Denton’s world has spiraled out of control. A strange new birthmark, animals talking to her, and her mother’s ex-husband laying claim to the family ranch have her thinking life can’t get more complicated. But Ellie doesn’t know the birthmark’s connection to her Faerie ancestors. Complicated takes on a whole new meaning with her innocent wish to find her true love. SCOTLAND, 1304. Caden MacAlister has more trouble than he can handle. With his brother held for ransom and the laird missing, the last thing he needs is another problem. But the Fae have other plans.A mysterious woman shows up in his stables, sent by Faerie Magic to find her true love. Fighting his attraction, Caden insists she’s meant for one of his brothers. With his history, he has no desire for a woman in his life—especially a woman sent by the Fae.Only the magic of the Fae can determine whether Ellie will find a Highlander of her own...
Last night we chatted with Tommy Newberry, bestselling author of THE 4:8 PRINCIPLE. Thank you to those who made it out, and for those who didn't (re: because they were watching LOST *wink*) -- click here for the chat transcript. And a special thanks to Tommy for doing such a great job!
Also, please note that Melissa Mayhue will be chatting with us next month on Thursday, February 19th @ 9pm ET. Mark your calendars! Melissa is the author of the acclaimed DAUGHTERS OF THE GLEN series. Visit her website www.MelissaMayhue.com to learn more about this darling of the romance world! Here's the 411 on her latest release, A HIGHLANDER OF HER OWN (January 2009, Pocket Books):
TEXAS, PRESENT DAY. Ellie Denton’s world has spiraled out of control. A strange new birthmark, animals talking to her, and her mother’s ex-husband laying claim to the family ranch have her thinking life can’t get more complicated. But Ellie doesn’t know the birthmark’s connection to her Faerie ancestors. Complicated takes on a whole new meaning with her innocent wish to find her true love. SCOTLAND, 1304. Caden MacAlister has more trouble than he can handle. With his brother held for ransom and the laird missing, the last thing he needs is another problem. But the Fae have other plans. A mysterious woman shows up in his stables, sent by Faerie Magic to find her true love. Fighting his attraction, Caden insists she’s meant for one of his brothers. With his history, he has no desire for a woman in his life—especially a woman sent by the Fae. Only the magic of the Fae can determine whether Ellie will find a Highlander of her own...
Remember The Knight Agency has a monthly newsletter chock full of interviews with talented authors, articles written by our agents, info on our current releases and notices about upcoming chats. Stay in the TKA loop and sign up now! Click here!
1. Where are you at this exact moment?
4. If you were stranded on a deserted island with only one book to entertain you, what would you want it to be? 
– I don’t know that any inspiration I’ve had actually qualifies as ‘strange.’ The most memorable one was on a trip to Scotland and a hike back into a place called The Fairy Glen. That was the inspiration for my whole Daughters of the Glen series. Since then, almost every place I go and everything I do results in something that ultimately translates into one of my stories!
13. Rollercoaster rides: Let’s get in line or I’d rather keep my feet on the ground while eating a delicious corn dog? (I know, random right?) 
16. Animal lover or is keeping a goldfish alive too much to ask? 
18. What is your current release about?
