My guest today is Melissa Taggart, recently published author of the romance novel, Canvas of the Heart.
Please join me in welcoming Melissa to the Guest Author Program!
If you are interested in participating in the program, you can submit here.
Melissa Taggart
1. Tell us your name, and a link to where we can find you (blog, Facebook, etc)
Melissa Taggart, http://www.devinedestinies.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/26465908-melissa-taggart
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Canvas-of-the-Heart/501435103299498
2. How many books have you written? This can include both published and unpublished works. Describe each of them in 1-2 sentences apiece (if published, feel free to include the links as well).
Canvas of the Heart is my first book. It’s a funny and romantic novel about Lindsey, a young woman dealing with life, love and CP, and how she triumphs.
Find it on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Canvas-Heart-Melissa-Taggart-ebook/dp/B00M185U4K
3. Tell me a little bit about your current WIP.
I’m working on the initial chapters of the sequel to Canvas of the Heart.
4. What does writing preparation look like for you? Do you do full outlines and character profiles, or do you just start with a general idea and write?
I don’t normally bother with outlines. An idea will pop into my head and I develop it from there. I like the flexibility of creativity without restriction.
5. Editing is a challenge for many writers. Give us some of your tips for editing efficiently and well.
I owe a great deal to my ghostwriter. She helped me evolve a series of stories and ideas into a complete novel, and really brought the characters in my mind to flesh and blood life.
6. Research is another challenge writers face, but is an important part of the writing process. What are some of your research tips?
I was fortunate to have friends who are RN. As Jason, the love interest, was an RN in the story, all I had to do was email them for advice about making his character as realistic as possible.
7. If you have been published (self or traditionally), what type of marketing did you find worked the best for you? What was the least helpful?
Facebook has worked wonders for me. Once I created the book page, it really helped get the word out about the book. I also plan to market elsewhere once the publication date approaches.
8. What genre do you write in? What are some of the challenges to writing this particular genre well?
I focus on romance. I believe the secret to writing well in this genre is to keep it real and believable. Real love is a rollercoaster of emotions, conflicts and compromise, which is why people can connect to the story. It could be about themselves or anyone they know.
9. What advice would you give to a writer who is starting out?
Be patient and never considering giving up. Writing takes time and it has to come from the heart. You’re not creating a shopping list, but something that will exist forever as written words.
10.What are your writing, editing, marketing, and research goals for 2014?
Continue working on the sequel and improving my writing skills.
11. Pretend I am from a publishing house and you are looking for me to take on one of your books. Pitch it to me in 1-2 paragraphs.
Canvas of the Heart is romantic novel about a young woman with cerebral palsy, and how she rises above the term ‘disability’ through her relationship with friends, family, and above all, the man who becomes her husband.
Funny, sexy and inspirational, the book focuses on Lindsey’s insights, struggles and triumphs by teaching us that those with disabilities can also lead rich, full lives.
12. Finally, is there anything else you would like your readers to know?
Like Lindsey, I overcame many challenges to complete this book even though I didn’t have a great deal of support or encouragement. If I could accomplish this, there is no reason for anyone not to achieve their goals.
...and then there was Sarah 
Reblogged this on My Blog and commented:
Thanks Sarah
Great interview.
thanks Diana for the help to:)