Snow was falling outside the window, my two young boys were sleeping upstairs,
and these images came to me like a recurring dream; a mother sitting poolside,
her daughter playing beside her, and the feeling of freedom whisking through the
air like a breeze—freedom from a marriage unraveled. Those are the images and
the sensations that first sent me running to my computer. There was a story in
my head vying for release. That was in 1991. Fast forward many years, and
several children, later, and here I am—a full-time author.
I have craved writing since that bitter winter afternoon, when I began poking
away at my IBM Thinkpad balancing in my lap on a chair in our guest room. That
particular story has yet to be written, but it opened a door for many more to
develop.
Writing is a curious, and solitary, process for me. I can write just about
anywhere with a window and a radio. For the most part, though, I must be alone.
I sometimes act out my scenes several times before finding just the right
emotions to portray. I talk to myself, urging myself to think harder, be more
creative, give the readers what will make them want to turn the page. Sometimes
I feel a little like a crazy person, alone in the room, arguing story points, or
telling myself that my book won’t stink, and to keep writing. Other times, I
feel like the wind has taken a hold of my mind and thoughts stream smoothly onto
the page.
As the mother to six children, I used to write when my children were in school.
They’re my biggest cheerleaders and my greatest critics. Children aren’t afraid
to tell you exactly what they think, “That line stinks, Mom!” They’re also a
source of encouragement and storylines.
Many people want to know how my life has changed since publishing MEGAN’S WAY and CHASING AMANDA. I spend
more time sitting in front of a computer. I have terrific readers who send me
interesting questions, invite me to meet with their book clubs, and many who
have become my very closest friends. My life, although busy with book tours,
marketing, and writing of my bestselling LOVE IN BLOOM
contemporary romance series, is full. I still get nervous when I meet a new
reader—I never know if readers will like my work or not, but it’s always worth
the nail biting moments. One thing never changes. I always, without fail, feel
like the luckiest woman alive as I’m crafting my stories. I’m doing something
that brings happiness to me, and entertainment to readers. I’m giving back, and
for that, every moment, good and bad, is a blessing.
About Melissa
Melissa Foster is a
New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes
contemporary romance, new adult, contemporary women’s fiction, suspense, and
historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you
long after you turn the last page. Her books have been recommended by USA
Today’s book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print
venues. She is the founder of the World Literary Café and Fostering Success.
When she’s not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry
through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa has been
published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business
Owners magazine.
Melissa hosts an Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and
donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC.
Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.
Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails
from her readers. Visit Melissa at The World Literary Cafe or
her personal
website. Never miss a brand new release, special promotions or inside
gossip again by simply signing up to receive your newsletter from Melissa.
You can also find Melissa on the following sites...Facebook Twitter
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About SEASIDE SECRETS
Tony Black is the hottest surfer on the planet. He travels the world
throughout the year and spends his summers on Cape Cod with his friends, at the
Seaside cottages in Wellfleet, Massachusetts. He's got his choice of women, but
Amy Maples is the one he wants. Fourteen years ago she was his for an entire
summer, until a devastating accident changed everything, and what they had
seemed like it had never existed--at least for her.
Amy Maples is as consistent as the day is long. She's spent summers on Cape
Cod forever, she always does the right thing, and she's spent years trying to
reclaim the heart of Tony Black, the only man she's ever loved. She's back for a
summer of fun with her friends at Seaside, only this year she's been offered the
opportunity of a lifetime thousands of miles away, and she's decided to try one
last time to reconnect with Tony. But having a relationship with Tony means
dealing with her past--and dealing with her past may knock her to her knees.
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