What is one of your favorite things about writing?
The adventures. I write in several genres so every story is always an adventure.
When you’re brainstorming for a new story, what usually comes first for you, the plot or the characters?
The majority of the time I have a character start speaking to me, but not always sometimes it’s something to do with world building.
Are you a plotter or a pantser?
Most definitely a pantser, but I can be a plotter when I’m co-writing. Right now I’m working on a co-authored story with my friend Sam Cheever.
When you’re writing, who is more in control, you or your characters?
LOL…them.
Can you write sex scenes at any time or do you have to be “in the mood?”
Nope, I can write whenever they appear, but they are more difficult if my peeps are around.
What do you like best about writing?
Completing a story is always the best and saddest part of our craft.
What is the most difficult thing about writing?
Ugh! Editing without the doubt is the hardest part for me. I’m legally blind in my remaining eye. And editing is so time consuming for me. But the extra work is always worthwhile/
What do you like about writing series books?
Oh! For the most part I love a good series. I love reading them and I learned when I first started writing I love writing them.
What is one of your favorite ways to learn about your characters?
I just love spending more time in a characters world.
What do you feel are some of the pros and cons of electronic publishing (instead of traditional print format)?
Well, I ran out of room on my shelves for my keepers a long time ago. Ereaders provide me with lots of space to fill up. Oh, I listen to a lot of books on audio at bedtime. And I do love the feel of a book in my hands. The biggest pro is readers have options to story formats.
What do you feel are some of the pros and cons of indie publishing?
Although I’ve enjoyed working with Samhain Publishing and Loose Id I’m launching my Indie author career. I’m a fulltime businesswoman. I find my cover art. I pay editors. And the best part is I love-love the freedom of following my muse. I’m going to be writing what she wants from here on out.
Where do you find inspiration for your stories?
For True Blue Love the 3rd story in my Thorn series I was inspired by “A Country Boy Can Survive” by Hank Williams Jr. My character Torc in Torc’s Salvation was inspired by Pitch Black’s Riddick. Music, articles, photos, movies, books, anything can strike my fancy.
What do you like best about writing erotic romance?
Actually I don’t strictly write erotic romance. Some of my stories are quite tame. It just depends on the characters, the chemistry, and the baggage. We are all sexual beings and like humans some of my characters are friskier than others.
What are your favorite research resources?
Oh, I suppose it’s my books on names. Sometimes naming a character is like giving birth. And other times no research is needed at all. You just know… Nowadays I do a lot of research online although I’ve a whole collection of research books in my office.
Do you find it harder to write novels or short stories?
I just love to write. I think it’s a real knack to write either. Some people find writing short harder. But I really enjoy writing both long and short. It’s the way I feel about different genres. Some stories are just longer.
Would you tell us about yourself?
I’m a positive and driven individual. I suppose what sets me apart is the fact I’m legally blind. I had my left eye removed a couple years back. I have Lattice Dystrophy in my remaining eye. LOL…If I say it enough I suppose one day I’ll accept this as fact.
What are your favorite genres to read and write?
I read across fiction genres. And for the most part, I write contemporary and paranormal romance. But I’ve written historical and futuristic romance and erotic horror.
Where can we visit you online?
I love Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/authormelissacombs
I love Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/authormelissacombs/
I try to blog regularly.
https://melissalopezwrites.wordpress.com/
My new website MelissaCombs.com will be live early February.
When you’re not writing, what do you like to do?
I’m spending time with my family and loved ones. Being active in their lives is very important to me.
How long have you been writing?
I remember the exact day. I started professional trying to write on 9/11. I contracted my first story in December of ’05
To you what makes a great romance hero?
A badass with a tender side.
To you what makes a great romance heroine?
She needs to be genuine with a tough side.
Do you have any particular writing habits? (Listening to music, best time of day to write, etc.)
I tend to write late at night when my peeps are in bed. It depends on the mood of the story if I have the music on. Or if I feel as if I need a jumpstart I’ll turn some music on.
Where would you go on your dream vacation?
Australia is at the top of my bucket list alongside the Virgin Islands.
Name three fictional characters (not your own) that you find hot. They can be from books, movies, or TV.
Daryl from The Walking Dead.
Jax from Sons of Anarchy.
Morgan from Criminal Minds.
If you could be any kind of shapeshifter, what kind would you be?
I’m thinking I’d be a dragon because they’re just so cool!
What is your favorite season?
Summertime. The hotter the better.
What book are you currently reading?
Last night I started “Excavation” by James Rollins.
What is the last movie you watched?
Watched The Revenant last weekend.
What is your favorite comfort food?
Ice cream. Yum!
Do you have any pets?
My youngest daughter has a cat names Deci she rescued two years ago. And my boyfriend got a cat for Christmas. He named him Monk after a James Rollins character.
Thank you so much for having me.
~Mel
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Thank you for being a guest, Melissa!
Kate