Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.
I’m a storyteller.
My grandparents were writers and huge influences in my life. When I spent time with them as a child, instead of playing games or with toys, we made up stories. When I grew older, I told myself stories to help me fall asleep and now, I share them with you.
I live on a grain farm in Indiana with my husband, and our mastiff, Duncan Keith. I am on a life-long quest to find the best mascara for stubby, thin eyelashes. I love to sit on our screened in porch and stare at the fields. I watch trashy TV and those awful “You are the Father” shows.
I’m very lucky to have acquired an awesome team of helpers who keep me on target and somewhat sane. This group is led by my fabulous Manny- David.
When you are writing a book, which is harder? The first book in the series or the others after it?
As M. Jayne, I created The Novus Pack Series which is growing into The Novus World -Surprise!
The first book, See Me, took 5 years to write. The following books came faster but they were so much more difficult to create. Because of the series popularity, every word became important, I fretted over plot points. I worry constantly if the readers will love them. I become a basket-case and while writing the first-draft– NOBODY wants to be around me.
What comes first? The plot or characters
Hmmm.
My books usually come to me with Characters and Major Plot Points. It is a terrible cliché, but many have come to me in dreams or as a complete thought. When that doesn’t happen, I will come up with a theme and the names and story just pop into my head.
This happened recently when I dreamed about a Halloween Party where the heroine made an ice cream run and within a few seconds, Ghost, the hero popped into my head and he saves her life. — It happens that fast.
What author would you love to meet (Who is your unicorn author)?
Anne Perry.
At age fifteen she was convicted of killing her friend’s mother in Australia. After she served her time, she eventually moved to Scotland and had a very successful career as a Mystery Writer.
Watch the movie– Heavenly Creatures.
If you could ask that author three questions about their writing, writing process, or books, what would they be?
1.) Does living in Scotland help your writing? I have a dream to spend 3 months touring the land of my ancestors. I believe that I could be mega-creative there.
2.) Are Hester and Monk really happy in their marriage? I always picture that two such prickly characters had a great deal of angry sex.
3.) The characters of Thomas and Charlotte Pitt have had a influence on my writing. Are they based on people that you know? Thomas is detail-oriented commoner police detective and Charlotte is aristocracy although on the poor side. She goes against her family’s wishes and marries Thomas. She is smart and brave and Thomas loves her, and she him.
What is harder? The blurb writing, naming the book, or naming the series.
Hardest– Title. It either comes to me immediately or if not– it is a struggle. I find myself panicking if I don’t have on about half way through the first draft.
Blurb Writing– I hire a blurb writer. She does it better than me. #WorkSmarter
Naming a Series– Not that Hard, but my series names aren’t that creative.
What is your favorite memory so far as an author?
When my first book went “live,” I was working the overnight shift. David was working that night also and we waited for the e-mail from Amazon saying The Party Plan was available to read. Then around 3 a.m., my blog post went live on the USA Today online Romance Blog. — two dreams came true within a few hours and I got to celebrate with my Bestie.
What is your definition of success?
It is made up of many components.
-To wake up every day and want to go into my office and create.
-To see your hard work and struggle come to fruition in the form of a book.
-Making money, selling books. Of course, any money made goes right back into the business, so it isn’t like I’m buying a new car or taking a luxurious trip.
-Hearing from readers. Getting a message about a book is the most amazing feeling. A few of my books have a suicide or self-injury theme and readers have shared personal tales with me. I’m honored that I’ve given them hope.
What are your social links?
https://www.facebook.com/MelanieJayneAuthor
www.ReadMelanieJayne
on Twitter @1MelanieJayne
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/m-jayne https://www.bookbub.com/authors/melanie-jayne
readmelaniejayne on Instagram
What are your buy links?
http://www.readmelaniejayne.com/home.html
