Author Interview

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1). What is your typical workday like? Do you stick to a
writing schedule?

A typical workday for me is to get the kids off to school and
sit down at my desk with a little country music playing in the background. I
write until they return home, and then I relax with them until the next day
begins.

I try to stick to a writing schedule. My goal is to produce at
least twelve pages per day, four days per week.

2) Do you set yourself daily, weekly, yearly goals? If so,
what are some of your goals?

My goals are simple. I tell myself that I have a certain
amount of pages to produce in a day, but I don't always meet that mark. I write
what I can visualize, and leave it at that. Besides, writing should be fun and
relaxing. If your heart is not into it and you are pressured with goals and
quotas, the words will be dull and manufactured.

3) When did your passion for writing begin? What kept you
going?

My passion for writing began when I was about twelve years
old. I was not very popular in school, and therefore had a lot of free time. I
wrote a story once and my teacher commented on how talented I was, and how I
should channel that ability. His compliment gave me great encouragement and I
will remember him always for that. I would most certainly have to say that in
later years my children have rekindled the writer in me. They are my inspiration
these days.

4) How do you come up with ideas for what you write? What
methods do you use to flesh out your idea to determine if it’s salable?

My ideas mostly come from within. I have always enjoyed
reading and I like to write about things that are interesting to me. In order to
determine if my ideas will be salable, I must say that I let my oldest daughter
read the first two chapters. If she finds it intriguing, then I am sure it will
be a hit. She is quite the writer herself. Someday she will be an amazing author
(or critic).

5) Besides writing for magazines, what other writing gigs
have you found profitable or rewarding?

I have never written for a magazine. My first book has just
been released, and the actual process of writing the book and seeing it in print
was a tremendous reward.

6) Can you tell us what editors typically look for in a
magazine/book query letter/proposal?

I would have to say that eloquence is important, as well as
the ability to pitch an idea with confidence. I have found that most editors
have their own set of stipulations for a query.

7) Can you tell us how you found representation for your
book? Did you pitch it to an agent, or query publishers who would most likely
publish this type of book? Any rejections? Did you self-publish?

I sent my book to several publishing companies. However, I
ended up signing with the first publisher that accepted my work. This was indeed
my first book, and I was told that it would be a good way to get my foot in the
door.

8) Can you explain some of your research techniques, and
how you found sources for your book?

My research techniques for my first book were simple. Since
this book was based on a true story, I was the research. I wrote of my
experiences and those of my children.

9) What challenges or obstacles did you encounter while
writing your book? How did you overcome these challenges?

To be completely honest, I did not face any challenges in
writing this book. The words just poured out of me.

10) Do you recommend other writers find a niche or
specialty? What have been the rewards for you?

I recommend that any aspiring writer look deep into their self
and write what they know. I have been rewarded by the pride in the faces of my
family.

11) Have you had any downfalls or negative experiences
working with a publisher/agent, such as rejection letters? If so, how did you
handle it?

I have yet to have any downfalls or negative experiences. I do
not consider rejection letters to be a downfall. You have to climb a mountain
before you can reach the top.

12) In the last year or so have you seen any changes in the
way publishers publish and/or distribute books? Are there any emerging trends
developing?

I have discovered something called an e-book. This seems to be
an interesting trend. You can now read an exciting novel with the click of a
mouse. However, nothing beats curling up with a good book by a warm fire.

13) How have you used the Internet to boost your writing
career?

I have only just begun to promote my book. I am still trying
to learn all of the tricks of the trade. But, yes, the internet has been very
useful.

14) Any unique ways you'll be marketing your book that is
different from how others authors market their books?

I do not think that my plans to market my book will be
anything new. I plan to attend several book signings, as well subject myself to
crucial interviews for the local media. I have also found that having a website
is very important.

15) Who are your favorite authors, and why do they inspire
you?

I only have one favorite author. He has been an idol of mine
since childhood. That would be Stephen King. His work inspires me because he
writes with such detail and thought. His books are written in such a way that
the reader believes in the characters and of the possibility of these things
actually taking place.

16) What's your advice to achieve success as a writer?

My advice would be to write what you feel. Have fun with it
and put your heart into your work.

My name is Melissa Tharp. I was born and raised in a small
town in the Florida panhandle. I am a single mother of two and currently reside
in northern Michigan. I have recently graduated from Baker College with a degree
in the teaching field. My first book was written based on my experiences as an
abused wife, and the abuse of my daughter. The book entitled "Innocence
Stolen: A True Story", was released in October of 2004 by Publish America.
This book is dedicated to my daughter and any other child out there who may be
facing the very same pain. It is intended to give new hope to all survivors of
abuse. More information about the book can be found at my website:

http://www.webspawner.com/users/melissatharp/index.html

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