Author Interview: Melissa Adams
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m from the UK, but I was born in Italy. I have an Italian mom. I grew up between the two countries, and I’ve always wanted to do two things in my life: flying (as a flight attendant) and writing novels.
I’ve been flying for several airlines for the better part of the last two decades but ultimately decided to write full time a couple of years ago, and I love my job. I published my first book in 2018, but I’ve been writing all my life. My beginning was in journalism; in high school and college I wrote for school and local newspapers.
I’ve always written novels and short stories (my very first one was a spy story at 13) but only thought about publishing in 2018. My books are all reverse harem, for the most part contemporary. My writing is recognizable for the plot-heavy stories and high steam. Character development and male characters are my favorite thing, and I write in multiple POVs. My favorite tropes are stepbrother romance and sports romance with varying degrees of darkness.
Tell us about your upcoming book.
My new release, Freeing Lynda, is the final book of The Preacher’s Daughter universe, which consists in two duets: The Pact and Twisted Sinners (The Preacher’s Daughter) and Chasing Lynda and Freeing Lynda (The Preacher’s Wife). They’re dark contemporary reverse harem; the story is centered around a cult, and the female main characters in both duets are trying to escape the cult. It’s very dark romance with a lot of trigger warnings and a very high spice level. There’s dub-con and non-con, but not from the love interests; the men I write are never perfect, but they aren’t morally gray or villains. They make mistakes and learn from them (hopefully), and they’re really sexy along the way. Freeing Lynda came out on September 13.
Who is your favorite character in your book/series? Why?
I have many favorite characters. I fall in love with a lot of them, I can’t help it. I’m going to say right now it’s between Shep in The Preacher’s Daughter, because he’s funny and the boyfriend every girl should date at least once, and Oren from my military stepbrother series Broken Warriors, because I wrote him with my husband as a very clear inspiration.
What is your writing process? Show us a day (or week) in the life.
My writing process is simple: I tend to write 5 days a week for 4-8 hours depending on what is on my calendar. Being an author isn’t just about writing; there’s marketing, planning, and a lot of other stuff. I normally do a rough outline of the story and then let the characters move within those confines and show me who they are. Sometimes they surprise me and that’s part of the fun. I tend to write a minimum of 2k words a day, often more. My books are all on the longer side, averaging 90k words, and I manage to write 5-7 books a year like that. Then there’s also all the editing, and I hire a professional proofreader too to ensure high quality.
What keeps you motivated to write?
My motivation is that I love telling my stories, and also now this is how I make a living. So paying my bills is a great motivator for sure lol
What do you do when you’re not writing?
I read a lot. I cook (I love doing it, it’s relaxing), I walk my dog and hang out with family and friends.
What subgenres or tropes are your favorites to read?
I love to read contemporary romance. Pretty much new adult romance (which is what I write), and of course give me a stepbrother or a good sports romance and I’m extremely happy. I love enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, second chance, and I prefer steamy romance. I also love a good thriller, and all my stories tend to have a mystery twist.
Are you a cat person or a dog person?
Dog person. I have two Yorkshire terriers who are my babies. They sit on my lap while I write. I’m not a cat person, but cats adore me. If I visit any house with a cat, you can bet everything that within minutes, the cat will be on my lap, purring. It’s uncanny. Maybe I should get a cat. Lol
What’s your reading drink and snack of choice?
Diet Coke and whatever I’m in the mood for. Often a handful of salted almonds or a piece of dark chocolate.
Where is your perfect reading spot?
My bed or my couch.
What’s your favorite book or #1 book you recommend to everyone?
I honestly don’t have one. There are books that have stayed with me and meant a lot to me, and they are: Shock Wave by Clive Cussler, Teresa Batista by Jorge Amado, Eleven Minutes by Pablo Coelho, The Bronze Horseman by Paullina Simmons, The Shelters of Stone by J M Auel, and any book by Alexander McCall Smith or Sophie Kinsella. I’m sorry, I know it’s a lot, but I read a LOT, I always have.
Who or what has had the most influence on you as a writer?
I’m influenced by my past life, I write a lot from experience. And also current events.
Where can readers find you online?
I’m most active on Facebook and Instagram. You can also find me on Amazon, GoodReads, and BookBub.
