Interview With Author Melissa Lopez

1.) How old were you when you realized you wanted to be a writer? Was it a childhood dream or did it come about after you were an adult?

Hiya, Sonya, everyone.
I’d been a story weaver since my early childhood. Only I didn’t realize my actual desire to write until much later in life. I loved all my creative writing classes. My teachers and professors encouraged me to try my hand at writing and submit somewhere. They all said I had a good voice. Although, the romance genre was where my heart was, instead I wrote children stories as a hobby. Authoring romances wasn’t something I’d ever considered I could achieve until 9/11. I knew then it was time to try for my dream.

2.) What is your writing background? Nonfiction or mainly fiction?

I’ve written several nonfiction essays but my background is in fiction.

3.) Is this your first novel? Tell me a little about it. Who's your favorite character and why?

Dark Sentinel is my first published novel under my own name. Dark Sentinel is the first book in my paranormal Netherworld series. Netherworld is the ultimate parallel world between good and evil.
Netherworld has a series site dedicated to it. You’ll find lots of info on Netherworld’s world building by following the link.
http://nether-world.net/
Oh, no, favorites. I love Lash and Teva both equally. Even my secondary characters. Without each one of them to play their role the story wouldn’t be the same.

4.) Where did you come up with the idea for this book?

Netherworld developed slowly with the opening of Dark Sentinel. I honestly didn’t see the dark world coming. I had a partial to pitch to Samhain Publishing. I remember my Netherworld unfolding during my live pitch to Christina Brashear nearly two years ago. Christina was absolutely fabulous while I was absolutely nervous!

5.) Where would you like to see your writing head in the future?

I hope to continue to grow a readership through Samhain Publishing. And I’m looking forward to a long fulfilling relationship with my agent as she puts some of my projects into play.

6.) What have you overcome writing wise to get where you are today?

Well, I had to actually learn the writing craft. I wrote five, six stories before I actually got a handle on my voice and my craft. Like most everyone else, I’ve felt the sting of rejection. But I suppose the hardest thing for me is overcoming my visual challenge to live my dream of authoring my worlds.

7.) Any advice for new writers?

Be patient and develop a thick skin. The writing industry is a tough business and we spend a great deal of time waiting.

Thank you Sonya, for having me! I enjoyed the questions.

For more information on this up and coming author, go to:

http://melissa-lopez.com/
Melissa's author page: http://samhainpublishing.com/authors/melissa-lopez

Melissa Lopez
JOURNEYS OF LOVE every woman needs to take.