Talkshow Thursday: Meet Melony Teague
Linda: Welcome and thanks for joining me today. Congratulations on the release of your debut A Promise to Keep. What was your inspiration for the story?
Melony: Thank you Linda, that’s a good question. I asked myself what it would be like to attend a high school reunion with all its mixed emotions. And what if you were reunited with your high school crush? And what would happen if a promise led you to that reunion. What if opposites like a quirky librarian and an adrenaline junkie, technical rescuer spent time together, would sparks fly? How would each of them, in their own way, have to overcome their biggest fears or regrets? And the story evolved from there.
LM: How do you come up with your characters? Are they based on any real people in your life?
Melony: I’m not sure exactly how I come up with my characters, they show up and reveal themselves to me in the first few chapter and then I run with it. All I know is that they make me fall in love with them, even with their flaws and all. And then I feel compelled to tell their story.
LM: Research is an important part of writing. What sort of research did you do for A Promise to Keep?
Melony: My research included technical rescue research, which I had a local firefighter and technical rescuer to call on for first-hand information and to check my scenarios were plausible and realistic. My fellow author and friend, Tara K Ross helped me with the climbing scenes because of her own experience. The fear of heights was based on my own climbing experience. For the medical research, my friend Dr. Etzkorn was my consultant. In all of these areas, any mistakes are my own fault. They all gave excellent feedback. A large inspiration for the story was watching as many documentaries on the Thai Cave rescue as I could cram in.
LM: You’ve written fiction and nonfiction (as a contributor to As the Ink Flows). How do you approach the two genres differently? The same?
Melony: The common thread between these two genres is the motivation with which I tackle them. My aim is to inspire and bring hope with my words, not matter whether those words are fiction or not. I really believe everyone has a story to tell, and we need stories to bring life, and nourishment to our creative souls. God made us to relate to stories. These stories, both fiction and non-fiction are powerful and an essential part of humanity.
LM: If money were no object, where is your idea of the ultimate vacation?
Melony: That’s a hard one. Maybe Hawaii or some other tropical island.
LM: Quickies:
Favorite childhood book: I was a fan of Nancy Drew, Famous Five and Secret Seven and the Three Investigators. So basically all the budding sleuth books.
Drink of choice: Coffee, tea, or soft drink?
Coffee in the morning, tea after lunch. I prefer sparking water to soft drinks.
Would you rather walk, bicycle, or drive a car: That depends, if it’s in nature, walk, if it is in the city, then a car.
Melony:
LM: What is your next project?
Melony: I’m working on story and falling in love with these characters. It’s early days so I can’t say too much, but with the arrival of the pandemic the in-person research for the sequel to A Promise to Keep had to be put on hold. So while I wait, I am keeping myself busy with another story.
LM: Where can folks find you on the web?
Melony: My website is http://www.melonyteague.com, and readers can find me on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, as well as BookBub and Goodreads. The links are below:
Website: http://www.melonyteague.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melonyteague/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/490991801725364/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MelonyTeague
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melonyteague/
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About A Promise to Keep
Research librarian Savannah Sanderson wants nothing more than to escape into her happily-ever-after novels with their larger-than-life fictional heroes. But a promise to her late husband has her attending her dreaded twenty-year high school reunion, drinking ghastly punch, and taking desperate measures just to keep her vow, even if she has to hide behind the decor to do it.
Once a reckless troublemaker, Michael McCann fled town after graduation. Now a professional technical rescuer, he's back for the reunion, but on his trip down memory lane, he soon comes face to face with unresolved issues, namely Savannah. Before the night is over, a pact between these two old friends will lead them on an adventure to uncharted emotional territory where Michael must confront his past regrets and find the courage to reveal the truth. But can Savannah fly from her sheltered nest and risk her heart on a real-life hero?
Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/3iX8nKh
Thank you so much for having me, Linda!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed getting to know you. Thanks for visiting my blog!
ReplyDeleteMelony, this sounds like a great story. I agree with you about creating characters. So far, mine have done the same thing -- once I know them, they take over and I try to keep up. Can also relate to COVID 19 putting writing plans on hold -- and everything else. Good luck with your release.
ReplyDeleteKathy Bailey
Thank you so much Kathy!
DeleteDo you enjoy do thevreasearch for yoyr books or do you like writing better. My e nsil us rorylynn@ att.net
ReplyDeleteThat's a good question, I like to do hands-on research for experiences, like in A Promise to Keep, we went to Niagara Falls and experiences many of the things that are in the book, which was FUN, but I do like discovering more about the characters in the book and once the book is done, I like having written it. Does that make sense?
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