Hi! Thanks for having me, Kara! I’m a forty-something mother, wife, teacher, writer and friend. I’ve lived in Guatemala, Central America for more than fifteen years (with a break here and there, since I go through missing US spells). I love Dr. Pepper, Ryan Gosling and social networking.
Where did you grow up and what do you love most about your hometown?
I was born in Louisiana and that’s where my family lives now. However, I would say my hometown is in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I moved there when I was twelve and graduated from college there. Both Louisiana and New Mexico are full of their very own unique cultures – be it the “I garantee” French creole cuisine (nothing like my mom’s crawfish etoufee) or the green chili enchiladas.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
When I graduated high school, I wanted to be a music therapist. I laugh now, because my life is so different than what I thought then. Once I started college, I realized I wanted to do Public Relations and studied Communications and Political Science. Then – wham! – I fell in love with a man from another country. So, if I wanted to marry him, I had to move to a faraway land. The only other thing I could do in a Spanish speaking country at the time was become an English teacher. Luckily, because that was my knack – besides writing, of course.
What authors would we find you reading when you're not writing?
Lately, I’ve been reading Entranced Publishing authors - Rachel Kall, Ana Blaze, ST Bende… But my “go-to” authors and “automatic buys” are contemporary romance authors Jill Shalvis, Susan Mallery, Shannon Stacey and Sarah Mayberry.
Love that you're supporting your fellow Entranced authors. So, tell us, what's your favorite thing to do when you're not writing?
I’m addicted to Twitter. Ask Kara! I love playing around on my computer and I have a romance blog ( http://flirtingwithromance.blogspot.com ) where I write reviews, have author interviews, blog tours, etc.
Yeah, we've definitely had our fair share of odd interactions via Twitter. lol. Okay, let's talk writing for a moment. Is there anything you find particularly challenging about writing?
Time! I’m a teacher by day (which requires a lot of time in itself) and I write at night and on the weekends. I would love to be a full-time writer because I really have no time to write all the stories that I have stuck in my brain. Besides that, I’m a mom to three boys and a wife to a fabulous husband. I am SUPER busy and would love 48 hour days.
Wouldn't we all love more hours in the day? *sigh* All right, time for a really fun question: What's the weirdest thing you've ever done in the name of research?
A few weeks ago, I asked my husband to handcuff me to the stairs. This is related to my current WIP, Trouble with Gold, which will hopefully be paired with a few other novellas including one by Kara. You’ll have to wait to read it to find out why and what I happened.
Oh my God! I'm laughing so hard, I just snorted. Seriously. That's fantastic! I can't wait to read that. All right, now that I've composed myself, I'm dying to know about your new book. Can you tell us a bit about it?
Here’s an excerpt from Chapter One:
In high school, Amanda was someone special. Hell, even before then. Their parents were best friends, which had forced Jake and Amanda together. At first, he’d thought it was a hindrance. Later, when she developed longer legs and a bigger bust, he found himself around her more. After discovering her quirkiness, her love of art and her sense of humor, he actually enjoyed being around her. But he never touched her.
He contemplated running his fingers through her hair like he did his first year of college –– the last time they were alone –– the night he left town and never saw her again.
Did she remember the night he left? Of course she did. Seven years ago, he’d ruined their friendship. He knew Amanda almost as well as he knew himself. Well, he’d known her. Now she was a different woman.
Jake leaned in closer, running his hand down her arm. “Know what I’m thinking?”
Amanda fiddled with her coaster and smiled at him. “I’m not sure I want to know.”
“I’m thinking we should spend a lot more time together.” He reached over and held her chin. “It’s been way too long.”
Amanda licked her lips, and damn it, it actually turned him on. Sweet little Mandy Larson wasn’t so sweet anymore. She was driving him crazy.
She moved closer bridging distance. “Why wait? There’s no time like the present.”
“Exactly.” He drank the last of his beer as the waiter returned with her martini sans olive.
Jake leaned on the table with his elbows, folded his hands together and studied her. “Look at you, drinking a martini, living the life in New York City.” He examined her from head to toe. “A sexy skirt. Tall boots.” He ran a finger down her cheek. “A beautiful face.”
Amanda hiccupped and put down her glass. “Now, wait a minute. I know it’s been a while, but some things never change, including you.” She wagged her finger at him. “No smooth talking with me. Don’t forget I used to know you better than anybody.”
Because his fingers actually ached with the need to touch her again, he reached over and held her hand. “Yeah, but things have changed, Mandy. We’re two different people now, and I can’t wait to get to know who you are now .”
Ohhh, sounds good! Where can we find Time Changes Everything? And where can people find you--y'know, in case they want to stalk you or something like that? ;-)
The book is available for purchase HERE and you can find Melinda at the following social media sites:
Website: www.melindadozier.com
Blog: http://melindadozier.blogspot.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/melindadozier
Thanks so much for stopping by, Melinda. It's been fun!Blog: http://melindadozier.blogspot.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/melindadozier
Thanks so much for having me!
Thanks for having me today!
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