Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Interview with paranormal romance author Minnette Meador


Today is a virtual book tour blog stop with paranormal romance author Minnette Meador. She's touring her new book, A Ghost of a Chance, with Goddess Fish Promotions.

Minnette will be giving away a Kindle and a $100 Amazon gift certificate to a lucky commentor. See details below.

Bio:
Somewhere between thirty and dust...red hair, blue eyes...six kids, one slightly used husband, and any number of pets from time to time... wanttabe hippy... wanttheirmoney yuppie... pro musician and actress for 30 years... native Oregonian... lover of music, beauty, and all things green. Willing slave to the venerable muse. Minnette currently resides in Portland, Oregon with her husband, having replaced the children with one dog. The dog, Pierre, pretty much runs the show.

Her works include: Starsight, Starsight II, The Centurion & The Queen, The Edge of Honor, A Boy and His Wizard (w/a M.A. Smith), A Ghost of a Chance, The Gladiator Prince (August 2011), and The Bell Stalker (October 2011). She has also contributed to the award winning Cup of Comfort Series and 150 Oregon Stories celebrating Oregon’s Sesquicentennial. For more information on her books and excerpts, visit her website.

Welcome, Minnette. Please tell us about your current release.
A Ghost of a Chance is a paranormal romantic comedy that released June 22 from Resplendence Publishing.

Keenan Swanson is your typical, everyday graphic designer. Well, except for the hundreds of pesky, prank-loving poltergeists that make his life interesting (in a Chinese curse sort of way). He finds his situation precarious yet manageable — until witty, smoking-hot coworker Isabella enters the scene and Keenan decides he wants her all for himself. With a horny succubus who has other ideas, a burly city cop determined to lock Keenan away, and an evil entity who’s hell-bent on using Keenan’s seed to create a living demon, the reluctant psychic realizes he just might not come out of this alive — or with heart intact.

"Hysterical and very original!" 2-Time Rita Winner Wendy Warren

What inspired you to write this book?
I wanted to write about ghosts, having been a big fan of all things ghostly for most of my life, plus some real hair raising experiences of my own. I asked myself: What if someone saw hundreds of ghosts floating around him, in fact he talked to them? What would his life be like? How would he function in the “normal” world? What would his love life be like? What would the ghosts be like?

What exciting story are you working on next?
I’m currently working on the third book in the Centurion Series, The Gladiator Prince, which hits the stands on August 17th. Set in ancient Roman Britannia and Rome, it is a standalone book in the series featuring the last royal of the Briton Trinovantes Tribe, the spoiled daughter of his owner, a dashing ancient pirate, and the search for the gladiator’s two daughters who have been taken to Rome as slaves.

Excerpt:
Prince Thane is the last surviving royalty of the Trinovantes Tribe in Roman Britannia, having surrendered to the Romans after the Boudicca Revolt to save his two daughters, whose identities he sacrifices his freedom to protect. He is condemned by Nero himself to become a gladiator, to fight until he dies in the arena. When his two daughters are taken in a slaver's raid, Thane escapes, forcing the daughter of his master to take him to Rome to save his children. Little does he know that the beautiful Syrian woman holds not only the key to his passion, but a secret that triggers a disaster that ignites the world. Will this spoiled willful girl betray him in the end or sacrifice herself to save them all? Book III of the Centurion Series.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When I penned my first Star Trek script at the age of 8. It wasn’t very good, but, oh, what fun it was to pretend!

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
I have to work full time like most writers, but I do set aside time on the weekends and evenings to write. I also try to get away for small retreats to write, which really helps. Most of my hobbies get put aside when I’m on deadline, but I try to take a long break during the year to recharge for the next book.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
Believe it or not, I like to listen to funky music when I write. Don’t know why, but I tried classical and other mellow types of music, but for some reason a funky female vocal about her bad boyfriend seems to do the trick! ~teehee~

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a singer and actress more than anything when I was a kid. I got the opportunity when I was 13 to sing at a night club in downtown Portland and never looked back. I’m retired from singing and acting now, but I spent a good 30 years doing what I really loved.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
Just want them to know that if they want a chance to win lots more prizes, visit http://minnettemeador.blogspot.com for a complete list of where I’ll be this month. The more blogs you visit and comment on, the more chances you’ll have of winning Amazon gift certificates, totes full of goodies, jewelry, make-up, and even two drawings to win a Kindle, loaded with great books (even some of your choice!), plus lots of surprise contests.

Here's the buy link for A Ghost of a Chance.

Thanks so much, Lisa, for inviting me to your amazing blog. I really had a blast! Minnette :o)

My pleasure, Minnette. It's been fun getting to know a bit about you and your writing. Best of luck with the rest of the tour!

39 comments:

Mary Preston said...

Great questions & answers. I love background on both the writing & author. A GHOST OF A CHANCE continues to impress.

marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

Minnette Meador said...

Good morning, everyone! I'm so glad you could join us here. I thought it might be fun to talk about when you were a kid, what did you want to be when you were a grown up?

Minnette Meador said...

Good morning, Marybelle! You even beat me here this AM - LOL

Cheryl said...

Fabulous interview ladies. It's so much fun learning more about Minnette as she tours this month.

Congrats on your new release.

Cheryl

cg20pm00(at)gmail(dot)com

rue volley said...

Great interview! AND I LOVE the cover:)

Bama said...

great interview! :D

Minnette Meador said...

Hi, Cheryl! Thanks... M:o)

I love the cover too, Rue - She did an amazing job on it.

Welcome, Bama!

Anonymous said...

good morning all. to answer your question minnette i always manted to be a lawyer... love the interview.. from garanna brigitte

thank you for all your help with writing. i am learning alot.. brigitte

Jean Sheldon said...

Wonderful interview, Minnette. Loved to learn about the music that helps you write. I wanted to draw comics when I was a kid...still do!

Kanya said...

Hi Minnette! Loved the interview!
At 8, I wanted to be an herpetologist, a zoologist who study reptiles. My neighbour had a baby boa constrictor and, while he was at work, I babysat his snake. My mom was scared to death of the poor baby boa, so I had to stay outside all day long!
Have a nice day!
Kanya

kanyachhetATyahooDOTca

Amanda said...

When I was little, I always wanted to be an elementary teacher. I am currently going to school for it now! I can't see myself doing anything other than that besides writing. Tonight I am trying out for a singing competition taking place this week at a fair!
Amanda Chesshir
booklover11089@aol.com

tammy ramey said...

Good Morning Minnette,
when i was growing up i was convinced that it was possible to be a famous archeologist/country singer/writer all at the same time.
i am not a very good singer unless you count singing in the car with the radio drowning me out. LOL! i couldn't believe how much schooling it takes to become an archeologist and i have so many voices wanting their way in my head i decided it was best if i became a writer. :)
i am unpublished right now but i'm working on it.
i have been having a ball following your tour and i can't wait to read the book. have a great rest of the day.

trvlagnt1t@yahoo.com

Na said...

Another great interview, Minnette! I've read your bio before and like the first time it always makes me laugh. It's a superb reflection of your personality.

When I was little, the question should be what didn't I want to be? I wanted to be everything at some point, often changing and usually inspired by TV shows and books. I wanted to be an archaeologist, a doctor, a marine biologist, a cop, a ghost buster, a chef and many more. Not at the same time of course. What has always stayed with me is the dream of being a published writer :)

Chele Blades said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
JeanMP said...

Great interview Minnette.
In answer to your question what did I want to be when I grew up....a Veternarian, grew up on a farm so was surrounded by animals.

Jean
skpetal at hotmail dot com

Chele Blades said...

enjoyed the interview...I myself always wanted to be around people..but i hate pushy sales people and public speaking...so i am still not sure what it is a want to do

seachele71@hotmail.com

(sometimes blogger will not let me comment so i have to sign in as seachele71 in wordpress...but i am still following love learning new things regarding book & author)

Minnette Meador said...

Hi, Brigitte! A lawyer? That's a unique one... You are more than welcome.

Would love to see some of your stuff, Jean. Do you have any of it on line? Send us a link.

I love snakes, Kanya - I used to raise anoles.

Yeah, Amanda! I taught for a couple of years in special ed and loved it. My kids were simply amazing.

Thanks, Tammy - Wow, that's quite the combination! I used to imagine I was a singer in Istanbul, but actually worked as an undercover spy. Still love that fantasy. I'm so glad you are writing... my hopes go out there for you!

I think a lot of us had multiple ambitions when we were young, Na. I know I did and I think that's why I became a writer. You get to do all that and more! :o)

Hi, Jean P - I love animals and to to work in the pet store when I was young. Loved the job, but hated the clean up! :o)

No worries, Chele - One day it will hit you like a ton of bricks! Maybe you should be an actress... :o)

Chelsea B. said...

It is so great that you got to live your dream-- and are now living your writing dream! How wonderful!

justforswag(AT)yahoo(DOT)com

Vonnie Alto said...

Hi Minnette,

Do you think you'll ever write about a hero/ine who is a singer/actress? Or perhaps you have? What an interesting life you have!

Nichole said...

I always wondered how people got into writing, or how they tend to schedule things! I wouldn't be able (haven't been able) to write around a full time work schedule.
When I was a kid, I wanted to be a writer :) But right now I work in mental health and I LOVE it. couldn't have asked for more. I hope someday to finish my book but don't know when :(

Maria said...

Great interview! Congrats on your release Minnette! Growing up I had planned to be an archeologist like Indiana Jones but then realized most of the big finds had probably been made, then I wanted to be a nurse, then a teacher (I actually got a degree for that) but ended up in a finance department...so far have not been bit by the writing bug...lol...your backlist sounds impressive and I love to read historicals so I'll be adding your books to my list.

junegirl63(at)gmail(dot)com

Christiana said...

Afternoon Minnette, Love the interview, It's always nice to get to know more about your background.

As to what I wanted to be as a kid, don't laugh, all I wanted was to be a wife and mother. Then I wanted to write, and write I do every day. I haven't given up on that whole wife and mother thing just yet, despite setbacks, but I've found that writing lets me live out all of my dreams, good bad or kinky.

~Christiana~

Minnette Meador said...

Thanks, Chelsea! I figure if I I can do it, anyone can!

Hi, Vonnie - I had an idea for a traveling space acting troop that were spies. Still thinking on that one... :o)

It take a lot of discipline, Nichole... oh, and a hard deadline! Nothing gets you motivated like knowing if you want your book to get out it has to be done! :o)

Thanks, Maria. I was too old when Indiana Jones came out to aspire to that. However, I was absolutely in love with Jacques Cousteau and actually studied marine biology for a very short time.

Hi, Christiana - Being a wife and mom is a very honorable goal; the lives of your children are important. I'm so glad you found writing! :o)

Shadow said...

Hi! Hope you had a great day! Great interview! when i was little i always wanted to be a cosmetologist. Until i cut my friends hair and found out that i didnt like it. lol didnt do half bad tho. and since then ive chanced my mind a hundred times. right now im deciding between nursing school and archaeology. and before that i wanted to do tattoos. lol

Terri Reed said...

Minnette, I can totally see you as an actress. You'll have to regal the Roses sometime with your singing.
I wanted to be a singer when I grew up, but alas, I can't sing!

Unknown said...

I'm very very late for a very important POst? lmao I've been running the roads today so I'm late but better late then never. Hope your day went well :) When I was a child I use to tell everyone I would be a Housewife lol Out of all the wonderful things I could choose, that's what I chose lol
As a teen I wanted to be a paramedic and then went it was time to choose a career I decided to become a Flight Stewardess. I went to college for it and everything but I kinda got pregnant halfway through the year and decided I was going to be a housewife lol
Full circle and my childhood dream came true.
:D

Tina Hamilton said...

Ohh.. I always wanted to be a writer of horror stories. My grade school teacher had a special conference with my mom when I picked Edgar Allen Poe for book review.

Christiana said...

I can't resist commenting... Tina, Edgar is a good choice, However, I had the opposite problem, My mother had a conference with my teacher over Stephen King being 98% of the end of year reading list. Of all the books he had on the list I ended up with Watership Down, and let me just say I never finished it, it still gives me nightmares, and I'd have rather been reading anything else.

Of course, My teachers mistake was saying we only had to read 1 off his list, but do book reports on anything else we read after that, He ended up with over 60 reports from me on Romance novels. I should have apologized but after that book list of his, I couldn't bring myself to do it.

~Christiana~

Anonymous said...

Hi Minnette,
Thanks for another great blog. My little yorkie rules my house too lol. Oh how I miss Oregon :(

Cori

Minnette Meador said...

I know what you mean, Shadow. I went through a LOT of changes when I was young. It will come to you :o)

Hi, Terri! Terri writes AMAZING books, everyone, so make sure you get over to her blog. I didn't really know anything but singing when I was young. I started professionally when I was 13 at a bar in Portland. Now THERE are some stories... :o)

I know you wear tons of different "Hats," Leanne and all of them very well! I don't think I'd make a good stewardess... I get air sick!

LOL, Tina! I LOVE EAP when I was a kid and used to read him all the time. I think my teacher had the same reaction! :o)

LMAF! Christiana - You make me laugh. 60 reports on Romance novels... What would he think if he only knew? :o)

Hi, Cori... I LOVE yorkies! We miss you too... You need to come back some time. :o)

Bookwyrm369 said...

Sounds like a great book! Can't wait to read it :-)

smaccall AT comcast.net

Chelsea Rafferty said...

It's amazing how I learn something new every blog lol :) I like learning that you wrote a book/story when you were 8?? that's just amazing hon! whoohooo

Minnette Meador said...

Hi, Bookwyrm!

Hi, Chelsea! I may have written stories, but I barely read anything until I was in about 8th grade, believe it or now. My very first book start to finish was Charlie & The Chocolate Factory. I even did a macaroni picture of the glass elevator! :o)

Vanessa A. Johnson said...

Hi Minnette,
Although I'm a scaredy cat when it comes to all things ghostly, A Ghost of A Chance sounds like something I'd read. Just wanted to stop by and say hi and wish you continued blessings.

Minnette Meador said...

You are such an angel, Vanessa! Thanks so much for the support... and, to tell the truth, I'm a bit of a scardy cat too on some things... LOL

Carol L. said...

I always enjoy your posts and interviews Minnette.Well, One of the things was to be a Psychiatrist when I was a kid and/or a race car driver :) I became neither and instead ended up having 7 kids and needing a Psychiatrist lol and never got my license. Go figure. :)I couldn't imagine driving with 7 kids in the car. lol
Carol L
Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com

Minnette Meador said...

Hi, Carol. I've never heard of anyone wanting to be a psychiatrist before. I don't think there is a car big enough for 7 kids, is there? It's funny, we had small cars when our six kids were growing up and didn't get a bigger one until after they left. Ironic that you don't have the money for what you need until you don't need it! :o)

wade2121 said...

Any authors influence you? Or who do you love?

Minnette Meador said...

Hi, Wade! I'm influenced by lots of authors. I've never met a genre I didn't like, so I've read pretty much anything I could get my hands on since I was a kid. I think my favorite author is probably Ray Bradbury, though I have tons more. I think Terry Pratchett and Spider Robinson influence the tone of Ghost. :o)