Interview with Melissa Tyler
*Please describe where you grew up and what your family was like.
I grew up near Buffalo, NY with my mother. She was a single Mom and worked very hard at providing for me. We were a close knit family, my grandparents not living that far away.
*When did you first become interested in being a writer? What other professions, if any, have you had?
I have always been interested in writing. Even as a child I used to write stories. I had quite the imagination. My only other profession is Nursing. I currently work as a Pediatric Home Health Nurse.
*What is your educational background like?
Graduated Nursing School in 2001.
*Are there any writers, teachers, or other individuals that have had a major influence on your writing or helped you further in your career?
Nora Roberts. She has always been my favorite writer.
*Can you briefly describe the process you go through when writing a novel or book? Where do you get your inspiration?
Well, I don't really have a process. Ideas just come to me either in my dreams or random thoughts. I get an idea of a subject and just run with it. My children inspire me a lot. People I meet inspire me. Sometimes when I meet someone, there stories give me inspiration for a new story.
*How would you describe your debut novel? Why might people want to read it?
A young girl growing up in an abusive and alcoholic household. Becoming pregnant at a young age and searching for true love and happiness. It can be for any audience, young or adult. Many teens go through trials. Maybe not as severe as Janie's, but similar.
*You�'ve created some very interesting characters. What is the character development process like for you?
How I can relate to the character helps me tremendously. If I can put myself in the shoes of my characters, it makes it easier to tell their story.
*Are there any elements of your characters based on anyone that you know?
I think there is always going to be someone that you know that you can base a character on. So yes, all of them are with someone I know in mind.
*What writers/books do you enjoy or have influenced your work?
JD Robb, "In Death" series, and Nora Roberts, all of her work. Laurell K. Hamilton is a great writer also.
*Are there any other books or projects that you are currently working on?
Yes. I'm working on my first Sci-Fi novel. I'm enjoying a lot. Really lets you use your imagination and run wild with it.
*Do you have a family and/or kids? Where do you currently reside?
I have three children. Brittney, Hunter, and Daniel. They are my life. I currently reside in Pennsylvania. My parents also live only a few blocks away.
*What are your hobbies and interests?
I love writing and reading. Horseback riding. Going to my boys' baseball games. I love animals.
*What advice do you have for aspiring writers today?
Don't let anything stop you. Write it down, put it into a story, and get it out there. You
never know what will happen.
Thank you Melissa Tyler :)
I grew up near Buffalo, NY with my mother. She was a single Mom and worked very hard at providing for me. We were a close knit family, my grandparents not living that far away.
*When did you first become interested in being a writer? What other professions, if any, have you had?
I have always been interested in writing. Even as a child I used to write stories. I had quite the imagination. My only other profession is Nursing. I currently work as a Pediatric Home Health Nurse.
*What is your educational background like?
Graduated Nursing School in 2001.
*Are there any writers, teachers, or other individuals that have had a major influence on your writing or helped you further in your career?
Nora Roberts. She has always been my favorite writer.
*Can you briefly describe the process you go through when writing a novel or book? Where do you get your inspiration?
Well, I don't really have a process. Ideas just come to me either in my dreams or random thoughts. I get an idea of a subject and just run with it. My children inspire me a lot. People I meet inspire me. Sometimes when I meet someone, there stories give me inspiration for a new story.
*How would you describe your debut novel? Why might people want to read it?
A young girl growing up in an abusive and alcoholic household. Becoming pregnant at a young age and searching for true love and happiness. It can be for any audience, young or adult. Many teens go through trials. Maybe not as severe as Janie's, but similar.
*You�'ve created some very interesting characters. What is the character development process like for you?
How I can relate to the character helps me tremendously. If I can put myself in the shoes of my characters, it makes it easier to tell their story.
*Are there any elements of your characters based on anyone that you know?
I think there is always going to be someone that you know that you can base a character on. So yes, all of them are with someone I know in mind.
*What writers/books do you enjoy or have influenced your work?
JD Robb, "In Death" series, and Nora Roberts, all of her work. Laurell K. Hamilton is a great writer also.
*Are there any other books or projects that you are currently working on?
Yes. I'm working on my first Sci-Fi novel. I'm enjoying a lot. Really lets you use your imagination and run wild with it.
*Do you have a family and/or kids? Where do you currently reside?
I have three children. Brittney, Hunter, and Daniel. They are my life. I currently reside in Pennsylvania. My parents also live only a few blocks away.
*What are your hobbies and interests?
I love writing and reading. Horseback riding. Going to my boys' baseball games. I love animals.
*What advice do you have for aspiring writers today?
Don't let anything stop you. Write it down, put it into a story, and get it out there. You
never know what will happen.
Thank you Melissa Tyler :)
Copyright B.K. Walker Books - 2010