A little Q & A with Melody...
WWR: Melody, since this is your first interview with WeWriteRomance.com why don't we start by you giving us a brief rundown of your writing career. How long have you been writing romance? Do you write under any pseudonyms you'd like to share with us? What inspired you?
Melody: I began writing romance about a year and a half ago, Heather, but I've been writing SF, fantasy, horror, and paranormal thrillers for close to twelve years. At the urging of writing friends, and with support from one of my publishers, I embarked on In Trysts, a romantic suspense novel. I have to admit it was one of the most challenging books I've ever written. Characterization in romance is so much different from that in mainstream sf/fantasy. Because it was so very different, I decided to continue writing my speculative fiction as N. D. Hansen-Hill, and my romance novels as Melody Knight.
WWR: In that same light, what's been the most memorable moment of your writing career? What would you like to see in the future? And where do you see your career heading?
Melody: I think, like most authors, my most memorable moment would be the first contract offer. It's instant affirmation that in some way you're worthy of that ultimate goal: publication. I'd like to continue to write, but it may take a back seat to other dreams, like completing my studies in archeology and painting. Some day, I have to admit, I'd like to be able to "pen" my way around the planet - find a setting that inspires, settle there for a while, write a novel about the place and the people, then move on to the next setting. It sounds terribly glamorous to me
WWR: How many books have you written in the romance genre? Have all of them been published? And if so, by whom and when?
Melody: I've written four romances and four romance novellas. The novels are all published or about to be, and one of the novellas is contracted.
WWR: Can you tell us about some of your upcoming releases, like GLASSWORKS and OF DRAGONS? When are they to be released? Are they part of any series or connected in any way?
Melody: Of Dragons was released in March, and GlassWorks will be released in June 2008. Of Dragons is a science fiction/fantasy romance about a woman from another world where huge dragonflies dominate and consume all comers. GlassWorks is a frightening paranormal suspense novel about a woman who envisions past scenes in glass. When she comes to New Zealand, all the "rules" regarding her gift change, and she is forced to interact with the dead.
WWR: I understand that you write in multiple romance sub-genres. Do you find it more fulfilling having that variety in your writing career, rather than sticking to say romantic suspense? On the other side of that coin, have you found that sometimes readers that enjoy one type don't follow you to another?
Melody: My first two romance novels, In Trysts and In Flames, were romantic suspense. I quite enjoyed writing them, particularly the research, but I love writing science fiction/fantasy and paranormal tales. To tell you the truth, all my romances other than In Trysts have been released since January 1st, 2008, so I can't tell yet whether readers have followed me. I hope so!
WWR: How many books you've written and have all of them have been published? If they all have, can you tell us by whom and when? Do you have a backlist page on your site? If so, can you share that url?
Melody: I've written 35 books, and 29 of them are published or contracted to be published this year. Most of my books can be found on my catalogue page (http://www.ndhansen-hill.com/catalogue.html). My publishers include Cerridwen Press, Fictionwise, Drollerie Press, Five Star, Linden Bay Romance, and Red Rose Publishing.
WWR: We always like to throw in this question as we've found readers often like to know how you structure your time when you're working on a book. Do you have a set schedule? Do you work with an outline or synopsis...or do you "fly by the seat of your pants" so to speak?
Melody: I'm a pantser: i.e., I fly by the seat of my pants. I sometimes set a minimum of a thousand words a day, but since I usually have multiple projects in the works, the amount per WIP may vary. Recently, I've worked on novellas/books in a month to satisfy publishers' demands. I'm listed for 3 different anthologies at the moment, all with different publishers.
WWR: Do you belong to any writing groups? Do you recommend aspiring authors join groups? If so, can you suggest which ones are the best investment for your career?
Melody: I belong to the RWNZ. I joined them back before I became a romance writer, simply because the group was so positive and offered so much support. I would say it is largely due to them that I write romance today.
WWR: Do you like to hear from readers? If so, how (emails, blog posts, etc.)? Also, what's the strangest comment or question a reader has ever sent/asked you?
Melody: I really enjoy hearing from readers. The best means of contacting me is through the comments at MySpace (www.myspace.com/ndmanuscripts). The oddest thing that ever happened to me regarding my writing was the time I was stalked. A woman thought I must be male and resemble one of the heroes in my Light Play Trilogy. She was determined to find me and become acquainted. I had to offer her solemn assurances I was female to avoid having her hop on the next plane!
WWR: On a final note, can you tell us if you have any plans for a book tour? Or maybe any appearances where readers could at least meet you?
Melody: I'd love, absolutely adore, a book tour! That falls into my plans of seeing the world, though. I live in New Zealand, and if it's at all possible, I want to go to the RT in February in Australia. If I can make it, I'd love to meet any and all of my readers there!
