Author Melinda Elmore's love for Native American culture makes for some exciting stories!
Tell us something about you and your books
To my surprise, I started writing and creating my very own world. A place where I could go and lose myself with just a pen and paper.
I grew up with the fascination of the American Indian. My love for them grew by leaps and bounds as I read about them from my history book. I wanted to show, in my writings, of the proud people that the American Indians truly are. They show honor and respect for all living things. If I can capture just a small portion of that in my writings then that would be an added bonus for me.
Native American Romance and Native American mysteries is my passion. I hope to reveal in my books the uniqueness of the American Indian. I feel truly blessed to try and reveal how special the American Indians truly are.
Are there any new authors who have grasped your attention?
I love Margaret Coel, Linda Broday, Carol Ann Didier, and my all time favorite Tony Hillerman
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
I do a lot of research. I find my information from other books, computer, and library.
What promotional ideas can you give to other beginning authors?
Promote yourself as much as you can. Whether it is guest blogging, being interviewed, go to public TV and do an interview, book signings, etc.
What advice would you give to somebody trying to get a literary agent?
Submit to every literary agent you can find until you land one. Never give up.
Are there any words you would like to say to other aspiring writers?
Believe in yourself and your work. Never give up on your dreams of becoming a published author.
As a child what did you want to do when you grew up?
Of course, I wanted to be a writer, not just any writer but a best-selling author. One day that will come to for me.
As a writer and published author how do you feel about e-publishing
I feel E-publishing is the future. I hope that books stay in the market but e-publishing is taken off and it is a lot easier for people.
How long does it take you to do research on the books you write?
Well its according. Usually I research for however long it takes, usually a couple of months but sometimes longer.
What inspired you to become a writer?
I always loved to read and write. I read every Laura Ingalls Wilders books and from that point on I decided that I too wanted to become a famous writer and hopefully make a difference in the world.
What is your novel, “Native Dreams” about?
Here is an excerpt:
Precious Hawk is viciously taken from her people
and forced to live in the white world, causing
inner turmoil. Many years later, Cloud Feather, a
perfect stranger, arrives to work on her
husband’s ranch. Experience the “awe” when Cloud
Feather rescues his beloved Precious Hawk, who
has come to him in many of his dreams. His heart
is to return Precious Hawk to her ancestral lands where she rightly belongs.
On the run, the daring couple nearly lose their
lives. Cloud Feather is gravely wounded. He is
taken to his village in hope that Red Wing, their
medicine man, can save his life. All the while,
Precious Hawk is with child, Cloud Feather’s child.
But Precious Hawk knows the evilness of John
Altan. Will he ever leave her alone? No, not until he is dead.
The Great Spirit joins their love, faith keeps
their minds hopeful, and their spiritual guides deliver guidance.
Where do you do most of your writing?
I set at my desk and write looking out at the creek that runs behind my home, taking in all of the animals that happen to wonder by.
Are you working on other things? If so, what are they?
Most definitely, I am working on a Native American Mystery Novel. I have found that mystery is really my thing.
What do you enjoy most about your writing?
I really enjoy making the characters come alive and the scenery of each area that I bring them to. I also like the use of my animal characters that I incorporate with the American Indian beliefs.
Dariel, thanks for having me here. I really enjoyed it.
Walk in peace and harmony,
Melinda
Melinda's website
Melinda's blog:
"Native Dreams" is available at www.amazon.com/ and www.barnesandnoble.com/
Comments
Thanks for stopping by.
Melinda