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Hi everyone! Today I’m
back on the blog after a summer hiatus. This week I have a
special guest, the delightful and bubbly, Melissa Tagg! Don't you just love her blue eyes? - Yeah, I'm talking to you, Tim Tebow...
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| Author Melissa Tagg |
Melissa’s debut novel, Made to Last, releases from Bethany
House this month! I’m so excited for her! I met Melissa through blogging. Make sure to stop by her blog. It's one of my favorites to visit on a regular basis. You'll find the information to her blog and other places at the bottom of this page. But for now, please extend a big
welcome to Melissa Tagg!
By the way, make sure
to answer Melissa’s question at the end of the interview. She’s been kind enough
to giveaway a copy of Made to Last to one lucky commenter. The contest will end
next Sunday night, September 8, 2013 at 9:00 pm cdt, when I will draw the
winning name at random. This giveaway is open to USA and Canada residents only. I will announce the winner next on next Monday's post. If you have trouble commenting through Blogger, leave a comment on my Author Facebook Page under the link to this blog post, and that will count too.
Welcome to Gatepost, Melissa!
So glad you stopped in for a visit!
How long have
you been writing? Is this your first novel?
I
am your typical, "I've been writing since I was a child" author. I've
always loved stories and have long dreamed of writing my own. I finally got
serious about pursuing a writing career in fall 2009. This is my first
published novel, but I did have another completed manuscript written before
this one. And here's some encouragement to other authors: That first novel may
never see the light of day BUT it's what opened the door for Made to Last to
get in front of my editor.
In your own words, tell us
a bit about the book. What is the inspiration behind the novel?
Made to Last is a
romantic comedy about figuring out who we are underneath the trappings of
success—or lack thereof—and in the process finding a faith and love that’s made
to last. It’s about a homebuilding TV show host/DIY guru who’s trying to boost
her ratings and save her show, even if it means pretending to be married to a
man who’s definitely not the fiancé who ran out on her. And shadowing her every
move is a handsome reporter whose digging brings him a little too close to the
truth—and to her.
As for what inspired it,
I love classic movies, and a few years ago I discovered the 1945 movie Christmas
in Connecticut starring Barbara Stanwyck. I could not believe I hadn’t
seen it before. It’s about a magazine writer who has basically created a fake
identity for herself…and ends up needing to find a stand-in husband. Only
problem is she ends up falling for someone who is not said stand-in husband. I
took that basic “pretend marriage” spark and ran with it.
Is there a sequel or
series planned?
There
is a sequel! It's called Here to Stay and comes out on May 1, 2014. It features
one of my favorite characters from Made to Last. Now, both books could actually
be read as stand-alones. You won't have had to read Made to Last to understand
Here to Stay.
They say that there is a
bit of each of us in all of our characters. Which character in the book is most
like you, and why?
I really want to say
Blake/Blaze--he's the fake husband in the story and he is awesome. So I wish I
was as adventurous and funny as he is. HA! But actually, I'm most like Miranda
Woodruff. Thing is, she's a homebuilding/DIY guru and I'm about as un-DIYish as
they come. I can't build things. At all. Dude, buying a new vacuum and putting
it together was enough to completely stress me out. So, as far as talents and
skills, we are not at all the same.
BUT Miranda's emotional
personality very closely resembles mine. I so identify with the emotional and
spiritual journey she's on in the story. Which made her both the easiest and
the hardest character to write. Easy because I felt like I understood her and
could naturally write her responses to situations and obstacles. But difficult
because it meant I was sort of experiencing her spiritual highs and lows right
alongside her, wading through my own emotions as I wrote hers.
What do you read for
enjoyment?
Everything!
Okay, slight exaggeration. I love both contemporary and historical fiction.
Some of my favorite authors are: Jenny B Jones, Susan May Warren, Rachel Hauck,
Jody Hedlund, Beth Vogt, Becky Wade, Laura Frantz, Lisa Jordan, Anne Mateer and
oh my goodness, I could go on and on. I also love Ted Dekker's earlier stuff
and re-read his Circle series about once a year. And, silly confession: I love
reading biographies/autobiographies/memoirs of studio era Hollywood stars. :)
What is your favorite
writing nibble or drink?
Anything
caffeinated...haha! I'm weird in that when I'm sitting down to write for a good
chunk of time, I need to have a can of Diet Coke with Lime, a mug of coffee and
a glass of water all within reaching distance. I like having options, I guess.
I'm usually munching on baby carrots, grapes and pretzels.
Thanks for stopping in,
Melissa! It's been really fun learning more about you!
Now Melissa has a question
for you…
Since Made to Last is
based on a classic movie, I thought I'd ask, what's your favorite classic
movie? (And I'm talking golden era. If you haven't seen any from that era, we
need to talk. In fact, consider this your official invite to my place for a
movie marathon!)
Melissa Tagg is a
former newspaper reporter and total Iowa girl. Her first novel, Made to Last, releases from Bethany
House in September 2013. In addition to her homeless ministry day job, Melissa
is also the marketing/events coordinator for My Book Therapy, a craft and
coaching community for writers. When she’s not writing, she can be found
hanging out with the coolest family ever, watching old movies and daydreaming
about her next book. Melissa blogs regularly and loves connecting with readers
at www.melissatagg.com.
During her reporting days, Melissa interviewed presidential candidates and llama farmers, rode a hot air balloon and flew a plane, and once came face to face with a buffualo. But today she gets her kicks by letting her characters have their own fun. She’s passionate about humor, grace, and happy endings.
Links where you can find Melissa:
My website/blog: www.melissatagg.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Melissa_Tagg
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/melissatagg
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/MelissaTagg
HAPPY LABOR DAY!
Between you, me and the gatepost,
Loree
HAPPY LABOR DAY!
Between you, me and the gatepost,
Loree
