Member Spotlight on Melanie Rose Clark!
Do you write full-time or part-time?
First, thank you for having me. I am excited to share my writing journey with you.
I write on and off all the time! I am a mother of five, which is a full-time job in itself (a wonderful one). I start writing at 5:30 in the morning, the only quiet time in my house, and keep going during my breaks until the late afternoon.
What’s the hardest part of writing?
Distractions. With all the interruptions, both on- and offline, it can be challenging to stay focused. I love doing Zoom sprints, because it helps me stay on task.
The phone literally rang while I was answering this question.
What’s your favorite historical movie?
I love Pride and Prejudice, and watched nearly all the versions of it. It is fascinating to watch a story that was actually contemporary at the time. It has a strong heroine, an irresistible male and that wet shirt scene.
Who’s your favorite historical figure?
I enjoy learning about the works and life of Leonardo da Vinci. What he accomplished in his time was simply amazing. It is no wonder he is so admired hundreds of years later.
If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be?
Meeting Jane Austen would be a dream. It would be fascinating to learn about her time, and how it felt to live in that world.
If you could time travel, what era would you visit?
I would love to visit the Regency, where my stories are set. There is just something so enchanting about the ton, the balls and the romance. I want to dress in one of those breathtaking gowns!
What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?
Keep writing. No matter what happens, if you love to write (and I truly do) then keep at it. You never know when magical things will happen.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I’ve been writing since I was a small child. I once made a comment, and had the urge to add “she said” after it. That was when I knew this was my path.
Are there specific books or authors who have influenced you as a writer?
There are so many talented authors out there. Johanna Lindsey was always one of my favorites. I enjoy Stephanie Laurens, Lisa Kleypas, Dara Joy, Jennie Klassel, Sophie Jordan and many others.
Give us a brief rundown of your process. Are you a plotter, a pantser, or somewhere in the middle?
For the most part, I am a pantser. I always have a general plot, with the main plot points. Yet I love the flexibility of crafting a world as it forms. My characters lead the way. There is nothing as exciting as getting an idea and saying “What if…”
Can you tell us a bit about your journey to publication?
Escaping the Duke is my first historical romance. My agent submitted it, and we received a three-book contract from Dragonblade Press, one of the leading publishers of historical romance. Now it is only weeks away from publication, and I am very excited.
Tell us about your latest release and what’s coming next for you.
Escaping the Duke is about a spirited lady who secretly fights for social action, while hiding her true identity from a powerful duke.
Priscilla is a strong, sassy heroine who acts as an informant to the Duke of Bradenton. He doesn’t know the person writing anonymous letters to him is a woman, or that she is the lady he is determined to marry.
It is the first in the series, The Secret Crusaders, about ladies fighting for justice and the powerful lords pursuing them. Each manuscript features a lady who is part of this secret society and an irresistible, alpha hero.
Escaping the Duke is available for pre-order from Dragonblade, and will be followed by the second and third installments in the series. I am just revising the third book now. I cannot wait to see what is next.
I love connecting with people. Visit my website at www.MelanieRoseClarke.com to sign up for my newsletter and receive exclusive goodies. I am also available on the following social media websites:
- Bookbub – https://www.bookbub.com/profile/melanie-rose-clarke
- Facebook – http://facebook.com/MelanieRoseClarke
- Twitter – http://twitter.com/MelanieS_Clarke
- Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/melanieroseclarke/
