Posts in Series for AT IV
Welcome back! It’s just another short week and a half before voting begins for the second round. Wow, I hadn’t even had time to take a breather. I’ll make this short and sweet. Today we have with us the fabulous MEL HIERS.
MAI: Mel, please give us the title of your finaling manuscript.
MEL: Voice of the Bard
MAI: Ooh, great title! What’s the story about?
MEL: Bard Anna Martin loves her job keeping the peace between mythics and humans. But when a Native American monster starts slaughtering mythics in her district, Anna has to straddle two cultures to keep her people safe and, maybe, find a little happiness of her own.
MAI: I love that you’re writing about Native American mythology. It’s fresh and very unique. How long have you been writing?
MEL: I’ve always scribbled in diaries and journals. I’ve been writing fiction for about seven years.
MAI: Can you tell us a little about how this book came about?
MEL: Anna’s world evolved out of a couple of crappy first drafts I had written during National Novel Writing Month. I was focusing on other characters, other relationships until Anna popped up and started poking me in the frontal lobe. When I ignored her, she brought friends until I was compelled to tell their story. I’m glad I did!
MAI: LOL. Don’t you just love it when characters you hadn’t intended to write refuse to leave you in peace until you’re forced to pay attention to them? It always happens when you’re elbows deep in another book. I think us writers are the only ones who have that problem. What was your expectation when you first entered the contest?
MEL: Seriously? I was expecting a polite rejection at the query stage. There are so many people writing such wonderful urban fantasy and paranormal romance these days that I was convinced I didn’t have a chance!
MAI: Funny, how things work out, huh? I’m glad you didn’t get that rejection letter. What was your reaction when you learned you were a finalist?
MEL: I giggled for a few minutes, and when I could talk I told my husband (who was, at that point, convinced I’d finally gone mental). We screamed and danced around the living room, and then I called my mom. It was a great moment!
MAI: What has been the most rewarding part of this experience so far?
MEL: Definitely the most rewarding part has been getting to know my fellow finalists. They are a great bunch of ladies and I consider myself lucky to be included among them.
MAI: I couldn’t agree with you more. What has been the worst part of this experience so far?
MEL: I haven’t actually had any bad ATIV experiences so far. But the most challenging thing for me was learning the basics of self promotion in a very short amount of time. Oh, and finding a usable photo of myself! I’m a bit of a troll and tend to avoid cameras.
MAI: Mel Hiers, I can’t believe I’m hearing those words out of your mouth. You in no way even remotely resemble a troll. I hope your husband’s not reading this. The man should knock some sense into you! In one word, how would you describe this experience?
MEL: Overwhelming!
MAI: LOL. Amen to that! What kind of advice do you have for other American Title hopefuls and/or aspiring writers?
MEL: This is a hard one! Up ‘till now I’ve always been the writer seeking advice. But over the past few years I’ve learned that a writer can only influence those things that she’s in direct control of. The quality of her work, how she presents herself to others, her attitude. She can’t control what a given editor or agent will think or feel on the day she holds the writer’s query in her hands. So concentrate on the things you can control, and don’t worry about the rest. Eventually you’ll find yourself in the right place at the right time.
MAI: Very well said. Any last words?
MEL: I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to participate in ATIV! It’s been a great learning experience, and I’m really looking forward to the rest of the ride. Thanks for the interview, Mai. Good luck! And thanks to Sylvia for having us.
MAI: And we’re so grateful to have you with us, Mel. It’s going to be a great ride. Thank you so much for your time and good luck to you in the next round!
Okay guys, I’m picking two winners from this interview. Sylvia and her friends have some amazing prizes, so don’t forget to leave your comments!
See ya’ll next week! And yes, that’s the southern drawl in me. *wink*
Mai Christy Thao
maichristythao.com
Tags: american title, dorchester, paranormal, romantic times
(858 views)
Interesting story - I love hearing new ideas, especially coming from new authors. Exciting stuff. Keeps readers interested that’s for sure.
Good luck Mel. And you’re definitely not a troll
by Stacy ~ November 1st, 2007 at 3:54 amThe story sounds very intersting! Good luck to you Mel! I always love hearing the “backstory” behind a book…
by brownone November 1st, 2007 at 4:17 amYour book sounds great! Best of luck with the contest.
by Stacy S November 1st, 2007 at 5:11 amHi Mel,
by Melissa K. November 1st, 2007 at 7:28 amYour story appeals to me greatly! I love anything and everything Native American and have studied them all my life. I’m learning the Lakota language. Good luck in the AT contest.
I’m also a “Mel”. Short for Melissa.
Native American mythology sounds a very original and novel idea and very promising- Best of luck!
by Eva November 1st, 2007 at 7:59 amHi Mel!
by Angie-la November 1st, 2007 at 8:23 amI am very intrigued with the premise of your book. Thanks for sharing with us and the best of luck to you!
Angie
sounds very interesting, thank you for sharing. good luck
by kim h November 1st, 2007 at 9:54 amHi, guys! Thanks for all of your kind comments! And thank you Mai for the interview. You rock! Oh, and big thanks to Sylvia for hosting us.
And, Melissa, I’m a Melissa too. Of the “call me Missy and you die” variety. *grin*
by Mel HiersWhat an interesting storyline. Good luck with the contest.
by cathy M November 1st, 2007 at 11:31 amSounds like a great story! Best of luck! I am really enjoying these interviews!
by Jennifer Y. November 1st, 2007 at 11:34 amWell, Mel, I won’t call you ‘Missy’ to your face. You might be quicker on the draw than me. I luv the whole Native American concept of your story. Perhaps you could give us a bit about which myth or myths you concentrated on. I’d luv to know. Just a teaser. Don’t want to spoil reading your book.
by Savanna Kougar November 1st, 2007 at 12:06 pmI like the original storyline and Native Americans history has so much mysticism and folklore that it makes a great source for ideas to work off. Great concept!
by Sue A. November 1st, 2007 at 12:53 pmGood luck with the contest!
Hey Mel,
Great interview. Interesting to hear how your story evolved. I find the same thing with some of my characters. They pester me until I write about them!
Helen
by Helen Scott Taylor November 1st, 2007 at 1:12 pmHey, Helen! The characters sure do take over sometimes, don’t they?
Hiya Savanna! I took some extreme liberties with the Algonquin Glooskap/Malsum myth. It was so much fun! Writing the sequel now and I’m going to incorporate Little Rabbit and some Norse mythology into it. Sounds kind of crazy, but I think it’ll work.
by Mel HiersHi Mel! Wow, we are so spoiled by all these great interviews! Good luck to you!
by Andrea November 1st, 2007 at 1:53 pmBest of luck to you Mel! I like the Native American aspect to your story too.
by Maureen November 1st, 2007 at 2:10 pmMel - what a great twist for the genre. I love the idea of her straddling the two cultures. Best of luck and major congrats. I love your advice about concentrating on the things you can control - very well said.
Helen, This story is right up my alley! I can’t wait to read it. Congratulations on being chosen as a finalist - I remember getting that phone call! Best of luck!
-Judi Fennell
by Judi Fennell November 1st, 2007 at 2:29 pmhttp://www.JudiFennell.com
Beauty and The Best American Title III Finalist
In Over Her Head First Chapters Romance Contest Top 5 Finalist
Great interview, Mel and Mai. And Mel, you do realize I live close enough to you to come over and smack you about the head for that “troll” comment, right?
And isn’t it the greatest when you final in something like this when you totally aren’t expecting it? Makes it that much sweeter.
by Trish Milburn November 1st, 2007 at 2:55 pmHi Trish! Hey, self deprecating humor usually works for me! *lol* And an unexpected good thing is always sweet.
Thanks, Andrea! There’s still four more to go. I’m really looking forward to ‘em!
by Mel Hierswow very interesting book. Sounds like one i would like to rread. Good luck in the contest.
by Pamk November 1st, 2007 at 3:30 pmInteresting story to that you came up with. I haven’t read anything like this before, so I would grab this book once it hits shelves to read it.
Good luck on the second round of votes. 
by SheilaFMel…I LOVE your attitude about writing!! I just think it’s so great the way all the finalists are so supportive of one another. Best of luck to you!!!
by Melissa November 2nd, 2007 at 2:04 amGreat interview Mel! You never cease to amaze and impress me. The description of your book and it’s content sounds like it would grab you from the start. Good job!
by MarleneThis is the first time I’ve got the hang of this comment thing. Guess I’m a slow learner. I’ve loved all the finalists’ stories so far - even though I’ve already had a sneak preview as one of the group. Have to thank Sylvia for giving us all house room.
Evonne
by Evonne November 2nd, 2007 at 5:15 amMai, another great interview! But then, why should I be surprised at this point? You have done a fantastic job all around and I’m going to miss it when it’s over. Do you have a blog? I’d love to read more!
Mel, I have to say this sounds like a fantastic premise for a story! I may be a little biased, given that I do have at least two types of Native American blood in me (still doing the research on that one to pin down just what types - my people are from the East and the South, so were very secretive about it) and so I am drawn to stories with a Native American theme. I love the whole idea of a mystic world and the whole culture. I wish you the best of luck in this contest and all of your endeavors.
P.S. That was great advice you gave for aspiring writers. Something to keep in mind.
by Margay RobergeI love the title Voice of the Bard and the premise of mythics coupled with Native American heritage is absolutely fascinating. This is definitely a winner. Good Luck!!
—-V
by VanessaI love Native American myths since I was raised on the Great Plains.
Diane
by Diane McConnell November 2nd, 2007 at 6:54 amGreat interview. Voice of the Bard sounds great. I am intrigued by Native American mythology. How did you research this aspect of your book?
by Crystal B. November 2nd, 2007 at 11:17 ami started on some of the cassie edwards/cpnnie mason indian books, i loveddddd them
by tamiHi Mel! Loved your interview! And I grasp what you said about keeping to what you can control and letting the rest go–that’s excellent advice. I used to get really worked up about comments from contest judges until I realized, hey, it’s one person’s opinion. There are still like 6 billion people on the planet!
I hope other writers out there get it too and just keep writing and submitting and pushing because you just never know when the opportunity of a lifetime might pop up! 
by Anitra Lynn McLeod November 3rd, 2007 at 10:32 pmHey, another Melissa! It’s easy to be supportive of these guys. They’re awesome!
Marlene! Everybody wave at my auntie!
Hiya Evonne! *waves* Glad you got the hang of it!
Hi Crystal! The research was a lot of fun. I knew where I wanted to set the book, so I started researching the local tribe, the Miami. I went to the Algonquin group of tribes from there and found Glooskap and his brother in a couple of reference books at my library. My primary source came from the Project Gutenberg website - an e-book called Algonquin Legends of New England. Thanks for asking!
by Mel HiersHey Mel, actually Norse myth and Algonquin may be a natural in that the Vikings were in the Americas way before Columbus — and did intermarry some, from what little research I’ve done. Not to mention the gods and spirits are can show up wherever they please — unless they’re in cosmic quarantine, of course.
by Savanna Kougar November 4th, 2007 at 12:36 amOkay, now I’m even more intrigued, as my stomping grounds are in the East. I’m from Massachusetts, but I had ancesters from Maine, as well. In my own research - genealogical as well as for writing - I have come across some legends, so I am familiar with Glooskap. The more I read here, in the comments, the more intrigued I become by this book.
by Margay RobergeThere’s too much sunshine in your personality for you to consider yourself a troll, Mel! Your story sounds intriguing. Add me to the group that finds Native American mythology absolutely fascinating. Add a suspense plot to that and you’ve got me by the throat.
by Holli B. November 5th, 2007 at 6:18 amgreat story!
by RachaelfromNJ November 5th, 2007 at 2:39 pmGreat interview! Sounds good!
by Amy S. November 6th, 2007 at 7:32 amBest of luck Mel!
by Rhonda November 13th, 2007 at 6:43 pm