Author Interview: Melissa Lemon
Melissa Lemon, author of the upcoming Cinder & Ella, joins us today as part of her book tour. She was kind enough to sit down for an interview with us.
What books/authors have influenced your writing?
I would have to say Lois Lowry is the biggest one. I read The Giver in high school and I think after that was the first time I thought I wanted to be a writer. That book sparked something inside of me that has never died.
How long have you been writing?
The fourth grade is the earliest I can remember loving to make up and write down stories. I have two files in my filing cabinet for such things, one called “Writings—Creative” and one called “Writings—Technical.” There are things in those files that go back a long, long time. I enjoy writing a good essay now and then, too.
Who is your favorite author and why?
My favorite author is Charles Dickens because of his unforgettable, quirky characters. He also knows how to weave a plot and leave you saying, “Wow!”
What was your inspiration for Cinder & Ella?
Being in a family, having a family, knowing, loving and identifying with the tale of Cinderella, pondering what it means to be a daughter and a sister, loving and spending time in nature.
Can we expect more books from you in the future? What are you working on?
Yes!! I am working on a YA Science Fiction. I plan to do a few more retellings as well.
When not writing, what sort of activities do you enjoy?
I love to be active physically, so running, hiking, walking, and playing sports are all favorites. I would be super skinny, except one of my other favorite activities is baking cookies. I also play the piano, cello and guitar and sometimes I like to sing along. Reading a good book has to be included here, too.
What is the most interesting comment you’ve received about your books?
Okay, you win the best question ever prize. I am officially stumped. I even consulted my critique group for this one, since they are always saying interesting things about my writing (none of which I can remember right now) but they are stumped too. Next I opened the “Rejections” and “Pointless Responses” folders in my e-mail and let’s just say that sometimes agents lack imagination. I think the most common thing I hear about my books is that they sound “intriguing.”
Check out the rest of the blogs on the tour. Some are hosting giveaways!
