Hi Melanie! Welcome to Fallen Angel Reviews! Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to visit with us.

In your story Haunted Memories, you have created a very suspenseful romance with many twists and turns. How do you continue to come up with new ideas to keep the reader glued to the edge of their seat?

My ideas come from real life, my dreams, and even my imagination. I truly believe that all life is material, and I try to keep my eyes and ears open for that special tidbit I can build into a story. For example, I got the idea for one of my single title manuscripts after seeing three garbage cans turned up side down in a park. Go figure.

Per your website, I see that you have a new story coming out soon called Cherished Witness. Can you give up a little information about this new romance?

Cherished Witness is a witness protection story set in south Mississippi and the Louisiana swamp. J.T. Romano is a tortured ex-cop bent on revenge for the deaths of his wife and unborn child, who unwittingly leads an assassin to Kelly Watson, a protected witness. In order to save her life, he whisks her away to a cabin deep in the Louisiana swamp, where she teaches him how to love again. And hey, he's a hunk!

What is your favorite type of genre to write?

That’s an easy question. Romantic Suspense.

From what do you derive the most inspiration for your writing?

I have to say reading good books, seeing good movies, and watching cop shows on TV, especially Law & Order SVU.

Do you have any special rituals to help you get in the mood to write?

My writing area is in a corner of my room. I turn on the TV and sit down in my chair with my laptop on my lap and my furry little muse, Flip the Wondercat, curled up on my armrest.

Since everybody needs a break, even when doing something they love, how do you like to
spend your time away from writing?

I love to go to movies and sporting events and to spend time with my sons, who at 19 and 16 don’t have much time for me any more. I also work out at the gym everyday, go eat every Friday night with friends, and play tennis in a local league. In other words, I try to stay active.

Tell your fans something about you they would never guess.

I’m terrified of heights.

Of all things you have accomplished, is there one accomplishment you are most proud of?

In life, I’d have to say having my teenagers still speaking to me. But if you’re referring to writing accomplishments, I’d have to say the great reviews I’ve received for Haunted Memories. I had so much fun writing that book, and I’m so happy it’s being well-received.

What would we find on your bookshelf?

Dust. No, really…lots and lots of books by my favorite suspense authors, including Tami Hoag, Lisa Gardner, Tess Gerritsen, Linda Castillo, Linda Howard, Mallory Kane, Suzanne Brockmann, and John Sandford, and Triskelion’s first print offering, Bewitched, Bothered, and BeVampyred.

How do you know what to name your books or the characters?

I try to pick names and titles that fit the story. Sometimes it takes me a while to come up with just the right one.

Do you have a character that is especially close to your heart?

J.T. Romano in Cherished Witness.

What appeals to you the most about this character?

He’s handsome, sexy, and terribly flawed by his quest for revenge. When it threatens to cost Kelly her life, he does all he can to protect her and ends up falling in love. He’s very alpha male and tough—but he definitely has a softer side.

Can you tell us a little about your other upcoming works?

I just received a contract from Triskelion Publishing for the sequel to Cherished Witness. Prime Suspect is scheduled to be released in February of 2006, and it features J.T. Romano’s former partner, sexy Slade Montgomery, as the hero. In this story, New Orleans Assistant District Attorney Marisa Cooper finds the tables turned on her when her ex-husband is found dead in her garage and she is arrested for his murder. To prove her innocence, she must team up with her former fiancée, Slade, the detective who risks his career—and his heart-—to help her find the real killer.

On another note, I’ve just learned that Haunted Memories will be on Triskelion Publishing’s 2006 spring/summer print schedule. Now, that’s exciting!

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

I’ve been fortunate to find great friends in my local RWA chapter, the Magnolia State Romance Writers, in Jackson, Mississippi, and I’d like to thank them all, especially Rickey Mallory aka Mallory Kane, June Love, and Penny Boswell, who have been so kind as to critique my stories before I submit them. And I don’t want to forget Sheri Gilmore, who designed my website.

Thank you so much for stopping by Melanie. For anyone looking for a suspenseful, tantalizing tale, stop by Melanie’s website, www.melanieatkins.com, to see what you are missing.

Interviewed by: Jessica