I am delighted to be speaking with Melanie Atkins today. Thanks for chatting with us today Melanie and welcome to FAR!

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

That I love writing suspense. The scarier, the better.

Do your fans' comments and letters influence you in any way?

Yes! They amaze me—and inspire me to keep on writing.

Could you tell readers a little bit about your current release, Chosen Target?

Jadan Calloway’s latest night out on the town ends in the death of the man who charmed her off her feet. Now the people who killed Kent are after her, and the only man who can save her is Cole McAlister, the rugged, willful detective who believes she was behind his brother’s death. Together they become wrapped up in a web of terrorism and intrigue--and they fall in love.

How much of your personality and life experiences are in your writing?

I’m sure some of my hard-driving personality comes out in my books, but I must admit I’ve never been targeted by terrorists, never witnessed a murder, or been suspected of committing a crime—and I hope I never do! I do love to travel, however, both in real life and vicariously through the Internet, television, and books. I also love to learn new things and soak up as much information about subjects that interest me, such as forensics and law enforcement. I’m fascinated with crime shows, but know not to trust them to get things right. I rely on real people—professionals in their field—to help me with details.

How long did it take you to get published?

I’ve been writing romance since 1998, but didn’t seriously seek publication until 2001. My first e-book was released last summer, so it took me about four years once I really threw myself into my work.

Could you tell us a little about your upcoming release Blood Rite?

Blood Rite, a romantic thriller, is the book of my heart. The story is set in New Orleans and centers around troubled homicide detective Nick Marconi, who’s been targeted by a serial murderer set on revenge, and Dr. Gracie Simmons, the civilian psychiatrist who makes Nick her special project. I wrote the book in two months…sometimes it was like I “channeled” Nick. He’s a really tortured hero who can only be healed by Gracie, who is only now learning how to love.

What is the one thing you've always wanted to do but never had the courage / opportunity to try?

To travel to Europe all by myself. I would love to do that.

Of all the individuals you have created, do you have a particular favorite? What appeals to you the most about this character?

Detective Nick Marconi from Blood Rite is my hands down favorite. Nick is honorable, trustworthy, smart, sexy, and handsome—but he’s also in pain, deep in his soul, after losing so many special people in his life. And he won’t admit that he’s hurting, not even to himself. It takes a special woman with a lot of patience to finally get through to him. I just love those sexy, tortured heroes.

Do you go back and read your own books for pleasure?

I haven’t yet. Don’t know if I will one day, or not.

If you could go anywhere, be anyone, do anything for 24 hours, what would it be?

I’d love to spend a rousing 24 hours with Jack Bauer…NOT.

No, really…I’d like to go back in time and spend the day with my boys when they were young, say 8 and 11. They’re 17 and 20 now, and I really miss that fun interaction.

Either that…or I’d like to be Mariska Hargitay for a day and act opposite Chris Meloni in Law and Order, SVU. LOL

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

Only that my next print book, Curse of the Midnight Star: Truth or Dare, has been pushed back to January due to changes in Triskelion’s schedule. TOD is the fourth and final book in the Curse of the Midnight Star continuity series, along with The Discovery by Lynn Warren, Intrigue by Esther Mitchell, and The Haunting by Lynne Connelly. All four books will be out in print once mine comes out in January. Check it out! It’s hauntingly terrific.

Thank you so much, Melanie, for spending time with us today! Readers, be sure to visit Melanie’s website.

Interviewed by: Tammy