With: Melinda Dozier
When I first started to write, my sister-in-law asked me the
most popular question for an author: “Where did you get the idea for your
book?” It seems like a simple question, but it’s not a simple answer. How can I
explain to people that my ideas just come to me from nowhere or that I actually
have characters talking to me in my head? I’m not crazy. It’s just one of the
joys of being an author – all the voices that fill up my brain and scream to
come out.
Jake and Amanda from Time
Changes Everything screamed at me for a long time. On maternity leave with
my youngest son, I had the time to sit down at my computer and wheedle out
their ideas. It wasn’t hard, but it was all new to me. I’ve heard the phrase,
“Write what you know” so often, that I thought I did it all wrong. I know
different now. I often write what I don’t
know and learn all about it. It’s called research.
Some of the ideas I had to research for Time Changes Everything included:
1.
Their
professions. Jake is a Sports Attorney and Amanda is a Buyer
at Macy’s. Never in my life have I wanted to do either of these occupations,
but they were perfect for these characters. In fact, they both "told"
me so! (Remember, I'm not actually crazy!) Although I could never organize a
fashion line or write a contract for a sports figure, I do know a little more
than when I started.
2.
The
setting. New York City has always been a dream for me! When I wrote Time Changes Everything, I had never
been to New York. I researched Manhattan and all the different places that Jake
and Amanda visit. I had so much fun! Sometimes Amanda told me she wanted to
visit a locale, like Central Park, and I'd open up a search engine and, BOOM,
it'd take me there. New York has been the setting for several books of mine
since and I'm so happy to say I finally visited NYC in January of this year. Of
course, I took a tour of many of the places that star in Time Changes Everything -- like Macy's and a bagel shop across the
street from Central Park.
3.
Fashion
Shows. Fun, right? Amanda ends up running a fashion show for a VIP
fashion designer, Denalo. I’ve never had
to be in charge of a fashion show. I can barely manage my own household. Research
helped me view the new lines, the runway, models, stage setup, crews,
hairdressers… you name it. It’s a real adrenaline rush and Amanda takes us
through it.
So, my answer to those who ask where I get my ideas is often,
“The ideas are just there in my head.” I call it imagination. Artistry.
Fantasy. But, one of my favorite responses to that answer came from a friend
last week. It was this: “She’s just a bona fide romantic.” And that’s the
truth!
I
love talking to readers! You can find me at:
Twitter:
www.twitter.com/melindadozier
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/melindadoz
My website:
http://booksbymelindadozier.com
Now it’s your turn to share. What are some crazy ideas you’d love to research about? Leave a
comment below!
Time
Changes Everything
Amanda
Larson is dedicated to her job and doesn't want to make time for anything else.
Until she runs into Jake Edwards. He used to be the cute boy next door; now
he's a sexy, big shot lawyer.
Jake Edwards
isn't interested in commitment. He's successful, sexy, and single--and that's
how he likes it. When he reconnects with Amanda, Jake realizes he might have to
rethink his philosophy on the carefree, bachelor lifestyle.
But, is it
too late for them? Or can he convince her that he's ready to give her his
heart?
AMAZON | BARNES
& NOBLE | KOBO | ITUNES | SMASHWORDS
Author Bio:
Reading
romance has always been at the top of Melinda's favorite past times. You can
always find a book in her hands no matter where she is.
Melinda is
Louisiana born, New Mexico raised, Guatemala adopted, and recently a newcomer
to Houston, Texas. So, it's only natural that her stories take place all across
the world.
Melinda
loves reading, reality TV, traveling, blogging, and playing Words with Friends.
Find Melinda
on social media at:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/melindadoz/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/melindadozier
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/melindadozier
Excerpt:
In high
school, Amanda was someone special. Hell, even before then. Their parents were
best friends, which had forced Jake and Amanda together. At first, he’d thought
it was a hindrance. Later, when she developed longer legs and a bigger bust, he
found himself around her more. After discovering her quirkiness, her love of
art and her sense of humor, he actually enjoyed being around her. But he never
touched her.
He
contemplated running his fingers through her hair like he did his first year of
college –– the last time they were alone –– the night he left town and never
saw her again.
Did she
remember the night he left? Of course she did. Seven years ago, he’d ruined
their friendship. He knew Amanda almost as well as he knew himself. Well, he’d
known her. Now she was a different woman.
Jake leaned
in closer, running his hand down her arm. “Know what I’m thinking?”
Amanda
fiddled with her coaster and smiled at him. “I’m not sure I want to know.”
“I’m
thinking we should spend a lot more time together.” He reached over and held
her chin. “It’s been way too long.”
Amanda
licked her lips, and damn it, it actually turned him on. Sweet little Mandy
Larson wasn’t so sweet anymore. She was driving him crazy.
She moved
closer bridging distance. “Why wait? There’s no time like the present.”
“Exactly.”
He drank the last of his beer as the waiter returned with her martini sans
olive.
Jake leaned
on the table with his elbows, folded his hands together and studied her.
“Look at
you, drinking a martini, living the life in New York City.” He examined her
from head to toe. “A sexy skirt. Tall boots.” He ran a finger down her cheek.
“A beautiful face.”
Amanda
hiccupped and put down her glass. “Now, wait a minute. I know it’s been a
while, but some things never change, including you.” She wagged her finger at
him. “No smooth talking with me. Don’t forget I used to know you better than
anybody.”
Because his
fingers actually ached with the need to touch her again, he reached over and
held her hand. “Yeah, but things have changed, Mandy. We’re two different
people now, and I can’t wait to get to know who you are now.”
Other books by Melinda Dozier:
Thank you so much for hosting me & TCE!
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