Melony, I’m so glad you could join us today to talk about your new book and your writing journey. First, can you tell us a bit about your book and what inspired you to write this story?

Thank you so much, Laurie for having me! I’m a huge fan of your books.

That’s very kind of you to say! And is this the first book you have published? 

A Promise to Keep is my fiction debut. I have co-written a devotional for writers called, As the Ink Flows, Devotions to Inspire Christian Writers & Speakers with my writer’s group.

How long has it taken you to get published?

My non-fiction debut was in April 2016 with the devotional I mentioned. Then I had a non-fiction story in a Canadian anthology called, Christmas with Hot Apple Cider in 2017. I decided to focus on my fiction work and started writing A Promise to Keep in 2018, and it was published in Jan, 2020. I’d been working as a freelance writer since 2010 though.

What draws you to writing contemporary romance with a healthy dash of humor, as opposed to romantic suspense?

Although I absolutely LOVE reading romantic suspense, I don’t feel I’d do one justice if I tried to write one now. Perhaps if the perfect plot popped into my head I’d give it a try, but I much prefer writing with humour and including comedy that comes about when characters find themselves in interesting and funny situations.

Are there any authors who’ve influenced you in your writing? Do you have any favourite authors?

In my earliest years, the writing of authors such as Carla Laureano, Nicole Deese, Courtney Walsh and Jill Lynn have influenced me and in the historical genre, I’d say Jen Turano, Kate Breslin and Susan Anne Mason are a big inspiration. I’m delighted to be discovering new and inspiring authors all the time.

What advice would you give to other writers trying to break into the Christian market?

Every author has their own writing journey, but I’d say keep writing and keep knocking on doors. (Well, not literally, but you know what I mean).

What hobbies do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Is eating chocolate a hobby? I’m really good at that. In the winter I knit scarves for my kids and family. I enjoy that, it keeps my hands busy while I listen to audio books.

Do you have any quirky, must-have rituals before you get to writing? (Candle burning, café latte, coffee shop only, etc.)

I usually like to have something to drink on my desk, be it espresso, a latte, or some sort of tea, or sparkling water. If I’m particularly stressed about what I have to write, or edit, there will be chocolate involved.

Anything else you’d like our readers to know about you and your work?

As much as A Promise to Keep has laugh-out-loud moments, I really wanted the deep underlying themes to come through. Ones of no regrets, learning to push past fear and dealing with grief and healing. I hope readers will hear my heart through the story and the character journeys.

If you could have dinner with three famous authors, alive or dead, who would they be?

Julie Klassen, Lynette Eason and maybe Jane Austen.

Where can your readers find you on social media?

Readers can find out more about me on my WEBSITE or FOLLOW ON TWITTER  Twitter Handle: @MelonyTeague
I’m on  FACEBOOK ,  INSTAGRAM too.
FOLLOW ON GOODREADS
FOLLOW me on BOOK BUB @MelonyTeague
FOLLOW me on AMAZON

And if you’d like to interact with other readers, A PROMISE TO KEEP BOOK CLUB is a fun place to do that. I’m not hard to find.

And finally, how long do we have to wait for your next book?

Oh goodness! I can’t say for sure, but hopefully another one will be coming out in 2021, but that depends on how much my characters cooperate with me. Or rather, how much I cooperate with my characters. I’m working on brainstorming and plotting a book that comes right after A PROMISE TO KEEP.

Buy Links: Amazon.com: https://amzn.to/2v5KPyQ
Amazon.ca:  https://amzn.to/2VZWASy
Indigo.ca: https://www.chapters.indigo.ca/en-ca/books/a-promise-to-keep/9781947327726-item.html

A Promise. A High School Reunion. And a pact that proves harder to keep.​

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Research librarian Savannah Sanderson wants nothing more than to escape into her happily-ever-after novels with their larger-than-life fictional heroes. But a promise to her late husband has her attending her dreaded twenty-year high school reunion, drinking ghastly punch, and taking desperate measures just to keep her vow, even if she has to hide behind the décor to do it.

Once a reckless troublemaker, Michael McCann fled town after graduation. Now a professional technical rescuer, he’s back for the reunion, but on his trip down memory lane, he soon comes face to face with unresolved issues, namely Savannah.
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Before the night is over, a pact between these two old friends will lead them on an adventure into uncharted emotional territory where Michael must confront his past regrets and find the courage to reveal the truth. But can Savannah fly from her sheltered nest and risk her heart on a real-life hero?