Melissa Foster is the author of three award winning books: Megan's Way, Come Back To Me, and Chasing Amanda. As a mother of six, she has even found time to run multiple websites as well as mentor other authors.
The World Literary Cafe is one of Melissa's pet projects. Through this site, authors are connected to other authors, readers, and literary services. The resources available on Melissa's site alone makes it a must-have for any aspiring author.
Now, a quick five questions with Melissa Foster:
What gave you the idea to reach out and help other authors through the WLC, The Women's Nest, and Fostering Success?
When I first began writing, I reached out to Jodi Picoult for a few answers. I was beyond green--I was probably yellow at that stage. She was kind enough to answer my emails in a very friendly fashion (which I could not believe!) and I felt very blessed for her brief guidance. At that very moment, I promised myself that if/when my books did well, I would take everything I learned along the way and share it with other aspiring and established authors. Three years later, I'm still adding daily to what is available for authors, and taking it further to create a literary community, not just a place to learn, but also a gathering place to connect with other literary types. I think we've done that with the World Literary Cafe, and Fostering Success is a hub for author education.
The Women's Nest is a different story all together. I work from home and many of my friends work in offices or, at the time, had young children at home, so finding time to chat about life or fun was difficult to do. When I created The Women's Nest it was to fill that gap. To bring women from across the world together in one area for support and friendship. We don't allow marketing in our forums, so they are clean and full of supportive conversations and women. It's the best thing I have done. A labor of love.
Megan's Way is being turned into a film. Are you nervous or excited to release the story to a new medium?
I'm both, nervous and excited, but I'm also realistic. I know just how these things can turn at the last second. I hope and pray the movie is done well and timely, but know that at any time it can be pulled from production. So, for now, my fingers, toes, and eyes are crossed. I know the script is out now with the production companies choice of actresses, so we shall see!
I hear you have a motto. Would you like to share it with us?
This made me laugh. I had no idea that people would ever pay attention to my motto--and I am SO honored that you even noticed. Yes, my daily motto is; Enjoy each and every day--no one else can do it for you. My motto that I also live by and do share often with others is; Always give more than you receive.
You're an author, run multiple websites, and are a mother of six. When do you find time to relax?
Relax? What's that? :-) My children are all older now, so my chaotic days are in the past--the youngest are 11 and 12, so life is actually rather sane compared to years ago when we were attending four sports practices each week, five games/events on the weekend, and had two babies in tow. My relaxation time comes very late in the evening. After the kids have completed their homework, dishes are done, and I pry myself away from my computer (which I never really do), we spend time as a family. I usually read around midnight, and that is very relaxing.
Every author has their favorite way to procrastinate. What's yours?
Oh gosh, that is the best question! "Favorite" way to procrastinate? I've never thought of it like that! I love to chat on social media and spend far too much time doing that. My other procrastination is to chat on the Women's Nest or develop ideas for WLC (yes, that's procrastination for me).
Click on any of the following links to get Melissa Foster's books:
Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/melissa-foster?page=results&domain=search&pos=&box=&store=book&keyword=melissa+foster
Join Melissa Foster and 9 other award-winning authors in the BEST INDIE BOOK FESTIVAL,
Featuring 10 Literary Fiction & Thriller Titles!
TWO DAYS ONLY!
10 Award winning books and SEVERAL chances to win a
$10, $20, or $50 Amazon gift card
(3 lucky WINNERS will be chosen!)
Click the link below the image for details.
Great interview, Olivia and Melissa. Your discussion truly reveals important insights as to why Melissa is one of the most respected indie authors and mentors around. Continued success to both of you. And all good wishes, Melissa, in the 2012 Best Indie Book competition for "Come Back to Me". Regards, Craig O. Thompson
ReplyDeleteThank you very much!
DeleteHi Craig, I'm so glad that you stopped by to read the interview. Olivia was such a joy to chat with! Thank you for such kind comments.
DeleteNice interview questions, Olivia! Melissa, you don't read until midnight? Do you ever sleep? There was a time when midnight was not late for me, but that was before two kids. I am usually drooling on myself by ten p.m., assuming my face hasn't hit the floor before then. So six kids later, and you can stay up late. WOW. Please, tell me your secret. (Are you part super-woman? Even human at all?) ;) Ha, and I loved the 'procrastination' part. I can't picture you procrastinating ever, but if 'chatting on social media' falls under that category..okay. Still, I would say that even when you are chatting, you are HELPING people, Melissa. As usual, I am impressed by what you do for writers around the world, including me, Melissa. Thank you, ladies, for sharing this cool interview. :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed it, thanks!
DeleteHi Sarah! Your post made me laugh right out loud. Yes, I read at midnight, but I have no super woman powers. There are days I wish I did--just a little power to jump start the day would be awesome! Lol. Wait - flying - I would love to fly (not in an airplane) - wait - healing others, that's even better! See, if I had super powers I'd be all over the place:-)
DeleteThank you so much for the sweet comments, and Olivia, thank you for hosting me today! xox
Thank you for doing the interview!!
DeleteI would love to be able to fly also, but honestly at this point in my life I would settle for being able to read at midnight!!! :-)
Deletelol, Sarah, my hubby tried and he falls asleep after two pages :-)
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteSorry ladies, was trying to edit, and my comment had to be redone again! Great interview!
DeleteSyl Stein
I loved this interview, Olivia Big Kudos on your questions, and Melissa Foster as always, you give so much inspiration to Aspiring Authors like myself, and I love your motto, and I also appreciate how even being so busy you pay it forward to help other Authors, Readers and Aspiring Authors and how you are so family oriented! I can relate as a mother of three young children, sometimes it is hard to balance it all, but I go back and listen to what you have said about having to wait to pursue your writing, and this is why I push forward and Never Give up on it! Thanks so so much! Loved the interview ladies! Sorry Olivia was trying to edit my comment had an issue.
ReplyDeleteSyl Stein
Syl Stein
No worries. I agree wholeheartedly with you Syl!
DeleteHi Sylvia, I look forward to the day that I can read YOUR book! I know how dedicated you have been with your writing, and you are right - with little ones, writing is really a luxury and as a mom, you're hard pressed to find even a moment's peace sometimes. Hang in there and write on! xox
ReplyDeleteMelissa, you are a shining light, and I'm so happy for you that you have a husband who brings you chocolate! I'm betting your kids are amazing as well. Thank you for all the support you provide women and authors. Thanks to you both, Melissa and Olivia, for a terrific interview! All best, Sandra de Helen
ReplyDeleteThank you for reading!
DeleteHi Sandra, thank you! I am very lucky that I have such a wonderful hubby. He is so supportive in every way. Helping others is a joy and I honestly love to work with people who like to learn and are striving to succeed. So it's a win-win group! xox
DeleteThis interview was by far toooo short. Some great questions and Melissa is always worth listening to. Megan's Way is two down on my Kindle to read list. Very much looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteThank you, John! You are too sweet. I hope you enjoy my book and I look forward to chatting with you many times in the future!
DeleteI agree John! Maybe I can get Melissa to do another interview later on and I can ask her my usual ten questions. :)
DeleteGreat interview Olivia I really enjoyed it. Melissa I love your attitude, pay it forward be nice and be happy.
ReplyDeleteThank you both for being you!!!
Hey Jim, it seems to me that you have the same attitude! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteThank you Jim!
DeleteHi Olivia! What a wonderful, fun interview with Melissa! I really enjoyed it and am so excited that one of her books will be a movie. What an inspiration to us all--to be true to ourselves, work hard and success will come!
ReplyDeleteI love Melissa's motto! Thanks again,
Juliette
It was a lot of fun to do the interview too! There are so many authors with books being optioned or being turned into movies that the fans don't know about. I don't know if it's modesty or what. When I caught wind of Melissa's book being turned into a movie, I just couldn't let that one slide past my notice!
DeleteThanks, ladies! I had a great time chatting with Olivia, too!
DeleteWhat fun questions and answers. This interview really captured the "shine" that is Melissa. Loved it. I hadn't heard the story about Jodi Picoult. I love that you share so much, Melissa.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you Tia. I'm really happy that this interview turned out showing what an awesome person Melissa is. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteHi Tia and Olivia, sometimes I wonder if I've already told my stories. I'm glad I hadn't shared it too many times and it was new to you. Talk about a real "OMG" moment- when Jodi answered my emails it was one of my most thrilling days :-)
DeleteHi Olivia - what a great interview with Melissa Foster! She truly is an inspiration and I admire her hard work and dedication, her passion for reading,writing and supporting us aspiring authors certainly shines through all of these forums, teams and groups that she is involved with.
ReplyDeleteIt was interesting to learn a bit more about her and how she approached Jodie Picoult for advice.
She has opened up so many amazing opportunties for aspiring writers through the Awesome Support Team and it has been lovely to connect with you.
Well done
Absolutely! Any aspiring author would do well to check out all the resources Melissa has made available. Her websites are an invaluable tool for first-timers and published authors looking to better themselves. :)
DeleteWow! Megan's Way into a film? That's is so awesome! Congratulations! I'd love to know who you would pick as your fantasy cast.
ReplyDelete6 children? Now, I feel bad about ever complaining I have no time to accomplish anything. Lol.
Olivia, such a delightful interview. Great questions! Btw, I love the lively color theme of your blog.
Melissa, thank you so much for all you do for others. You are such an amazing and caring person. Good luck with your writing.
Thank you!
ReplyDelete