Melinda Dozier

Time Changes Everything with Melinda Dozier

 Reading romance has always been at the top of Melinda Dozier’s favorite past times. After hectic days of teaching English to middle school students, Melinda finds time to write and read in the evenings. She lives in Guatemala, Central America with her husband, three boys and German Sheppard. She enjoys being the queen of her household and dreams of being pampered fully by her boys once they are grown. Melinda loves reality TV, traveling, blogging and playing Words With Friends.

 

Could you please start by telling us a little about yourself?

Well, first, thank you so much for hosting me at Romancing the Heart. It’s great to be here.

Being a mom, wife, teacher, blogger, writer and reader keeps me busy. I live in Central America with my family and teach at an American School. I love living “overseas,” and experiencing the life and beauty of another country.

I am a bit overwhelmed by all the focus on me. I’d rather my readers be focused on Jake and Amanda in Time Changes Everything. They are amazing characters and much more interesting.  

Do you plan all your characters out before you start a story or do they develop as you write?

My characters are the starting point of my story. Although I don’t plan the plot from start to finish, I do plan my characters. Since they are the heart of the story, I find it important to know everything about them. I make a character questionnaire and answer all their questions. I write small stories about past events in their life. Sometimes I get carried away with parts my readers never even see. 

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies have always been reading and writing. Strange that I’ve become a writer, right? Now, my hobbies include tinkering on the computer/iPad, be it making videos for my students, Pinterest, Words with Friends or …yes…Clash of Clans. 

Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?

I think reading and writing go hand in hand. The first book that really caught my attention (and turned me into a reader) was The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, in the fifth grade. Once the movie came out that same year, with all those hot guys – I mean Rob Lowe in the shower! Come on! – I started to daydream romance stories in my mind. Soon after, I picked up my first Harlequin in the grocery store. Little did I know that was the starting point for me as a writer. I began buying notebooks, writing sweet love stories and sharing them with my best friend. I even went as far to design my book covers and compose music to go along with the stories.  

Do you have a website recommendation for other writers?

I do have a few websites I use regularly and advise other writers to use. First is Critique Circle (www.critiquecircle.com). This is a wonderful online critique/support group. There are writers from all genres, all parts of the world and all arrays of experience.

The other website I suggest is the Bookshelf Muse. At this site, you will find many writing tips and my favorite of all is the Character Trait, Setting, Weather, Physical Traits Thesaurus. The creator of the site, Angela Ackerman, also created a book that I highly recommend called the Emotion Thesaurus. (http://thebookshelfmuse.blogspot.com/) 

Do you have a ritual when it comes to writing? Example….get coffee, blanket, paper, pen and a comfy place.

My Saturday mornings are dedicated to writing, since my kids have sports activities, and I have “free time.” I wake up, immediately get my fresh cup of Guatemalan coffee, sit outside or stay in bed and write on my laptop. I love these mornings! 

Is there a genre of book you would like to write but haven't yet?

I’ve taught middle school English for more than 16 years now and I love young adult dystopian books. I’ve been on a Hunger Games kick for the last year. In the past months, I’ve read the Divergent series and I love Libba Bray. So, yes, somewhere deep back in my writing brain, a desire to write young adult brews. One day it’ll surface.  

How can readers find out more about you and your books?

Of course, my readers can stalk find me at my website, blog or my latest addiction, Twitter. A great place to check out my books is at the Entranced Publishing website (www.entrancedpublishing.com). 

What's your favorite genre to read?

By far, my favorite genre is sexy contemporary romance. I love finding new authors, but I also stay true to my favorites like Jill Shalvis, Shannon Stacey and Sarah Mayberry. 

Is there anyone who really mentored or inspired you to keep writing until you were finally published?

My amazing, wonderful, lovable husband inspired me to finish Time Changes Everything. I wrote it years ago while on maternity leave with my youngest child (he’s now seven). However, I couldn’t finish it. Something was stopping me – maybe just knowing it would end. My hubby inspired me to finish it. Without his encouragement, I wouldn’t have done it. Luckily, I listened to him for once. Now I have four manuscripts under my belt. 

Thanks so much for having me. I hope your readers pick up a copy of Time Changes Everything which will be available on May 13. For a sweeter tale, Boy Next Door (the prequel to Time Changes Everything) is available free at Entranced Publishing.  

Author Links:

Website: www.melindadozier.com

Blog: http://melindadozier.blogspot.com

Twitter: www.twitter.com/melindadozier

CONTEST ALERT:

Melinda will be giving away a $25 Amazon gift certificate and an ecopy of Time Changes Everything. Click here to enter:  Rafflecopter
 

 

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?

Buy