Friday, October 18, 2013

Crossing Paths Blog Tour Stop and Author Interview

Crossing Paths
By: Melanie Stinnet
Release Date: Aug. 28, 2013



Synopsis:

The crossing paths of friendship, family, love, and loss are often complicated.

June Deckert and Caroline Smith sparked a friendship in college that carried them through graduation. Although they are complete opposites in every way, they have spent the last four years inseparable.

That is, until now.

June finds herself falling for a man who seems unattainable. As she works side by side with him on a new media campaign, their feelings for each other come alive. But when his actions start to speak louder than words, she wonders if she’s missing something.

Meanwhile, Caroline is fighting against her feelings for a recent acquaintance, and she decides to keep her new love interest a secret from June. Overwhelmed by these new emotions, her moods change swiftly, swinging up and down like a yo-yo.

While June and Caroline try to maneuver their way through new relationships, Caroline starts lying to June to protect her from a truth that threatens to break her heart and tear them apart.

In the end, Caroline’s deceit will test their friendship, and June will have to decide if her chance at love is worth putting her heart on the line.





Author Bio:



I have enjoyed reading and 
writing since I was very young. 
Some of my fondest memories 
from childhood are of spending 
time with my mom or 
grandma reading a good book. 
Over the years, it never crossed 
my mind that writing my own 
novel would be an attainable 
goal. 
After reading several independently published  by 
Jamie McGuire, Colleen Hoover and 
others, I decided I needed to give that dream a 
chance. So, I began writing. My debut novel, 
Crossing Paths released on August 28, 2013.
When I'm not reading and writing, I enjoy spending 
time with my three favorite guys: my husband and 
my two little boys.
In addition to being an author, I work as a Speech 
Language Pathologist to provide therapy to adults 
who are dealing with speech, language, cognition 
or voice deficits. My day job is rewarding in many 
different ways and I love having the opportunity to 
help others in a time of need.

Social Media Links for the Author:


 
Dreamcast for Crossing Paths:




Hey Melanie!  Thanks for stopping by our blog today!


1.    What inspired you to write your first book?


I wrote my first book when I was in third grade. I titled it ‘Forever Friends’ and it followed the journey of a physically handicapped girl befriending a newly handicapped girl in her school. In the dedication I wrote, “I would like to dedicate this book to Mrs. Grieneeks who pushed me to write this book. But most of all to my parents who supported me all the way.” I guess I was always meant to be a writer.


2.            What was your inspiration to write Crossing Paths?


I wanted to write a story that brought out emotion in the reader. Some of my favorite books left me smiling from ear to ear, crying or yelling. I didn't have one true inspiration, but the characters just simply came to me over time.


3.            Where is the setting of Crossing Paths?


Crossing Paths is set in two main cities: Houston, Texas and Seattle, Washington - I lived near Houston most of my life, so Texas is near to my heart. Seattle is a place I’ve always wanted to go but I haven’t made it yet.


4.            Writing a book is a journey.  Share with us some of your memorable moments while writing your novel.


I have made so many close friends along this journey. One friend in particular, another author, lives several states away. We are always talking back and forth about our current works in progress. I will never forget the moment when we were talking and the story line for Crossing Paths came into full view for me. It was like my mind opened up and I could see the path these characters would take.


5.            Tell us about Crossing Paths.


The story follows four different people through a unique time in their lives. Each character is searching for something. As their paths cross and the connections in their lives come into full view it takes some courage and acceptance to move forward. It's about how decisions aren't always black and white. 


6.            As Authors, we become attached to our characters that we create.  Who is your favorite character in your book and why.


I love June. She is funny and sarcastic while still being compassionate. I love that she is clumsy and always thinks she is making a fool of herself.


7.            What is your favorite part of the story and why?


 The Epilogue. It is something I added on after going through my final edits. The story just needed something more and it is perfect!


8.            What books have most influenced your life?

Don’t laugh, but I would have to say The Babysitter’s Club series. I read these books when I was young and they inspired me in so many ways. Those girls were so resourceful and loyal. Plus, they had to have made some good money with all that babysitting.


9.            We all have times where writer’s block comes onto the scene.  What do you do to overcome writer’s block?

I take a day off, play with my kids, clear my head. I don't stress about it too much.


10.         When you are not writing, what do you like to do?

I work as a speech language pathologist in a medical setting and love my day job. I help people through tough times in their lives and it feels great to be there for someone else. Otherwise, you can find me at home playing with my boys or reading a good book. 


11.         Can you share with us future Author Events you have scheduled?


I will be participating in the following author signing events.
Indie Mashup
Springdale, AR
October 26, 2013
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.


First Friday Art Walk
Park Central Library
Springfield, MO
February 7, 2014
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Sweet as a Peach Author Event
Cummins, GA
April 5, 2014
2:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Penned Con 2014
St. Louis, MO
September 12-13, 2014
Two day event!


12.         What book are you reading now?

Skipping Stones by JB McGee


13.         Do you have any advice for other writers?


Surround yourself with wonderful support from other writers of varying genre both locally and through social media. I would not be a published author today without the help of so many people who were willing to give me advice, lead me in the right paths and spend time listening to my concerns.


14.         Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?


I truly hope that this book touches you in a special way, and that when you turn the last page you feel like these characters were a part of your own family for a few days. They have been a part of my family for over a year now and I think they’re pretty great. I think you will, too.


15.         Who is your current/favorite book boyfriend?


I’m re-reading Vain by Fisher Amelie in anticipation of Greed coming out this month, so I would have to say Ian. Not only is he hot, but he is such an amazing person. I don’t go for the whole bad boy thing. Give me some substance or move on down the road.


16.         If you could have a super hero power, which would you choose and why?


Hmmm...how about the ability to read a book in two hours. That would be nice. I could get through a lot of my TBR list that way.


17.         Do you listen to music while you write?


No. But I listen to music to inspire my writing. When I'm worried, happy, sad or simply want to relax, I find music that suits my mood. Some of my favorites right now are The XX, The Lumineers, Kate Nash, Parachute, Mumford and Sons, and Florence and the Machine.


18.         What's you favorite snack/beverage you must have while writing?


POPCORN!


19.         What can we expect to see from you in the future?


I’m currently working on another stand alone contemporary romance novel titled, Leaving Love Behind. I can’t give you too many hints about the plot right now, but it will be released in 2014.


20.         If you could take one book with you on vacation, what would it be and why?


Colleen Hoover’s Slammed series - we’ll count that as one book, right? These books are such easy reads and I love them so much. They make me laugh and cry simultaneously. What author can do that? Colleen can, that’s who!




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