Author Interview: Melinda Di Lorenzo

Each Sunday, I'll be interviewing a different author about their writing journey. If you are an author and would like to be interviewed for this series, please complete this application form. If you have any questions, or if you want to recommend an author, please get in touch by emailing me at bryony@bryonyleah.com.

About Melinda Di Lorenzo

Amazon bestselling author Melinda writes happily-ever-afters, one page at a time, from her coastal home in British Columbia, Canada. She lives with her own handsome hero of a husband and their three children. When not writing, Melinda can be found at the soccer field—playing or watching—or curled up with (someone else's) good book.

Click here to read Training The Temp by Melinda Di Lorenzo

Where and when did you first know that you wanted to become a writer?

I've been writing since I could hold a pen. No, really. My parents moved recently, and they dug out a box of stories I wrote when I was six.

Who is your favourite author, and can you give us their best quote (in your opinion)?

I don't have a single favourite author. But I will gladly quote Margaret Atwood:

"An eye for an eye only makes more blindness."

How long did it take you to write your first novel?

Six weeks!

Click here to read After Hours by Melinda Di Lorenzo

Do you plan out your novels or just start writing?

I'm a pantser, a.k.a...word vomiter. I just get them out as fast as I can and come back to edit later.

Description or dialogue?

I love, love snappy dialogue. But I try to make sure there's a good mix in my books.

Have you ever read your book reviews/comments, and if yes, what did you think of them?

Every time. I share the good ones. I cry a little over the bad ones.

Click here to read Long Way From Home by Melinda Di Lorenzo

Do you believe in writer’s block?

Not for myself...

What has been the most difficult challenge you’ve had to face as a writer?

Gaining a thick skin, for sure. I'm uber sensitive, and it's tough when your book gets into the hands of someone who just wants to tear it apart.

What does literary success mean to you?

When I first sat down to write as a career, I read somewhere that overnight success in this business is ten years. So I made some ten-year goals. I'm at year eight, and I've checked everything off my list except one thing (which I'm working on now...in secret...). So I think that literary success is setting goals and achieving or surpassing them.

Click here to read Tattoos and Tangles by Melinda Di Lorenzo

What’s your favourite self-editing technique?

I read aloud to my husband. (My poor husband...)

Are you working on a novel right now? If yes, can you tell us a little about it?

I'm always working on something...

'Three years ago, Lucien Match broke a cardinal rule and fell in love with the witness he was charged with protecting. His job was to keep Raven Elliot alive—away from the serial killer who’d left her near-dead. Raven was in Lucien’s care 24/7 for two months. Another day, and he would’ve broken down and given in to the need to make her his. Only two things saved him. The first was that he was terrible at expressing his emotions. The second was the fact that the task force caught her would-be murderer and put the evil man away for life. So he did what he was obligated to do. He left. But not a single day has gone by that he hasn’t woken thinking of her, wishing that things had been different.

Three years ago, Raven Elliot thought she was broken for good. Kidnapped. Beaten. Left for dead. Then came gruff but tender Detective Lucien Match. He pulled her—literally and figuratively—from the wreckage. He carried her out of the hole where she’d been held captive for eight days. He stayed by her side until they caught the man who did it to her. She knew she was a part of his assignment, but in the seemingly endless darkness, he was her only light. His strength helped her heal, and she always hoped there would be more to what was between them than obligation. But then the case ended and he left, and it took every ounce of strength she had to rebuild without him by her side.

Raven thought she was over Lucien.

Lucien knows he never got over her.

Now the Kitsilano Killer has escaped, and they’re both going to be forced to face the past in order to forge a future.'

Click here to read Training The Temp by Melinda Di Lorenzo

Which book are you most excited to read next?

Summer is coming! That means I have a whole stack. Next on my list is Critical Instinct by Janie Crouch.

Of all the books you've written, do you have a personal favourite? If yes, which book, and why?

I have two. The first is Snapshots By Laura, which is the book of my heart. It has the most of ME in it, and it's never been touched by a professional editor, so it's quite raw. The second is Long Way From Home. It's a romance/adventure story, and I love it because I've never read anything else like it.

What is the coolest experience you've ever had as a writer?

I have to admit...I love every part of being a writer. But in particular, two things stand out. One...seeing my books on store shelves, two...seeing that little yellow "bestseller" sticker beside my name on Amazon.

Click here to read After Hours by Melinda Di Lorenzo

Do you write full-time, part-time, or just as a hobby? How long did it take you to get to this stage in your writing career?

Full-time, and I've been writing as a career for eight years now.

Have you ever Googled yourself? Did you like what you found?

Haven't we all? I love it when my books pop up!

Is there any part of the writing process that you really hate?

Waiting. There is a lot of waiting. To hear from editors. To hear from agents. To hear from EVERYBODY.

Click here to read Long Way From Home by Melinda Di Lorenzo

Do you research your books before you begin writing? How long do you spend researching?

Because I write mostly romantic suspense, I keep a "team of local experts" on hand. Police, medical, race car driver, etc...

How do you decide your characters' names?

I sometimes get a name stuck in my head and have to use it. Other times, I crowd source. Now and then I grab a baby book, flip through, and stick my finger on a random page...

Have you ever worked with an editor? If yes, what was your experience like? If no, is there a reason why not?

Yes. Generally positive. I always say, "WRITERS NEED EDITORS."

Enjoyed the interview? Connect with Melinda!

Twitter: @melindawrites

Facebook: Melinda Di Lorenzo

Instagram: @melindadilorenzo

If you are an author and would like to be interviewed for this series, please complete this application form. If you have any questions, or if you want to recommend an author, please get in touch by emailing me at bryony@bryonyleah.com.