C is for Come Back
I'm diverging a little from my A to Z Challenge theme today (and I write this blog, so I get to do fun cheat-y stuff like that), and using the letter 'C' to welcome the fabulous Melissa Maygrove to my blog! Her debut novel, Come Back (how perfect that it started with letter 'C'??), is going to be published on May 12th. So, in honor of all of the cover-reveal and promotional activities this week, instead of talking about my process, I invited her here to ask her some questions about her own process of writing her novel.
Here are her answers, and they're so honest, courageous, and inspiring, that I'm honored to be able to post them. Welcome, Melissa!
1. What was the most difficult scene to write, craft wise?
That would be the confrontation with the villain, hands down. Minor details often work themselves out when I actually write a scene, but good grief. This hair-puller not only eluded me during plotting, it remained a nebulous blob until I was more than half way through the book!
Some earlier aspects of the plot had to take shape first before I knew what would happen, but other things complicated it, too.
I had to work within the laws and customs of the times and still make the villain’s fate satisfying to the reader. Also, quite a few minor characters make an appearance for only this scene. Giving the reader enough information to visualize them without bogging the story down was tough, as was being careful not to neglect the main characters’ actions and reactions. It was a lot of plates to keep spinning.
2. What was the most difficult scene to write emotionally?
Many scenes made me reach for a tissue (still do), but the ones dealing with suicidal ideation often affected my mood for days.
It’s not something I talk about much, but I went through a period of serious depression in my early twenties. I was so far gone, I was actually contemplating methods of killing myself. Thankfully, a good friend intervened and talked me into getting counseling.
Let me pause here to say, if you know someone who’s depressed, be that friend.
Rebecca, the heroine in Come Back, was very depressed after being abandoned in the wilderness. At times I had to mentally take myself back to that low time of my life in an effort to write her character authentically. It wasn’t easy, but I think it made for a better story.
3. Describe each of the leads in 5 words. Go!
Heroine: Deserted, depressed, self-sufficient, stubborn, loyal
Hero: Handsome, hardy, honorable, human, haunted
Thanks for hosting me today, Liz. I love your blog, and I’m honored you invited me here.
It was my pleasure! And now for a little taste of Come Back....
Sometimes a single choice alters the course of a person's life forever.
Left behind by everyone she loves...
Rebecca Garvey had the promise of a California future dreams are made of, until the wagon train her family was traveling with left her behind. Now she’s slowly dying in the wilderness, abandoned and stripped of her self-worth. Once the shock of her desertion turns to embittered despair, she doesn’t want to be found. Then a handsome stranger challenges her convictions and changes her mind.
Headed for Texas, chased by the demons of his past...
Seth Emerson knows exactly what he wants. Working to save for a cattle ranch of his own keeps him busy and keeps his pain buried. Rescuing a stubborn woman from the hills of New Mexico Territory isn’t part of his plan—but she’s exactly what he needs.
Making greater sacrifices than either of them could foresee...
Seth and Rebecca set off on a risky journey and a quest for truth, each healing the other’s love-starved soul along the way. Will they give in to their growing attraction? Or will they honor their commitments when Seth returns Rebecca to civilization... and her betrothed?
About Melissa:
Native Texan Melissa Maygrove is a wife, mother, nurse, freelance editor, and romance writer. When she's not busy caring for her tiny nursery patients or shuttling teenagers back and forth to after-school activities, she's hunched over her laptop, complicating the lives of her imaginary friends and playing matchmaker. Melissa loves books with unpretentious characters and unforgettable romance, and she strives to create those same kinds of stories for her readers.
Twitter @MelissaMaygrove: https://twitter.com/MelissaMaygrove
Goodreads author page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8103285.Melissa_Maygrove
I love reading about other writers' processes, so this is great! Her book sounds fascinating.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Stephanie. I hope it lives up to people's expectations.
DeleteYay for Melissa! I've struggled with depression myself and can relate to some of what you went through, Melissa. So glad your friend intervened!
ReplyDeleteMe, too. I think it's more common than people think. It's human nature to keep the negative things about ourselves hidden.
DeleteThanks for taking the time to read the post and comment. :)
Sounds like an emotional book and I love the setting.
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting, Susan.
DeleteAwesome interview, and congrats, Melissa! It's always important that our stories make us reach for a tissue at some point. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, David. This one definitely does. ;)
DeleteI'm so happy for Melissa, and what a perfect post to celebrate the letter C! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting, Lara.
DeleteI'm really jazzed for this book. Based on Melissa's posts I know her writing is going to be great! Thanks for promoting her; she deserves all the recognition she can get!!
ReplyDeleteCan I hire you as my cheerleader? LOL
DeleteThanks, Randi. :)
Writing the depressing scenes might've been tough, but at least you were able to take a really negative part of your life and do something good with it.
ReplyDeleteTrue. There are a many things in my life that have turned out to be purposeful in preparing me to play the hand I was dealt. Funny how that is... ;)
DeleteThanks for visiting, Alex.
Great interview. I don't cry often, but I did tear up while beta reading. And I loved the villain encounter. LOVED IT. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Loni! :)
DeleteGreat post/interview, ladies! The book sounds so good! And it was really nice of you Liz to feature it! You gals rock!! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ava. :)
DeleteI don't think this is cheating at all. It's being clever and using your friend's title to your advantage :)
ReplyDeleteYeah. What she said. :)
DeleteIt sounds great. Congrats on the book birthday!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jeanne. :)
DeleteSounds like a great book, congrats Melissa! I love your choice for the cover, eye catching and sexy....
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jen. :)
DeleteWoot, woot! I love those difficult scenes. They usually ring so true in the finished product and really make the whole story worth it.
ReplyDeleteHooray for Melissa. It is such a rush when those illusive scenes finally come into focus. Clever "C" move, Liz.
ReplyDeleteHi, Crystal. *waves*
DeleteThanks, Leslie.
Congrats to Melissa! Come Back sounds awesome :) Great interview!
ReplyDeleteThank you Meradeth. :)
DeleteCreative idea using "C" to promo a friend's book. If anyone argues, remember that C is also for Creatively Cheating. Seems legit to me.
ReplyDelete*~MAJK~*
A-to-Z Challenge 2014
Mighty Minion of Co-Host Nicole Ayers
@Safireblade on Twitter
http://www.safireblade.com/
Ha! Funny. :P
DeleteThe more I learn about this book the more I'm dying to read it! That's so brave of you to go to the dark places in your life to find your story, Melissa. These kinds of explorations, while scary, are sure to lead to powerful storytelling. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kirsten. That was my goal.
Delete