Books-n-Kisses is pleased as punch to welcome the super, super sweet Meljean Brook to the blog today. We are going to be talking about her newest releases Demon Marked, Heart of Steel and her novella “Ascension” that can be found in Angels of Darkness.
Meljean was raised in the middle of the woods, and hid under her blankets at night with fairy tales, comic books, and romances. She left the forest and went on a misguided tour through the world of accounting before focusing on her first loves, reading and writing–and she realized that monsters, superheroes, and happily-ever-afters are easily found between the covers, as well as under them, so she set out to make her own.
Meljean lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and daughter
Kelly: Hi Meljean, so glad that we could meet up again and talk some more. Welcome to my blog.
Meljean: Thank you! It was awesome meeting you at Jan’s Paperbacks in person, and I’m so glad you invited me over.
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| Me & Meljean 🙂 |
Kelly: can I get you anything? Coffee, Tea, Cookie?
Meljean: All of the above, please
Kelly: *hands Meljean coffee and plate of cookies* Shall we start?
Meljean: I am ready for anything (almost.) *grin*
Q1) For those who don’t know you. Please tell us a little about yourself
Meljean: There’s not much to tell, actually. I’m a nearing-middle-aged, redheaded, superhero-loving, fangirl-squeeing dork who loves to tell stories.
Q2) Have you always wanted to be an author?
Meljean: Yes and no. I wanted to be a dancer when I was six. I also wanted to be a lawyer, a doctor, and a history teacher. I did imagine myself as a Harlequin author when I was very young (I started early) but didn’t really think of it seriously until I was in my twenties and I realized that writing was the one occupation I really, really loved more than anything else and could imagine myself doing forever.
Q3) Who are some of your favorite authors?
Meljean: This minute they are China Mieville, Peter Beagle, Dean Koontz, Jorge Luis Borges, and Italo Calvino. By the time I’m done with this interview, I’d probably list someone else. Usually it’s who I’ve been thinking of the most lately.
Q4) Who do you feel influenced your writing style?
Meljean: All of the above, plus some. I notice little things slipping into my writing after I’m read someone with a very strong voice, but after a while, I don’t notice them so much. I’m not sure if that means I’m working them out of my writing or working them into it.
Let’s talk books:
Q5) Your newest release is Demon Marked (#7) in your Guardian Series. Can you tell us a little about the Guardian novel series?
Meljean: It’s a series about the struggle that Guardians (humans who have been given angelic powers) have with demons, who are the evil baddies from Hell. There are a few other players that can skew good or evil, but it’s primarily all about the Guardians’ fighting to keep demons from taking over the world.
Q6) Tell us about Demon Marked (I love the cover)
Meljean: Oh, I love the cover, too! It’s one of my very favorites. This was a departure from my usual pairings – I often have Guardians or vampires as my heroes and heroines, but for the first time in several books I have a human male and a woman who simply doesn’t know what she is. The process of discovering what happened to Ash and why she can’t remember anything was a really fun ride. It was one of those books that was simply a blast to write, and felt much lighter and funny than some of my darker books.
It’s also one of those books that can be read by someone who is new to the series. I know coming into the Guardian series seven books in can seem intimidating, but Ash and Nicholas don’t really know what’s going on, either, and you can learn along with her.
Q7) You just had a story come out in the anthology Angels of Darkness. Can you tell us more about that story?
Meljean: This was another fun pairing between a Guardian who was introduced in Demon Marked – a down-to-earth Guardian warrior named Marc – and the blue-skinned Guardian who loved him and left him almost one hundred and fifty years ago. They are investigating a series of vampire deaths in a community in Marc’s territory, but the seemingly obvious perpetrator isn’t quite as obvious as they think.
Q8) Do you know what is next for the Guardian Series
Meljean: The last book in the Guardian series is coming up, and I know is one that many readers have been waiting for: Michael and Taylor’s story. I’m planning a few epic battles and – I hope – a romance that will blow readers away.
Q9) Tell us about your next novel Heart of Steel which is book 2 in The Iron Seas Series.
Meljean: This is my year for really fun books, I think. Archimedes is a treasure hunter who – for those of you who read The Iron Duke – airship captain Lady Corsair left in some rather dire straits the last time we saw him. But he’s back, and he wants the sketch she stole from him … and he wants her, melt her heart of steel, too. This is a hero who desperately *wants* to fall in love. He couldn’t have chosen a more dangerous object of affection, however.
Q10) Tell us about your short story “Rescue Me” that will be found in the Agony/Ecstasy anthology (released Dec 2011)
Meljean: This is unrelated to any of my other work, and is a story about a woman who has been put in a perilous position and has to get out of it…and she saves herself in a rather unusual way. (It’s a really short story and I don’t want to get too much away.)
Q11) What is your current work in progress?
Meljean: I’m currently working on the third Iron Seas novel. I keep calling it different things, however, so I don’t have a title yet. I do know that it’s set in Iceland, features a giant whale, virgin cults, mechanical trolls, and a hero who wears spectacles.
Q12) I love to know what authors are reading. What did you just finish that you totally loved or what new release are you most looking forward to?
Meljean: I’m looking forward to tackling my TBR pile, because I haven’t read much lately. So pretty much every book that was released this year … I’m looking forward to it. I haven’t read anything that wasn’t related to research or that was a non-romance in so long it makes me want to cry to think about it.
Q13) What is the best piece of advice you would give to a budding author?
Meljean: Write what you’d love to read – not just because it’s easier to maintain your excitement on a story for the months it takes to write it, but because your excitement *will* shine through to the reader. There’s nothing worse than reading a book that feels like the author was just going through the motions. So write the stories you love to read, and other readers will probably be excited by them, too.
Q14) is there anything else you would like to add?
Meljean: Just that I’m so thrilled that everyone has been enjoying the series – and if you haven’t tried them yet, I hope you love them!
Books-n-Kisses: Meljean, it has been a pleasure to get to sit down and talk with you again. I look forward to seeing you in Bellevue, WA at the end of the month too. I hope my followers fall in love with you like I have. So what do you say we wet their appetite a little and giveaway a copy of Angels of Darkness?
Meljean: I’d love to! I’m happy to give away five (5) copies to commenters.
Books-n-Kisses: WOW!!!! Meljean, Thank you!!!
Giveaway time:
Please use form below to enter for a chance to win one of five copies of Angels of Darkness.
They soar through the night, unearthly creatures of legends and lore. Four masters of urban fantasy and paranormal romance explore the rapture of the heavens above, and the darkness below in four all-new stories of angels and guardians, and good and evil.
4 wonderful Novella’s by 4 Brilliant Authors
Hello,
i hope this is an international giveaway because i really really want to discover Meljean Brook.
In Angels of darkness i only know books from ilona andrews so i would be a great discovery for me
gfc name: isabelle frisch
isabelle(dot)frisch(at)gmail(dot)com
thanks you again for this giveaway
Love to see a lot of new authors that I have never read before. Looking to add books to my TBR list.
I loved the last book I read by Meljean Brook! Thanks for the chance to win. 🙂
debbie at burdeen dot com
I have not read any of Meljean Brook books before, I don't know what I'm waiting for! I absolutely LOVE the cover of Angels of Darkness. Thanks for the chance to win!
bluesun1218@dishmail.net
Hi!
No I never read a book from Meljean Brook! I only new her for a little while (since the release of Demon Marked)! I would like to read her books! Thanks for this giveaway! 🙂
proserpinecravedfor(at)hotmail(dot)com
I haven't read any of Meljean Brooks books yet but have purchased The Iron Duke recently and it's on my reading list for November. I also plan to get Heart of Steel. My friends, who like Steampunk like I do, recommended her books.
junegirl63(at)gmail (dot)com
Great interview thanks for the give-a-way as well
So cool that you got to meet her! I'm interested in reading more Meljean!
Annie
alltherhage AT gmail DOT com
thanks for the giveaway.
Terri M
Yes, I have read several of the "demon" books!
Hi Meljean! It was so great to meet you and Sylvia Day at Mysterious Galaxy last Friday. I have to tell you I started your series thanks to Ms. Kelly introducing me to your books! And I love them. I haven't read The Iron Duke yet, but plan on it soon! ~Wendy
wennbella at hotmail dot com
Hi Meljean! I have not had a chance to read you books but they sound awesome. I am sure to put them on my To Be Read list especially since I have some rather long airplane rides coming up. =)
I have not read any of Meljean Brook books.But I have her series on my TBR list.
elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net
Thanks for the awesome giveaway! I recently read The Iron Duke and loved it!
dragon_tear(at)cox.net
Meljean's The Iron Duke inttoduced me to steampunk. I look forward in reading Heart of Steel.
Thanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 at gmail dot com
I'd read The Iron Duke and 3 first book on Guardian series. Looking forward to read about Yasmeen and Archimedes Fox on Heart of Steel, and maybe I will continue to read Guardian series..
Thanks for the giveaway!
Ren
sawamura_foxman AT yahoo DOT com
Great interview. This is a new author for me, but have heard great things about her. Would love to win and read this book, so please choose me for the giveaway. Thanks for the chance to win.
christinebails@yahoo.com
i LOVE her books.. started with the iron seas series actually, now have moved on to the Demons (just started them actually..) im on book 2 now.. cant wait for the new iron seas novel!
alainala AT hotmail DOT ca
I love Meljean's books especially The Iron Duke series. I can't wait to read Heart of Steel. Thanks for the giveaway!
Jennifer
jcalvert719(at)yahoo(dot)com
Very cool on meeting Meljean in person. Meljean is a new author to me but I have Demon Marked in line to be read, although I may have to get the ones before it to fully enjoy it.
The first book Iron Duke was my first steampunk read. I loved it. Can't wait to read the next one 🙂 I have also had my eye on this anthology! You can't go wrong with this group of authors. Thanks for hosting and for giving away 5 copies!
throwing monkey dust everywhere!
fudge-sicle I forgot my email…
sstogner1 at gmail dot com
Meljean's books are new to me, but I'd love a chance to read her work!!
sarawatts18@gmail.com
I think I've read all of Meljean's books or I have them on my TBR. I'm really looking forward to this anthology, since it contains stories by 3 of my favorite authors.
I Love your books !!! 🙂 i hope i win !!! lol 🙂
Great interview! Thanks for the chance to win what sounds like a great book!
iarvd@yahoo.com
Great interview. I have read some of Meljean's books and really enjoyed them.
Crystal816[at]hotmail[dot]com
Hi Meljean.
I just started your Gaurdian series and I have fallen in love.
It's nice to get to know a little bit more of the authors I like.Thanks to you and Kelly for the interview and giveaway.
koonie2888 at yahoo dot com
She was my entry into steampunk and I love it! I have not read any of the Guardian series but it's on my TBR pile.
sspaw@optimum.net
I have not heard of this author until now, so thank you for the post and interview 🙂
juliecookies(at)gmail.com
Meljean is a new author to me, but her books sound great.
kaylalovesandrew09@yahoo.com
I am shocked I haven't heard of Meljean as this is the kind of books I enjoy reading! ALL her books look great!
books4me67 at ymail.com
Loves me some Meljean but The Iron Seas is like my favorite series. Been looking forward to seeing what the Agony/Ecstasy anthology has since it'll be different.
That juicy tidbit about IS#3… hero with spectacles. Mmmm! Meljean you are such a rotten tease! 😉
always.and.never AT gmail DOT com
I haven't been able to read any Meljean books yet but I'm definitely adding her to my TBR list! Thank you for the giveaway!
dani3222001(at)yahoo(dot)com
No I haven't heard of Meljean Brook before now that is. When I leave this blog I will definitively run to good-reads and add her to my to-read list Cheers!!! TY for the awesome interview with a new Arthur for me.
TY for the giveaway chace!
DeAnna
sacredmoon1(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi…great interview and giveaway! I love Meljean and have read a few of her books: The Iron Duke, Wild Thing and Burning Up. I'd love the chance to win/read this one…
barbbattaglia@yahoo.com
Hi! Great interview! This is another new author I have gotten to know now through these interviews. Thank you so much.
Linda
linmeza@hotmail.com
I recently bought The Iron Duke & it's in my TBR list. I'm itching to get to it!
It's my 1st Meljean Brook book. I'm always a bit anxious with new authors. It's like getting into a new relationship 🙂
thumbelinda03@yahoo.com
I haven't read this series yet, but it sounds so good! I love angel/demon kind of books. Thanks for the giveaway!!
tasha_ann13ATyahooDOTcom
Meljean ROCKS !!!!! I love her kick arse chicks in her guardian series !!! Great interview and post !!! WOuld love to win either ! Thanks kat
kittee_cat@bigpond.com
Meljean Brook is new to be. Her books look amazing.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I haven't read her books yet, but they are on my TBR list! Thanks so much to the both of you for this great giveaway! 🙂
Ambercruz1(at)yahoo(dot)com
I haven't had a chance to read any books by Meljean, but I've heard great things about them. I look forward to adding her to my author list.
Great interview and giveway.
Elizabeth Gray
elizabethgr@sbcglobal.net
OMG! What a fab giveaway!!!
Congrats on your release! Nice to 'meet' you Meljean! Thanks for the advice to budding authors!
Congrats on the book release! I've always wanted to read one of your books, Meljean and this could be my start!
Thanks for the giveaway,
MJB
msmjb65 AT gmail DOT com
Ive read a couple of Meljeans books and thoroughly enjoyed them cant wait to read more
Love Meljeans books cant wait to read more .
flanagan@mebtel.net
I've been a Meljean Brook fan for years, and with each anthology she's part of, I also find new authors to enjoy. So thanks to Meljean for the introductions to so many great new authors, and here's hoping I'll be enjoying someone new soon with that latest release!
I've read Meljean's Iron Seas books and loved them. Can't wait to read more!
I've read some of the Guardian series, as well as The Iron Duke (which was awesome). I can't wait to read Heart of Steel.
I have read some of the Guardian series. Which I love. But am not caught up yet.
I've only read some of Meljean's shorter works in anthologies but I do have some of her full-length novels in my TBR pile. She also have really awesome trading cards!
ironss [at] gmail [dot] com
GFC follower
thanks so much for a great interview and a great giveaway. i would so love to read this book.
babydoll82959307(at)aol(dot)com
I love Meljean's books and read a few including the Iron Seas novellas. Thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks for taking the time to do this interview and offer a giveaway. I'd love to win.
WildAboutBones {at} gmail {dot} com
Unfortunately I am not on Facebook nor Twitter but I would like you on there if I was.
I'm new to Meljean's books but I did buy Demon Moon recently. Just haven't had the chance to read it yet. 🙂
Pam
vanillaorchids69@gmail.com
I haven't read many of Meljean's books the ones I have were enough to make me on the look out for more to read 😀
Liked you on fb but don't twitter 😀
felinewyvern at googlemail dot com
Love reading Meljean, Nalini, Ilona, & ESPECIALLY Shannon!
email – tialessa at yahoo]dot[com
Huge fan! Thanks for the contest!
west.danielle.r(At)gmail(Dot)com
I have only read Here There Be Monsters but I have just bought The Iron Duke so I look forward to reading that soon.
Wow, what a giveway! And that cover is beautiful. I already have your books on my TBR…thanks for the chance at this giveaway.
sebrina_cassity@yahoo.com
awesome – what i really love all my authors in one amazing book – thanking you for the giveaway
I love books about angels and this one looks fantastic!
Great interview. The covers look amazing and can't wait to check them out. Thanks for the chance.
mythic021@gmail.com