SPOTLIGHT ON MELINDA LEIGH ( Liberty States Fiction Writers, Create Something Magical Conference Author) &Giveaway

Welcome all to Book Obsessed Chicks Spotlight on author, Melinda Leigh. Once again, Liberty States Fiction Writers, Create Something Magical Conference was where I met this amazing lady. See? Such a great conference for expanding a reader's horizons. Melinda is one seriously awesome lady. She is an Audrey Hepburn with the mind of a Steven King if you get my drift. Melinda has graced the Book Obsessed Chicks book club meetings along with her buddy, author Rayna Vause and I have tempted her with my potent Sangria. Without further ado! Welcome Melinda Leigh

1. Can you please tell us a bit about yourself?

  Hi everyone!  I'm the author of bestselling romantic thrillers, including SHE CAN RUN, my debut International Thriller Award nominated book. I'm also a mom, a wife, and a martial artist. I have a fondness for rescue animals and British comedy.

2. When and how did you know you wanted to be a writer?

  Like all the best things in my life, I became a writer by accident. When my kids were small, I was reading 3-4 books a week because it was the only activity that didn't wake them up from their afternoon naps. One day my husband suggested I try writing a book instead of reading one. I liked the idea. It wasn't for several more years until I'd try to write as a serious career option, but I was hooked.

3. Tell us about your upcoming work? 

SHE CAN HIDE releases March 18. It's the 4th book in the SHE CAN series and is all about trust. Can a woman who's already been betrayed learn to trust again, even if her life depends on it?

4. Do you have any mentors? Heroes? 

  I just saw Red 2, and I now want to be Helen Mirren when I grow up.

5. Can you tell us your favorite character from your books so far and why? 

  Wow. I can't chose. When I'm immersed in a book, those are my favorite characters. It's the writer's version of Love The One You're With. 

6. Was it difficult for you to get published?

 I started seriously trying to get published in 2007, signed with an agent in 2009, and sold SHE CAN RUN in 2010, so I'd have to say I got very lucky. Good fortune aside, I have a business background, so I approached getting published like any other business venture. Start with a quality product, study the market, and be persistent. I spent a lot of time learning the craft of writing because I still feel that the absolute most necessary element is writing a solid book.

7. Who are your favorite authors/reads?

  Harlan Coben, Lisa Gardner, and Kendra Elliot are my go-to authors for a fabulous read.

8. Hobbies? 

  I've been into martial arts for about twelve years. The sport requires a  mental and physical concentration that provides a killer workout and totally clears my mind. You really have to pay close attention when someone is swinging a fist or stick at your head.

9. Tell us a bit about your workshop(s) at the conference?

I'm giving the Panic-Free Pitching workshop because I feel like everyone can present themselves well if they can just relax. Pitching shouldn't bring on an anxiety attack. it's simply one professional talking to another. Writers need to understand that agents and editors wouldn't have jobs without writers.

10. Do you have any favorite TV shows?  

I don't have much time for TV, but lately I've been watching The Following, Grimm, and The Big Bang Theory.

11. What’s next for you? 

  I have two more projects in the pipeline. A short

 story that should release in April and the 3rd installment in my Midnight Series, which will hopefully release in fall 2014.  Right now I'm working on the first book in a new series.

12. What would you like readers to know about you?

 I love when readers contact me.  I'm active on Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads. Don't hesitate to contact me.

Melinda is giving away, winner's choice of any of these in digital. Please leave a comment here, or on the Book Obsessed Chicks Facebook Page to be entered