Author Spotlight: Melinda Mitchell

writer of science-fiction and fantasy

Readers, thanks for checking out another Author Spotlight Interview. Let’s give a good, hearty welcome to this week’s guest!

Melinda Mitchell grew up in Alaska and has lived all over the United States, currently residing in Wisconsin with her husband and son. Raised by parents who were fans of science fiction and fantasy, she has written numerous nonfiction articles on the intersection of theology and sci-fi and has co-authored two academic papers on the subject.

Melinda, thanks for agreeing to be here today. Most author spotlight interviews start off with the boring stuff, but I know what readers REALLY want to know.

If you could have any pet (real/fantasy/no-allergies/no worries about feeding it) what would it be?

I love dogs and miss having a dog. Just not feasible with our family right now.

There’s no such thing as a bad pupper! But, I understand. While I love puppies, I definitely have more of a cat lifestyle.

What do you write? And how did you get started?

I write science fiction and fantasy, and it all started with writing short stories in third grade. In fourth grade I won a school-wide poetry contest.

That’s awesome.

What do you like to read?

I read pretty widely and usually have a nonfiction and fiction book open at the same time. Fantasy, scifi, young adult, historical fiction, biographies, theology, history–and anything my friends write, I will read.

You know those are my jam, as well.

What do you drink when you write/edit?

Coffeecoffeecoffeecoffeecoffee and water, because it’s important to hydrate.

I’ll let you have my share of the coffee.

Do you snack when you write/edit? What are your favorites!

Chocolate. I think it is really important to have quality chocolate for rejections, what I call “rejection chocolate.” When I’m really in the zone, though, I forget to eat!

Chocolate is a large part of my writing process, as well!

Name one commonly accepted piece of writing advice that doesn’t work for you

Write every day.

When I can do it, I love to do it, but it is not always possible with my job and family.

Completely understandable. NaNoWriMo this year nearly killed me.

Name one commonly accepted piece of writing advice they can pry out of your cold, dead hands

Ground your scenes.

And it’s something I struggle with but it’s usually my number one problem when a scene isn’t working.

Oooh! I hadn’t thought of it in that way, but I know exactly what you mean.

Shameless Self-Promotion time!

Next of Kin

Years after leaving war behind, Ami Lehem can’t shake the shadow of death.

When a meteor strike kills her husband and renders the planet Dibon uninhabitable, she vows to bring her mother-in-law Mara home to Melas. After a harrowing journey across the galaxy, Ami and Mara find hope in a new life. But even in a new place, they can’t seem to bury their past.

For when she finds work on Melas, Ami recognizes a familiar face, a mysterious man named Bo who shared their journey. As they become closer, Ami discovers nothing on Melas is what it seems…including Bo.

When her former commanding officer makes terrible accusations against her new love, Ami is torn between duty and hope. Ami must find truth within a web of lies, and one wrong move can send her back into the never-ending cycle of war she tried so hard to escape.

A science fiction retelling of the Book of Ruth, NEXT OF KIN is a thrilling exploration of the human spirit.

Check out Melinda Mitchell across the web!