Welcome to Inside the Mind where we here at The Faerie Review interview authors and creators.
Our guest today is Melissa Cummins, the author behind Night Shade
Lily: Thank you so much for agreeing to this interview Melissa I enjoyed reading Night Shade. Without spoilers, what’s your favorite part of the book? Do you have a favorite character?
Melissa: Thank you for having me and I’m so happy to hear you liked my book! I think my favorite part of Night Shade is the familial aspect and that not everything is perfect. The characters feel real to me, with flaws and strengths, but they’re constantly working to get better. They aren’t afraid to lean on one another for support. As for a favorite, I’d definitely have to say I have a soft spot for Mya and Astrid.
Lily: I loved that about your characters – I always enjoy characters that feel more ‘human’ with flaws. What was the highlight of writing this book?
Melissa: Before this book I was worried about writing fight scenes. I really loved having those aspects in this book and being able to see, research, and paint how those moves would look and what the characters thought of as they were going through them. I got to challenge myself as an author, and that’s always something I strive for. I also loved showcasing the discourse someone can go through when trying to figure out how far they would go for the ones they love.
Lily: That’s awesome! I think you did a great job writing the action. If you could spend a day with Daniella, what would you do?
Melissa: Travel around New York with her and listen to her share all of her stories on history and the things she’s learned.
Lily: I think that’d be a great day. Do you have another book in the works?
Melissa: I actually have two. The first is the second book in this series, and the other is a fun side project—my first mafia romance novel.
Lily: Ooooh I can’t wait to read both! Now we’d like to talk about you as a writer. Can you describe your writing space?
Melissa: It’s a little small right now and chaotic. I have two pen holders packed to the brim with several shades of different colors, which sits on top of my printer. I use a moon LED light for when I need a little bit of extra light over here. My monitor sites on top of a glass tier system, and next to it is a couple of journals I use for scrap paper or when I quickly need to write something down.
Lily: Sounds like my kind of space! My desk is so cluttered, hehe. What is the hardest part about writing?
Melissa: The pressure you put on yourself as a creative. There’s pressure to make this book the best you can, and sometimes we think that means perfect. There’s no such thing as perfect. You’re always going to want to change something later, but what’s important is being happy with what you’ve made and celebrating it.
Lily: I totally understand that. Do you outline or fly by the seat of your pants?
Melissa: I always outline.
Lily: I’m betting that helps keep the story on track. Let’s finish up with some fun questions and get inside your mind. What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
Melissa: Start writing, Haha.
Lily: Well I’m glad you did! Would you rather always be an hour early or be constantly twenty minutes late?
Melissa: Hour early.
Lily: I’m with you on that I hate being late. What’s your favorite song or musical artist/composer?
Melissa: I don’t have one. My music tastes are too eclectic, and it definitely changes by my mood or what I’m doing.
Lily: I’m the same way, honestly. I have a few favorites, but they range across a bunch of genres. Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Melissa: Both.
Lily: That has to be a blessing I can never get moving in the morning. What household chore is just the worst?
Melissa: Mopping and putting away the dishes from the dishwasher.
Lily: I hate mopping, but I prefer it to dishes. How do you feel about putting pineapple on pizza?
Melissa: I’d be okay with it taste wise, but I actually try not to eat pineapple, so it’s a no for me.
Lily: You’re one of the few people I’ve asked who don’t love or hate it. Is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t included?
Melissa: Not at this time, but thank you so much!
Lily: Thank you for being here! How can readers discover more about you, and your work?
Melissa: You can find me at the links below!
Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | TikTok
Website | Blog | Reader Group | Amazon Author
Book Links