Interview with Melissa Ellen, author of Taming Wes

by grant

in Author Interviews, News, Romance

12 Nov 2018

What can you tell us about your new release, Taming Wes?

Taming Wes is the third standalone in the Billingsley Series. It’s about the oldest Monroe brother who is determined to remain a bachelor for life. He runs the family farm with his father and has a playful personality with his friends and family, which he sometimes uses as a way to hide how he truly feels. He is loyal and loving to his friends and family, but has no plans to show that side of himself to any woman.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

I’ve always loved reading. I started at a very young age, picking up my step-father’s John Grisham books. They probably weren’t the most appropriate for my age at the time, but I enjoyed them. They were the gateway to me devouring books like candy. I never expected to become an author. I was in a reading slump one night and just decided to sit down and write something for myself. I shared it with my sister and she was my biggest supporter to publish my first book.

What’s on your top 5 list for the best books you’ve ever read?

This shouldn’t be the hardest question, but it is. I’ve read so many books and have had so many favorites through my life. Here is a list based on favorites at different stages: The Giver by Lois Lowry, The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, The Guardian by Nicholas Sparks, The Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling (my first binge read), and because I’m a sucker for romance with a fun twist, the Samantha Jellicoe Series by Suzanne Enoch.

Say you’re the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask?

What would you want to ask? I’ve never actually thought about that…maybe John Grisham. He was my first favorite author. I have so many now, though. I guess I would ask him his best advice for a newbie author like myself.

What’s your favorite thing about writing?

My favorite thing is getting lost in the world and characters. They feel so real to me when I’m writing.

What is a typical day like for you?

After I get my son off to school, most of my days are spent doing my first love: architecture. I have my own business doing commercial architecture. When I’m not busy with designing, I’m writing. My day usually ends with me spending time with my son and husband before tucking in for the night and reading.

What scene in Taming Wes was your favorite to write?

The bathroom scene with Devin and Wes. I won’t give anymore away, though. 🙂

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

Lately, work smarter not harder. It’s not to say I don’t work hard, but efficiency and doing it right the first time is key. I want to have more time to enjoy life and my family. For years, I worked sixty plus hour work weeks and one day I realized I was missing out on so much being stuck in an office. I wanted more for my life.