Sure. I’m always a bit intimidated by this question because what constitutes a little? But here goes anyway. I love to read, and that love eventually led my mind on a journey I never anticipated. I didn’t always know I would write, but I’m thankful for the blessing it has become in my life. I love to explore the worlds that come into my mind and the characters that tell me about them are amazing. The ride has been great, and I hope I never get off.
I live with my Husband and two kids in Rural Utah. When I’m not writing, I enjoy spending time with my family. There are tons of things I’d love to do, but who has time.
Do you write full time?
Speaking of time…I write part time. I have a full time job in healthcare. Maybe one day I’ll be able to write full time. Until then, I’ll take what I can get.
What are 5 fun/interesting facts about you?
I have a white spot in my hair that is a birthmark.
I love to paint.
The only other country I’ve visited so far is Canada. But next year I’m going on a British Isle’s cruise, yippee. I’m stoked.
My little girl is braver than I am when it comes to scary movies.
And I love romance.
What are the “must haves” for you when you sit down to write a book?
My laptop and my mind. Everything else is negotiable (grins).
What made you decide to become a writer and how old were you?
I decided to write because my friend wouldn’t take my idea, and the thought of Rayla’s story not being told was too traumatic for me to let it go. That was about three years ago, and my imagination is still going strong.
Who or what was your inspiration for writing Five?
Aside from my friend kicking me in the rear to get going on it, I love to read, so my inspiration came from questions I had about other books. The idea emerged from one question: What if the fae were misunderstood?
Do you feel that you can relate to one character in Five more than any other? And why?
Rayla is the MC (main character) and I’m in her head a lot, so she is the most relatable character. It’s harder for me to find out motivations of other characters when I’m streaming her voice.
What do you Love most about writing?
The freedom. There’s nothing like having my mind fly faster than my fingers can keep up. It’s a surreal experience, and one I hope for every day.
What is your biggest challenge when you write? I have to allow my subconscious to take over. When I over think the story it always stalls.
Do you have any advice for any other aspiring writers out there?
If you’ve ever read a book and questioned why the author did something a certain way or your mind took you to a different ending (It’s happened to me more than once, lol), that’s your clue to start writing. You never know what will happen when you let those questions form into a story of your own. The key is to discover the characters that are making you question that particular story. I’ve heard other authors say this, but it begs to be said again. If you want to write, read. There is nothing that will inspire you more. Trust in yourself and allow the story to come out of you. Don’t force it.
What do you do when you are not writing?
I’m either working at my day job or spending time with my husband and two kids. I don’t have much time for other interests these days even though I have plenty of them.
When you’re not writing what kind of books do you like to read?
Mostly Paranormal Romance. It’s my favorite genre and my love for reading is what got me writing in the first place, so I make time to continue.
Since becoming published, what has been your favorite part of the process? Seeing the book come together. When the cover is finished and the blurb is written. I guess right before it goes live to the public. At that moment the book is still mine, and it’s complete. That’s a really great feeling.
If you can, tell us what is up next for you?
I’d love to. I’m currently working on the final book in the Elemental Enmity series. It’s called Horizon and it’s both amazing and bitter sweet to see Rayla’s story come to a close. That doesn’t mean I’m done with this Elemental world, though. I have plans to do books from the first Elemental, Faine’s perspective, and even a couple of the lords.
I’m also working on a new series called Netherworld. The first book is called Dreamscape and I’m really excited about this one. It combines some of the mythology of Morpheus and Hades. Somehow I made a connection between the two and Seth’s character was born. He is a keeper of dreams and requires a mortal’s help to stop the evil Erebos from taking over his realm. Little does Amelia Blake know she has become his target until she finds herself trapped in his lair with the only way out through her dreams. The only thing is, by the time she figures out how to leave him, will she want to?
Thanks so much for having me here today. I’ve really enjoyed answering your questions. I’d love to hear from any of you, and by the way, if you are interested, my first ebook, Five, is available for Free on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Smashwords. I’d love it if you’d download the book and have a read on me.
Summary: Rayla Tate’s life is about to turn vertical…again. As if it wasn’t bad enough her mother disappeared under questionable circumstances leaving Rayla to be raised by her aunt in a horrendously small town. Her overprotective guardian is determined to ruin Rayla’s life. She refuses to let Rayla out of her sight or out of the state. Provincial living might be what her aunt demands of her purposely sheltered niece; but, Rayla has other ideas. In a desperate attempt to follow her dreams she flees the safety of her home and runs away to college with her best friend toward a bright future in the art world.
However, excitement over her newfound freedom turns into terror when she is chased by a mysterious stranger on her way to school. When his motorcycle suddenly morphs into a fire-breathing pegasus, Rayla questions her sanity. Worse, the man riding next to her stirs a burning desire in her soul she has never known or could have ever imagined. Using all the will she owns, she manages to resist the compulsion she feels; yet, as he disappears into the night, she is certain he hasn’t gone far.
Rayla quickly dismisses the encounter to her overactive imagination. She is determined to settle into her new life, yet the images and feelings of that night still haunt her. To make matters worse, her aunt seems to be in on the act, insisting that Rayla will soon be hunted by a pack of fae lords for a power over the elements she never knew she possessed—a power that could change the world. Quicker than she ever thought possible, she finds herself surrounded by stunning men that all seem determined to win her heart. Why does she feel drawn to each one of them? More importantly, what dark power do they hold over her? Rayla must quickly learn to fend off these beautiful and seductive pursuers using whatever means necessary or find herself lost to the fae world forever.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
I grew up daydreaming about fairytales, and my love for discovering new worlds has never died. I am not one of those writers who always knew I would write. I thought that was what other people did until one day a few years ago, I took a challenge from a friend and typed my first words. My journey has been wonderful, and I cannot imagine a day where I would ever give up writing now. My love for reading is what fueled my imagination in the first place and still does. When I am not writing or reading, I am enjoying family time with my husband and two children. We live in a quiet community under the Wellsville mountains in Utah, and I am so thankful for the rich life I have been blessed with.
Melissa Rheinlander is a Momma to a beautiful, spunky, fun loving little girl. Lover of family, friends, books, Mexican Martinis, sometimes Bloody Marys or Margaritas, & Wine. Melissa has worked in publishing for years, helping International Best-selling authors. She is the owner of MSRheinlander Consulting as well as Biblio Babes.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 
