Author Interview with Melony Teague

A PROMISE TO KEEP

Author: Melony Teague

Publisher: Anaiah Press

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Release Date: Jan 21, 2020

Bio:

Melony Teague is a freelance writer who believes everyone has a story to tell. As co-author of As the Ink Flows, she loves to inspire and motivate others through her written words. With foamy lattes in-hand, she writes Contemporary Romance with a dash of humor. Though she has no hobbies outside of reading, writing, and eating chocolate, she is a member of ACFW and teaches seniors in her community to write their memoirs. She confesses with no shame that she has a strong belief that pumpkin pie is an acceptable breakfast food since it’s mostly vegetables. Melony was born in South Africa and now lives in the melting pot that is Toronto with her husband, their two teenagers, and two cats who think they’re humans.

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A PROMISE TO KEEP BOOK CLUB

For More Visit the A Promise to Keep page

Book: A Promise to Keep

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Publisher: Anaiah Press

Release Date: Jan 21, 2020 (E-book and Print)

ISBN: 978-1-947327-72-6

ASIN: B082TRYKWD

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A Promise. A High School Reunion. And a pact that proves harder to keep.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Research librarian Savannah Sanderson wants nothing more than to escape into her happily-ever-after novels with their larger-than-life fictional heroes. But a promise to her late husband has her attending her dreaded twenty-year high school reunion, drinking ghastly punch, and taking desperate measures just to keep her vow, even if she has to hide behind the décor to do it.

Once a reckless troublemaker, Michael McCann fled town after graduation. Now a professional technical rescuer, he’s back for the reunion, but on his trip down memory lane, he soon comes face to face with unresolved issues, namely Savannah.

Before the night is over, a pact between these two old friends will lead them on an adventure into uncharted emotional territory where Michael must confront his past regrets and find the courage to reveal the truth. But can Savannah fly from her sheltered nest and risk her heart on a real-life hero?

Praise for A Promise to Keep

“A delightful romance sure to please anyone looking for a story about second chances, grace, and hope. This one has all the right ingredients!”
—Catherine West, award-winning author of Where Hope Begins

“With beautiful tenderness, Melony Teague has given us a window into the joy, sorrow, humor, and soaring love of characters that come alive. Be ready to have your heart stolen in this must-read fiction debut.”
—Mikal Dawn, author of the EMERALD CITY ROMANCE series

“A Promise to Keep by Melony Teague is a welcome addition to the contemporary romance genre. Layers of laughter, chemistry, and unexpected intensity make Michael and Savannah’s story a wonderful surprise! A Promise to Keep shows the skill of a talented author who can sensitively tackle subjects like cancer and grief while still producing a laugh-out-loud story! I can’t wait to read whatever Melony Teague writes next!
—V. Joy Palmer, Author of Love, Lace, and Minor Alterations and Weddings, Willows, and Revised Expectations

“With charm, wit, and romance, Teague’s debut novel takes readers on a journey of second chances, grace… and a trusty fern. Hope and humor blend throughout the story, balancing deep emotions with lighter moments and a sweet romance besides. A bright new voice in Christian fiction!”
—Carrie Schmidt, ReadingIsMySuperPower.org

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Interview Questions: Please pick between 5-8 questions and give thoughtful responses. – MELONY TEAGUE

A PROMISE TO KEEP

Interview:

Thank you so much for having me as a guest! What a treat.

Melony, Thank you for being here!

How have you surprised yourself during your writing journey?

There were many obstacles that came up while writing this book and in the editing process. Not so much in the writing/editing itself, but in some rather challenging personal things I had to deal with while trying to meet the editorial deadlines. It is truly by God’s grace that it all got done given the challenges I faced. I had to make an emergency trip to Europe for two weeks for a family health crisis right smack dab in the middle of content edits and when I got back I lost a few days to jetlag. But my wonderful Editor and I made up for lost time and met the deadline.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

Eat chocolate. Oh, wait, I do that while I am writing too! When my brain is tired and I want to accomplish a task- such as knitting scarves for my family (very badly I might add) then I listen to audio books. Usually this only happens in winter though. When I don’t need to keep my hands busy then I love good old-fashioned reading of the paperback variety.
 

What does your family think of your writing?

My family is supportive of my work. I am so thankful for that. A beautiful gift that has come from writing A Promise to Keep has been the collaboration between my daughter and myself. She was my preliminary editor before the manuscript was pitched to publishers and she is my biggest supporter and tells everyone about the book. She is going to major in English when she goes to university and I know she’ll do well because she is always spot on with her comments and criticisms. 

Do you try more to be original or to deliver to readers what they want?

I try to deliver what I would like to see in a story. I love Contemporary romance, rom-coms and romantic suspense, so you will find elements of all three of these genres in A Promise to Keep.

What’s the most difficult thing about writing characters from the opposite sex?

Actually, I don’t find writing male characters hard at all. Being married for 26 years has given me a glimpse into how a male character might think. I also have a teenage son, so seeing how he reacts to situations is good fodder for my stories. Much of my inspiration comes from those I’ve known through my life, cousins, brothers, friends and colleagues. Of course, in A Promise to Keep, Michael McCann was a composite of the characteristics I admire in people, like compassion, kindness, but most of all, a sense of humor.

How do you select the names of your characters?

I’ve always liked the name Savannah, and since she is South African, I thought it would be a nod to the savanna grasslands in Africa. I honestly can’t remember how I decided on Michael. However, Andrea (a character you will meet near the end of the book) was originally called Jennifer. But we had too many “J” names so I did a raffle for those who wanted a character named after them and “Andrea” was the name I pulled out of the hat, well…it was a bowl, but you know what I mean.

What is the most difficult part of your artistic process?

The most difficult part is minimizing distractions and managing my time. After everything on my ‘to do’ list is done, there is little time and energy left for my own writing, so when I need to get something done, I have to ‘go dark’ and stay off line. I set manageable small goals in order to meet the deadline and have critique partners that keep me accountable. That helps me.