Freebies/Interview--Melissa Douthit

WELCOME TO BLOGGER BOOK FAIR!

I met Melissa online, and she is such a sweet person, I wanted to interview her.  I've picked up a copy of her first book, The Raie'Chaelia, and I am excited to read it even though I have no idea how to pronounce the name.  LOL.  In my head it's something like Ray Chelia.

I'd like to thank Melissa for taking the time to stop by today.  It's been fun for me to get to know her better, and I hope it is for you, as well.  Look below for an amazing offer from Melissa!

How do you get books published?
I self-pub.  I like it because I can work at my own pace and have control over how I want everything formatted.
(Christie says: Know the feeling.  It's fun to be in charge =0D)
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
I don’t write in chronological order.  Different scenes pop into my head at strange times like when I’m writing book one or two, a scene from book three will pop into my head and I have to write it down before I forget.  I’m constantly writing notes.
Which character speaks the loudest, to you? Do any of them clamor to be heard over the others?
The two main characters, Chalice and Jeremiah, speak the loudest to me.  I think that is because the story is really about the two of them.  But there are several other characters that speak out, as well, like Tycho and Bunejab.
What do you do when you are not writing?
I’m working at my job or I'm cooking while listening to an audiobook while my coonhound lays nearby waiting for a scrap of food.
Do you ever experience writer’s block?
Yes, I do when I am going through some kind of major life change that is stressful and I just can’t sit down and think of the story.  Those are the times when I cannot write.  That’s the worst kind of writers block.
Do you work with an outline or just write?
I just write and the story comes out.  I have the rough outline in my head but I cannot write with one down.  Too much structure.  I find sometimes that I don’t even know what’s going to happen until it does.  It is funny.  I know that when a part of my story surprises me or makes me cry, then it will do the same for my readers.
What was your favorite chapter to write and why?
My favorite chapter was Battle At Sea in The Firelight of Maalda.  I love that chapter because of the fighting and the romance between the two main characters.
What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
That the characters are not made up.  They come find you and tell you who they are.  That was the most surprising thing I learned from writing.
(Christie says:  See I'm not crazy!)
What do you think makes a good story?
Wow!  Good question.  Intrigue.  When a reader is intrigued by the story, she/he will keep turning the pages.Can you tell us about your next book?
I am currently writing book three of The Legend of the Raie’Chaelia.  It is the final installment where we find out what happens to Chalice and her friends as they organize their side for war.
Is anything in your book based on real life experiences or purely all imagination?
A lot of the character relationships are based on relationships from my own life, as the background theme of the books are based on my professional experience, but the world and it’s creatures are pure imagination.

About the Author

Melissa Douthit grew up in North County of San Diego, California. After graduating with a Computer Science degree in Southern California, and working for a summer at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in New Mexico, she moved to the Bay Area to work at NASA Ames Research Center for a year and then at Lawrence Livermore National Lab for another four years. From there, she moved to Monterey, California, to work at the Naval Postgraduate School on a government project for two years. She currently lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, working as a software engineer. Since high school, she has been a voracious reader of books of all genres, with an emphasis in fantasy and science fiction.


The Legend of the Raie'Chaelia Trilogy
The Raie'Chaelia, Book One

(Christie says:  Such a pretty cover, so soft.  I'm intrigued by the necklace.)

When Chalice sets off for Branbury in the middle of the night with her grandfather’s instructions, she has no idea of the dangers that await her.  The King’s men have destroyed her home village of Canton and she is suddenly thrown into a Terravailian world that she does not know.  Lost and alone, she is hard pressed to evade the iron grasp of the madman who rules the land.  With the help of a friendly Chinuk, an old man, and a book that she discovers along the way, not only does she find true friends and true love, but she also finds her true self and what it means to be the Raie’Chaelia.
Amazon Link

The Firelight of Maalda, Book Two

(Christie says:  Fire and Dragons, oh my!)

The Firelight of Maalda: A story that unites the real with the fantastical and turns science into magic …

Chalice and her group leave Barenthren to travel to Portalis.  There she and her friends discover the beautiful city, its people, its history, and its secret that has been kept hidden for thousands of years.  During their stay, they learn that Dar’Maalda has the Firestone and that he plans to use it.
What is the Firestone and what does Dar’Maalda plan to do with it?  What are the Naezzi?  What does the title, The Firelight of Maalda, really mean?  And … what is the secret of Portalis, the secret that has been guarded so jealously for so long – so jealously, that many have given their lives to protect it?
In The Firelight of Maalda, the second novel of the trilogy, The Legend of the Raie’Chaelia, you find out.  It is a tale of intrigue and wonder where two opposite worlds collide in an explosive journey that leads Chalice and her friends to the dark islands lurking just beyond the horizon of Ielieria, where the Firelight of Maalda sits … and waits.
Amazon Link

The Return, Book Three

(Christie says:  Again really pretty.  I'd like to step into that scene.  The one above, not so much.  LOL)

After the fall from the Maaldan cliff, Chalice is reunited with her friends on a journey that takes them to the coastline of Ielieria.  Little do Vlaad and his Fierain know what is in store for them as, bit by bit, their plans are thwarted by this blond-haired, blue-eyed beauty.
The small band of rebels then travels across the Realm, preparing it for war, while Chalice herself is brewing her own plans that may just land her in the hot seat.  What will happen when she returns her father to the throne?  What will happen when he finds out what she has done?  And … what will happen once Dar’Maalda learns of the rebels’ location?
In the third and final novel of the trilogy, The Legend of the Raie’Chaelia, you find out.  It is a dramatic finish to an epic story of action, adventure, betrayal, forgiveness and love.
Coming in November of 2012.

So if you love high fantasy, this might just be your series.  I'm looking forward to stepping into this world and can't wait to see what Melissa Douthit comes up with next.

Melissa has offered a free book to anyone who would like one.  Please leave a comment below with your email address, and I will have her contact you.

Happy Reading!!!

Christie