Author Spotlight with Deborah Fletcher Mello

It is FOR and ABOUT authors. Here we shine the light on authors who we’ve read, reviewed and recommend to others. In this edition we are shining our light on another gifted author…

Writing since she was thirteen-years-old, Deborah Fletcher Mello can’t imagine herself doing anything else. Her first romance novel earned her a 2004 Romance Slam Jam nomination for Best New Author. In 2005, she received Book of the Year and Favorite Heroine nominations, and won a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award in 2009. Born and raised in Connecticut, Deborah now maintains base camp in North Carolina, but considers home to be wherever the moment moves her. Feel free to reach Deborah on deborahmello.blogspot.com, or on Twitter @DebbMelloWrites.

GETTING TO KNOW DEBORAH...

You have your own personal genie in a bottle who will grant you three wishes. What are you three wishes? None of the wishes can be for additional wishes. Now wouldn’t that be a dream come true! If I had three wishes, I’d first wish that I could be 21 again. There are some things I’d like to do over differently and some things I’d like to experience one more time. The second would be to sing like Whitney and dance like Beyoncé! And lastly, I would wish that I could eat anything and everything I want and never worry about gaining an extra pound.

What is something you were always told growing up but didn't understand until you became an adult? My father used to say that the people you pass on your way up would be the same people you might pass if you fall back down, and that you should never burn bridges no matter where life took you. I had a very successful corporate career before I began writing. I quickly learned that climbing the corporate ladder could come with missteps and the people I least expected were there to help me back up.

Facebook or Twitter? Facebook! I can’t keep up with conversations on Twitter.

If I never heard “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)” by Silentó again, it wouldn't be soon enough. I have a 3-year old niece and 2-year old granddaughter who have claimed it as their theme song. Both are constantly singing it and it drives me crazy!

Were you named after anyone? Yes, my father named me after the prophetess Deborah in the Bible. My mother wanted to name me Penny but he wouldn’t have any part of that.

What is your favorite cereal? Count Chocula! It’s chocolate cereal with little marshmallow bits and usually I can only find it around Halloween so I load up and eat it through Christmas and then I’m done for the rest of the year until they put it back on the shelves again.

My best stress reliever is: Dancing! Five minutes of great music and I’m like a whole new woman!

People would be surprised to know that I've never...People would be surprised to know that I never set out to be a romance writer. I wanted to be a writer who told a great story but I wasn’t a fan of the genre. In fact, I was quite the literary snob. But with some creative editing by my very first editor, my discovery of some fantastic romance writers, and my appreciation for the genre was born.

What is on your mouse pad? Nothing, I don’t use a mouse pad.

If you could run for any political office, what position would you choose? I’d run for a seat on my local school board. Education is so important and I believe those who are genuinely interested in children and their well-being do the most good in any school district.

PRAISE FOR PLAYING WITH FIRE



“This was a excellent read, I encourage you to by it and sit back and enjoy...As all her books to me Deborah Fletcher Mello has hit gold again.” - Jazzy J

“I so enjoyed this novel! With so much drama, twists, and turns, from the beginning it held my attention and I had to keep reading to see how it all turned out!” - OOSA









PRAISE FOR PLAYING FOR KEEPS




“‘Playing With Fire’ to see how well this author brings it all out to the reader. I found this story to be a very interesting and a captivating read as this author is able to give the reader a well written story of what true love and forgiveness really is. The characters are all simply off the chart good, well developed, defined, well portrayed and believable all helping to give us a well rounded story that will grab your attention and keep up till the end. Would I recommend? YES!” - Arlena

“If you're looking for a well-written book, which includes characters with real emotions and a gripping story line, then look no further because Playing With Fire is a must read!” - Jennifer Schultheis