Introducing Our New Suspense Sister, Melissa Koslin!

 It’s my honor to introduce you to the newest member of the Suspense Sisters Team.

Meet Melissa Koslin!

Melissa is a fourth-degree black belt in and certified instructor of traditional Taekwondo. In her day job as a commercial property manager, she secretly notes personal quirks and funny situations, ready to tweak them into colorful additions for her books. The author of Never Miss and Dangerous Beauty published by Baker Publishing Group, Melissa lives in Yulee, Florida, with her husband, Corey, and daughter, Elizabeth.

So, let’s jump right in and get to know Melissa better!

 

If you had to describe yourself in one sentence, what would you say?

I’m an overly organized over-thinker with creative tendencies.

 

What do you do when you’re not writing? Any interesting hobbies?

I wish I had time! Mostly, I play with my two-year-old daughter.

 

What was your favorite book as a teen or child?

I didn’t really get obsessed with any particular book until my early twenties. Jane Eyre had me reading into the night.

 

Tell us three things about yourself that might surprise your readers.   

I’m a 4^th degree black belt, I have a motorcycle license, and I flunked my 9^th grade writing proficiency exam (I’ve gotten much better since!).

 

What genre did you start out writing? Have you changed course? Why or why not?

I started in romantic suspense and have done YA paranormal. Now I’m in Christian romantic suspense, though I’m working on a Christian speculative book right now. I finished A Dream Within A Dream for Mike Nappa, which is Christian suspense. I’ve always been a Christian, but writing that genre (and being mentored by Mike) made me realize how amazing writing Christian fiction is.

 

What has been the toughest criticism given to you as an author? What has been the best compliment? 

Probably being mentored by Mike. He’s a kind person but does not pull punches!

But the biggest complement was his asking me to finish A Dream Within A Dream for him.

 

Any other genres you’d like to try? If yes, what and why?

Christian speculative.

 

If you could go back in time and do something differently at the start of your career, what would it be?

I’ve learned from all my mistakes, so I’d change nothing.

 

What is the most important thing you’d like readers to take away from your books?

A bloom of a relationship with God or strengthening an existing relationship with God. I really try to bring both the brain and heart into it—show how faith is both logical/truthful and spiritual.

 

What is the most valuable piece of advice you’d like to give to unpublished authors?

A lot of people tell you to “follow your heart,” and that’s valid to a point. But also use your head. Learn the technical aspects of writing. If you get consistent feedback about your writing, open yourself up to the advice. You don’t need to (and shouldn’t) take all advice, but you should be open to considering. Don’t get defensive. Get better.

 

Thank you, Melissa, for sharing your time with us and welcome aboard!

Please keep reading to learn how to win a copy of Melissa’s upcoming book, THE LOST LIBRARY!

Here’s a little about THE LOST LIBRARY:

Cali Lebeau has been aiding hackers with her cryptology skills to track an apparent terrorist organization. When they discover what she’s been doing, they target her. Asher Cross, billionaire recluse, insists on aiding her, though she doesn’t understand why.

Asher Cross has secrets. He must help Cali, keep her alive, but he cannot let her understand his past or his motivations—in order to protect her.

They discover that the terrorist organization is searching for the Golden Library of Moscow, which was first assembled by Ivan the Great and had grown over time to include the oldest and most valuable texts in the world, including missing masterpieces. They believe the library holds black magic and the secret to everlasting life. It was stolen from them by Cali’s ancestor, and Cali holds a clue to its location handed down by her mother. In order to free herself and Asher, Cali must race against the terrorists, find the library, and share it with the world.

Will they be able to solve the mystery surrounding the Lost Library or risk losing their lives?

 

For a chance to win a copy of THE LOST LIBRARY, (US only please), leave a comment and tell us what’s your favorite library memory? Be sure to include your email address in your comment.

 

Thank you, Melissa! We’re happy to have you in the Suspense Sister family!

You can learn more about Melissa at: www.MelissaKoslin.com.