Comments on: Welcome Guest Melissa Senate to the Jungle!

By: DarcyO

DarcyO — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 01:23:20 +0000

I starred this in Google Reader so I could get back and make a comment — hope it’s not too late. Melissa, your book sounds wonderful. I am a reader, but if I were to write I would draw from my family’s experiences.

By: Melissa Senate

Melissa Senate — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:10:38 +0000

Thank you, Lisa!! Very comforting.

:) Melissa

By: Melissa Senate

Melissa Senate — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:09:56 +0000

Hi Beth!

Honestly, I still have not forgotten the adorable opening scene of your book Romantically Challenged. It’s one of my favorites.

The Secret of Joy is my first novel that ISN’T written in first person, and I’ll bet that makes a huge difference with family/friends who won’t think of the main character as me. (Writing in third took some getting used to, I’ll tell ya.)

Thanks so much for visiting here!

:) Melissa

By: Melissa Senate

Melissa Senate — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:07:14 +0000

Lucie, it’s definitely been cathartic for me to use my own life as the launching pad. That’s exactly the word.

:) Melissa

By: Melissa Senate

Melissa Senate — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 21:04:33 +0000

Thank you, Mulberry! I’d love to hear what you think of the novel after you’ve read it.

:) Melissa

By: Lisa G

Lisa G — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:58:19 +0000

Melissa,
Look out when your little guy finally gets released! If he was like I was he will be hell on wheels! The best of luck to you and your family. You’re a special lady and I believe that God doesn’t give us anymore than he knows we can handle. Take care and God Bless!

By: Beth Orsoff

Beth Orsoff — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:48:35 +0000

Melissa,

When my first novel came out–about a lawyer in L.A. that does a lot of dating–everyone thought it was me because I was a lawyer in L.A. who used to do a lot of dating (I was married by the time the book came out). After I got tired of explaining the difference between “inspired by” and autobiography, and saying things like “just because the book is written in first person, doesn’t mean it’s me,” I gave up. Now I just say, “yes, I’m Julie,” even though I’m not :)

I look forward to reading your new one.

Beth

By: Cher Gorman

Cher Gorman — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 17:49:20 +0000

Thanks for the tip, Melissa. I’ll keep that in mind when I begin to write that book.

Take care and be well,

Cher :fourturks:

Happy Thanksgiving! :jive:

By: Lucie Simone

Lucie Simone — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 14:42:53 +0000

I have used my own experiences as launching pads for my fiction. My characters and their actions are complete fiction, but my own experiences and reflections on them are what end up on the page in a round about way. So, I’d say, my writing is inspired by my life, but I do have to remind my friends and family that it is all just make-believe. And I agree with you. It’s a great way to work out your feelings, to test theories, to do the things you yourself would never be free to do. It can be very cathartic, and hopefully for the reader as well!

By: mulberry

mulberry — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 13:11:33 +0000

I don’t have a story to add, though your post has started a few ideas simmering that I need to keep a watch on!
I do have got a copy of your book ordered from Amazon. Sounds fab and I know I’m going to enjoy it hugely.