In the future, only one rule will matter:
Don’t. Ever.Peek.
Seventeen-year-old Ari Alexander just broke that rule and saw the last person she expected hovering above her bed — arrogant Jackson Locke, the most popular boy in her school. She expects instant execution or some kind of freak alien punishment, but instead, Jackson issues a challenge: help him, or everyone on Earth will die.
Ari knows she should report him, but everything about Jackson makes her question what she’s been taught about his kind. And against her instincts, she’s falling for him. But Ari isn’t just any girl, and Jackson wants more than her attention. She’s a military legacy who’s been trained by her father and exposed to war strategies and societal information no one can know — especially an alien spy, like Jackson. Giving Jackson the information he needs will betray her father and her country, but keeping silent will start a war.
Melissa lives in a tiny suburb of Atlanta, GA with her husband and daughter. She pretends to like yoga, actually likes shoes, and could not live without coffee. Her writing heroes include greats like Jane Austen and Madeleine L’Engle.
She holds a B.A. in Communication Studies and an M.S. in Graphic Communication, both from Clemson University. Yeah, her blood runs orange.
Gravity is her first book.
Hello, Melissa!! Thank you so much for being here on the blog today!
Where did you get the idea for Gravity?
A combination of my interest – and fear – of aliens and a storm. I was watching the beginning of the storm from my deck and noticed the trees all moving in that easy rhythm they do just before a bad thunderstorm. Something moved through one of the trees – likely a squirrel – but in that moment it looked as though the tree itself was moving, like a creature was trying to come out of the tree. And so the Ancients of GRAVITY were born. :)
What was your favorite character to develop?
I typically say my main character, Ari, though I’ve just recently re-read a few lines from my villain, Zeus, and I must say he was fun to write as well. He’s not a typical villain. He genuinely feels what he’s doing is right, plus he’s about two shades past crazy, which is always fun.
What is your favorite scene or quote?
I don’t want to give too much away, but my favorite scene is Ari and Jackson’s first kiss. It’s full of emotion and depth. I love it.
What was your favorite part about writing Gravity?:
I had a lot of fun writing Ari’s training. It’s futuristic, sci-fi, and just all together very hardcore.
Are you in the process of writing any other novels?
Yes. I’m working on book two in The Taking series, and then a YA thriller as well.
As an author, do you have any tips for aspiring writers out there?:
I always say this, but it’s true. The best advice I can give is to read–a lot. You will learn so much by reading and analyzing what has worked in the novels you love.
Do you have a favorite author, or one that inspires you?
I love Libba Bray. Love.
What is your favorite book?
Hmm…that one is hard. I guess I would say Pride and Prejudice. I never get tired of the story.
Randomness
Dark, white, or milk chocolate? White. Preferably in coffee as in a white mocha. :)
Cats or dogs? White. Preferably in coffee as in a white mocha. :)
Coke or Pepsi? Coke (I live in Atlanta, so gotta support Coke.)
Morning person or night owl? Night owl for sure. I’m horrible in the morning!
I absolutely love Libba Bray. And always Coke in Atlanta. I actually hadn’t heard of Gravity until now. It’s definitely caught my attention. Thanks for the giveaway!
That’s a wonderful interview. Thanks for participating :)