Author Spotlight week -Q&A with Melanie Atkins

STEPH: I don't know much about Marked for Murder. What's it about?

MELANIE: In Marked for Murder, Detective Jonah McKee is forced to juggle caring for his rowdy three year-old son and protecting a beautiful amnesia victim who was targeted by a vicious serial murderer… or was she? Brooke Wilson finally remembers her own name -- and the name of the man trying to kill her -- and the terrifying memory sends her on the run again. Jonah is forced to hide his son and go with her in order to protect her, and along the way they fall in love.

SETPH: Where did the inspiration for the novel come from?

MELANIE: I can honestly say I don't know. I just like writing about hot cops and smart, determined women.

STEPH: Where is set? How important is the setting to the novel?

MELANIE: The setting is important to the series, called Keller County Cops. All of the books take place in Keller County, a fictional county in south Mississippi just across the state line from New Orleans. Keller County is more rural, with one decent sized city called Hunter's Bayou. Much of Marked for Murder takes place off the beaten path as Jonah and Brooke hide from a brutal killer.

STEPH: Did you have to do a lot of research?

MELANIE: I've done a lot of law enforcement research, including attending Lee Lofland's Writers' Police Academy in North Carolina and two local Citizens' Police Academies. Other than that, no. I'm familiar with the area where the book is set, so that part was a breeze -- especially since I fictionalized the location.

STEPH: How long did it take you to write?

MELANIE: About two months


STEPH: Cast the movie. Who are the leads?

MELANIE: James Franco and Jessica Alba.

STEPH: What's your writing space like?

MELANIE: I write in a corner, in a recliner with my laptop on my lap. Wish I had more space but I really don't need it. My cat sits on my chair with me and keeps me company. She's my furry little muse.

STEPH: Do you prefer ebook, print or both?

MELANIE: I prefer reading ebooks now, thanks to my Nook. Being able to adjust the font and carry so many books with me with so little effort sold me.

STEPH: What was the last movie you saw?

MELANIE: Ack! You would ask me that. Let me think... oh, yeah. No wonder I forgot. It was How Do You Know? A totally forgettable, unsatisfying movie I don't WANT to remember. lol Don't go see it.

STEPH: For Fun: What county would you like to visit that you haven't all ready?

MELANIE: I can name two: Italy and Greece! One day, I want to take a Mediterranean cruise. That would be my dream vacation.