Before
Marti found her true calling as a successful author, she had long established her
career in the medical field, specializing in Emergency and Trauma nursing.
Marti spent several years working between Utah and California in various ER's, as
a Mobile Intensive Care Nurse and medical personnel for the 2002 Winter
Olympics, all the while raising her five children as a single mother.
She
has a background in dance, music and acting as well. She continues to write
novels, introducing the idea of fictional probability linked to historical
events. Marti currently resides in Southern California.
Welcome, Marti. It's great to have you on the blog.
Thanks for having me, Susan.
How many books have
you written?
I have
written three of four in the Déjà vu Chronicles. I’ve been a co-writer for several others that
have been published under a different author’s name. My writing also includes several screenplays
that have been taken to Hollywood for consideration.
How much of yourself
is hidden in the characters in the book?
People
who know me state that Kathryn’s story is really my own. That was never my intention writing the novel
series. However, I write what I know and
so much of what happens (particularly in the ER) is from my experience. Kathryn is a combination of my daughters –
their feistiness and beauty.
Do you travel to do
research or for inspiration? Can you share some special places with us?
I travel
extensively to do research for my novels.
This series takes place in the Caribbean, which is a great place to do
research. My favorite island is Grenada,
which had many interesting and fun cultural and natural elements I would not
have been able to use in the books. Did
you know Grenada has tree frogs that whistle at night? I’ve used these frogs in Onyx Rising to make
it more authentic – as well as other interesting elements exclusive to the
Caribbean islands.
What do you think is
the greatest lesson you’ve learned about writing so far? What advice can you
give new writers?
I’ve
learned that my ideas and imagination has value – to myself and now to
others. Doubting my ability to write
would have stifled the opportunity to share it with others. I never aspired to write novels (or
screenplays) but taking the risk has made for a wonderful career. My advise to anyone who aspires to write is
to simply do it. Wherever the impression
hits and whenever you can, — write.
Don’t’ doubt yourself and certainly don’t stop. Every single day, write something — whether
it be a chapter, a page or just a sentence – write!
Can you tell us your
future writing goals/projects?
I am
currently writing the fourth (and final) book in The Déjà vu Chronicles
series. I am also co-writing a medical
thriller, as well as a horror novel. I
find that writing several projects at once keeps my creativity from becoming
stagnant and keeps me interested in the stories. In addition, I co-write screenplays with my
writing partner – the first in the series, Midnight
Omen, recently won the Life Fest Film Festival 2015 in Hollywood, CA.
Congratulations! That's super!
Give a short synopsis
of your most recently published book, Onyx Rising.
Obscurity conceals the moon and the black omen rises. Maelstrom and dark deeds follow those who
sail Caribbean waters. Their captain is
presumed dead, which leaves the crew of the Revenge
to seek other ways to survive and fresh ships to plunder.
Kathryn must also find her way through the darkness and
discovers a hidden treasure lay buried in secrets hidden within the dead. Magic and mysticism weaves through the
Caribbean Sea as the Onyx Moon hovers.
Set in 1723, the third novel in The Déjà vu Chronicles, Onyx Rising continues the paranormal
adventures of Kathryn, Seth, Archer and Calico Jack Rackham – as well as
Captain John Phillips – an actual pirate known for his ruthless history pirating
the Spanish Main from 1721-1724.
Barnes & Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/marti-melville?store=allproducts&keyword=marti+melville
Marti, I wish you continued success with your endeavors!