Author Melinda Clayton
Hi Melinda, I’d like to thank you for joining me here this week. Melinda is the author of Appalachian Justice and Return to Crutcher Mountain. Melinda is kindly offering two eBook copies of Appalachian Justice and one eBook copy of Return to Crutcher Mountain to lucky entrants this week so be sure to read the interview, check out the review of Appalachian Justice and comment here to enter. Then cross your fingers and hope you’re one of our lucky winners.
Melinda, where did the idea for Appalachian Justice come from? What was your inspiration?
Hi Tracy! Thanks for having me. The inspiration for Appalachian Justice came from a couple of different places. My mother’s family is from West Virginia, just outside of Charleston. We used to visit every summer and I fell in love with the culture and the area. When I hear Billy May’s voice in my head, it’s my grandmother’s voice I’m hearing.
The troubling incidents in the book are sort of a conglomeration of different issues I’ve unfortunately come across in my years as a psychotherapist. So many people don’t believe things like these really happen, but they do. I have so much admiration and respect for the strength and tenacity shown by the many people with whom I’ve worked over the years.
How long did it take you to write and publish Appalachian Justice, from first idea until you had the printed or eBook copies in hand?
I’d mulled over the plot for a few months before I started writing. Truthfully, I was a little afraid of the story. I knew it would be disturbing, but I also felt it needed to be told. Once I started writing it took around eight months to complete, and another couple of months for publication.
You published Appalachian Justice with Vanilla Heart publishing. Are they also your publisher for Return to Crutcher Mountain?
They are. I’ve had a wonderful experience with Vanilla Heart and I’m hoping they’ll be interested in my next novel as well.
Which character from Appalachian Justice is your favorite and why?
Without a doubt, Billy May Platte is my favorite character. I know it’s a cliché, but I really felt haunted by her during the writing process. We spent a lot of time together and she was very real to me.
I have to admit I haven’t read Return to Crutcher Mountain, though it’s on my schedule in about ten more days. Can you give us a little of the story to it? Are any of the characters from Appalachian Justice in it or is it merely set against the backdrop of Crutcher Mountain with an entirely new cast of characters?
Return to Crutcher Mountain picks up with Jessie and catches up with a few of the other characters as well. As told in Appalachian Justice, Jessie experienced horrible abuse as a child and she still struggles with some of the fallout as an adult. Jessie wants to heal, but she just isn’t sure how to go about it.
To fulfill Billy May’s dying wish, Jessie built the Platte Lodge for Children on top of Crutcher Mountain. The Lodge is a respite facility for children with developmental disabilities. When Jessie is mysteriously summoned back to investigate a strange series of events, she surprises herself with her connection to the children at the Lodge. As she searches for answers, she has an opportunity not only to help the children, but to help herself as well.
There’s an element of mystery to Return to Crutcher Mountain. What I’ve gotten from readers so far is that it’s a very different sort of story, touching in its own way but not as dark as Appalachian Justice is.
People think places like Crutcher Mountain and its small, West Virginia community only exist in literature, what has your experience been? Are towns and people like those in Appalachian Justice real?
That’s a great question, and I’ve had some interesting experiences since publishing the book. Some people insist towns and places such as those no longer exist, while some people deeply identify because it reminds them so much of home.
From my personal experience, I can say that although Cedar Hollow is fictional, there are many such towns – and people – that still exist in the country today. As a recent college graduate back in 1989, my first job was as the supervisor of case managers at a rural mental health facility in Tennessee. I worked with people who had dirt floors, no indoor plumbing, no electricity and no running water. Some of my clients cooked over a dugout fire pit in the front yard. Some of the abuse cases I worked with were absolutely horrifying and still affect me to this day. We don’t like to think that people in our country still live in such circumstances, but they do.
What has surprised you most about being a published author? Also, what thing were you least prepared for as a published author?
I have to laugh at the question because honestly what surprised me the most is that people would actually read what I wrote! I don’t think I really expected anyone to. What I was least prepared for was marketing. I’m an introvert; I don’t like to put myself out there, so that’s a real struggle for me.
What piece of advice would you like to offer aspiring authors?
One of the most helpful things I’ve done is to join an online writing group. I’ve learned so much from that group. They offer constructive criticism, advice, resources, and an endless supply of support. I look at the stories and articles I wrote for them three or four years ago and I’m amazed at how far I’ve come. It’s really hard to look at our own writing objectively, so it’s very important to seek out helpful critiques from others.
Think fast, quick questions:
Favorite fast food? Big Macs!
Favorite pizza toppings? Mushrooms – yum.
Pepsi or Coke? Coke (diet)
Favorite kind of chocolate: dark, milk or white? Dark.
Which color of M&Ms do you eat first? Blue!
Favorite comfort food? Potatoes in any form (mashed, chips, baked – doesn’t matter).
Favorite genre other than your own? True crime – my dirty little secret.
Favorite fictional character and why is he/she your favorite? The first one that popped to mind is Minny, in Katheryn Stockett’s The Help. I just finished reading it on our fourteen hour trip back from visiting my parents in Tennessee. I loved her chutzpah. She was strong and fierce and loyal, a force to be reckoned with.
Check out Melinda’s blog at http://authormelindaclayton.xanga.com
Follow Melinda on Twitter
Melinda Clayton is a licensed psychotherapist and freelance writer living in central Florida. Her vast experience working in the field of mental health gives her a unique perspective on human behaviors, and she likes to explore this dynamic in her writing.
Melinda has published over twenty articles and short stories in various print and online magazines, and is currently in the dissertation phase of an Ed.D. in Special Education Administration. Appalachian Justice is Melinda’s first novel.
In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, reading, and being the loudest mom at the soccer field.
Wonderful interview, Melinda. I must get and read your books!
“Appalachian Justice” was positively stunning. I’m really looking forward to reading “Return to Crutcher Mountain”, Melinda brings a wealth of knowledge to her writing making her characters extremely interesting and believable. You’ll love her books.
Thank you, Smoky.
Melinda is a very good friend, and my son is great friends with her boys. We love them! I so enjoyed Melinda’s first book, and now that my dad has a Kindle, I am hoping to win this prize and download Melinda’s second book! I hear it is really good.
Tess.
Thanks for stopping by. I’m sure Melinda will be excited to see you here when she checks in. We both appreciate your support.
Hi Tess! Thanks for stopping by and commenting.
We miss you guys!
Hi Melinda,
Glad to know a great author. On the list at the Deltona library for Appalachian Justice. I hope to read it soon
Hi Mike,
Thanks for stopping by. There are two eBook copies of Appalachian Justice being awarded as prizes here, maybe you’ll get lucky enough to win one and then you won’t have to wait for the copy from the library.
Thanks for stopping by Michael! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you.
I absolutely love the depth and development of the characters and setting in Appalachian Justice. I am dieing to read Return to Crutcher Mountain but don’t have a Kindle. So I am patiently waiting for it to come out in print. In the mean time I am following the interviews or blogs picking up any clues I can to what Jessie’s will face next. Great Q&A as well as the fun facts about Melinda.
Hi Kay,
You know all you need to be able to read great Kindle books is a computer. Amazon has a wonderful Kindle for PC application that you can get a download of for free from their website. Then you just buy Kindle content and have it sent to the Kindle for PC application on your computer. Open the Kindle icon and simply start reading. It’s what I use for most of my reviews. I love it.
Hi Kay! Thanks for stopping by. Just to add to what Tracy said, the giveaway code is actually for a version that can be downloaded straight to the computer, no Kindle necessary.
I only know about Melinda Clayton because I like the poems her sister, Tracy, writes. I’m beginning to think this must be a very talented family and I should look out for these novels!
Hi Tom,
I didn’t know Melinda has a sister who writes poetry. You’re right, talent must run in the family.
Thank you, Tom! Yep, I have a very talented sister – she wrote the poem in the front of Return to Crutcher Mountain.
Interesting interview. I’ve heard good things about Appalachian Justice. I think I might have to pick up a copy.
It really is a wonderful book, if you’re not lucky enough to win a copy here I would definitely recommend buying a copy. It’s well worth the investment.
Thank you, M.P.! And thank you, Tracy, for your kind words.
Great interview! I’m hoping to win a copy of one of the books, but if not will probably be buying them! Thanks!
Thanks, Vic! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for you!
Vic, I can’t recommend Melinda’s books highly enough. I couldn’t stand to put down Appalachian Justice the story was so engrossing and compelling. I’m really looking forward to reading Return to Crutcher Mountain. I’m looking forward to hearing the story of an adult Jessie.
I enjoyed the interview! I just bought “Appalachian Justice” a short time ago but had to finish another book before I could start it. I am so excited because I finally will get to start reading it tonight! I have been hearing a lot of wonderful things about it and also “Return To Crutcher Mountain”. I would love to win “Return To Crutcher Mountain”. Thank you for doing this giveaway!!
Debbie,
I’m glad you’re so excited about the giveaway, it’s enthusiasm like yours that makes this so worthwhile. Good luck in the drawing and enjoy Appalachian Justice.
Hi Debbie – thanks for dropping by! Good luck, and I hope you enjoy.
I absolutely adore Melinda and her writing. Everyone needs to pick up a copy of her books. She is an inspiration to all; and to write about issues that are so taboo and put them BAM in your face…well kudos to you Melinda!!
Patti,
I agree, Melinda writes about subjects that others wouldn’t touch and she does it with such warmth, compassion and flair that hopefully no one can resist her wonderful characters and their stories. Her willingness to go “in the deep water” was part of what I thought made Appalachian Justice so compelling. I can’t wait to read Return to Crutcher Mountain because just the little bit I do know already makes it speak to me.
Hi Patti! Thanks for stopping by to comment.
Patti was not only my sons’ first t-ball coach and scout leader, but also is completing her degrees in psychology and training to work with abused kids – a hero’s journey.