If there's anything I like as much as a good book, it's a quick conversation with a new book author who likes jewelry!
As some of you know, I've done NaNoWriMo before, so I was fascinated to learn that author Melissa Gorzelanczyk wrote an earlier NaNoWriMo book before getting the idea for her first young adult (YA) novel Arrows, a book that combines mythology, dance, and teen motherhood. Her advice to writers: "Write the next book!"
Melissa lives in Green Bay, Wisconsin with her husband Shea and family.
Meet Author Melissa Gorzelanczyk
My Three Questions for Melissa
1. What surprised you most about your book Arrows (either while you were writing it or after it was published)?
I think discovering the true heart of ARROWS surprised me most.
Along the way I realized I was writing a book that mattered to me a deeper level than my love of Greek mythology or contemporary YA.
I was writing a book about about how love should feel from some very personal experiences with unhealthy relationships.
You can read more about that here: Love Shouldn't Hurt.
2. On your website, you mention enjoying "books that keep you up at night." What was the last (or most memorable) book that kept you reading late?
I've read so many amazing Sweet Sixteens debuts that it's hard to pick just one.
The most recent was GIRL IN PIECES by Kathleen Glasgow. It's an emotionally raw read with some of the most beautiful writing in existence.
3. Tell us about your love of arrow jewelry! Are there specific pieces or styles that you especially like? Did this interest begin when writing your book or were you drawn to arrows before that?
I always thought arrows were cool, but writing a book with the title turned it into an obsession. I jokingly call myself "the crazy arrow lady." I have arrow earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces, shirts, bookends ...
One of my favorite pieces is this rose-gold bangle from the Erin Fetherston x Jewelmint collab, EFxJM. It's simple and goes with anything. Plus my agent Carrie Howland recommended it as a Valentine's Day gift from Shea, my one true love. [Note from Michelle: It appears that Jewelmint.com is no longer in business. Links are redirecting to Glamour magazine.]
Thank you, Melissa! You can learn more about Melissa and her book on her blog or follow her on Twitter @melissagorzela.
If you're an author with a love of jewelry, please contact me about a possible feature on my blog.
Make-Up Bag Giveaway
Melissa is giving away one super cute red make-up bag with arrows to one of my lucky blog readers!
Don't wear make-up? Use this small bag to tote art supplies, beads, or anything else your heart desires. You can enter by leaving a comment on this blog post, following one of us on Twitter, OR tweeting about this giveaway. (You can do just one thing or more than one for additional entries!)
We will use your email address to contact you if you win. The winner will be posted here on August 25, 2016, so be sure to enter by August 24.
If you have trouble with the Rafflecopter box loading, just go ahead and leave your blog comments (and extra ones if you do the Twitter activities) the regular way. Thank you!
August 25th Update: We have a winner! Congratulations, Patrycja! Your entry #19 was picked by random.org from the 24 total entries, including all those from Rafflecopter and the 3 non-Rafflecopter (blog comments only) entries. Melissa will be in touch regarding your prize.