About Melissa Douhit:
Melissa Douthit grew up in North County of San Diego, California. After graduating with a Computer Science degree in Southern California, and working for a summer at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in New Mexico, she moved to the Bay Area to work at NASA Ames Research Center for a year and then at Lawrence Livermore National Lab for another four years. From there, she moved to Monterey, California, to work at the Naval Postgraduate School on a government project for two years.
She currently lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, working as a software engineer. Since high school, she has been a voracious reader of books of all genres, with an emphasis in fantasy and science fiction. Her literary work is strongly influenced by her professional experience and includes many elements of her scientific background. You can find out more about Melissa on her website: http://melissadouthit.com
Melissa on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Melissa-Douthit/164124433645392
Melissa on Twitter: https://twitter.com/melissadouthit
Melissa on Twitter: https://twitter.com/melissadouthit
Interview:
Welcome
to BK Walker Books Etc. I'm so happy you could join me today at your home. Melissa is offering you a chance to win an ecopy of her book (comment), PLUS she's giving you a chance to win an extra special giveaway for an ereader and gift card (rafflecopter below).
BK:
Looking out the nearest window, describe the scene you see.
Snowcapped
peaks of the Wasatch mountains against a cloudless Utah sky.
BK:
Tell us about your office. Is it a mess like mine, or is everything
in its place?
Don’t
really have an office. My favorite spot to write is at the living
room table, right next to the fire, with Copper, my Coonhound, curled
up under the table. He keeps my feet warm while I write.
BK:
What is a must-have, such as coffee or a favorite pen, that you need
to write?
My
Macbook and a cup of tea with honey. And Copper. :)
BK:
Do you like to write in silence, or do you need music or background
noise?
I
write in silence. I envision my scenes while listening to music.
BK:
Tell us a bit about your hero/heroine, and their development.
In
book one, Chalice, the main character, finds out who she is and about
her world and her relation to it. The second is about her
discovering the underground world and her powers, and then going on a
journey to free some very important creatures. In the third book,
Chalice finishes what she started and really pushes the envelope to
the point where she finds herself in hot water.
As
a character she is very stubborn, hot-headed, and impulsive, but she
is also fiercely protective of the people she loves. She has an
unbreakable sense of duty, and a cleverness that gets her out of
difficult situations. Outwardly, Chalice is a beautiful girl and she
knows it, but she doesn’t care. The only thing she really cares
about is saving her world and the people in it, even if it means her
own life.
BK:
As a writer myself, I'm always curious how other writers get through
stumble blocks. When you find a story not flowing, or a character
trying to fight you, how do you correct it?
I
usually put it aside for a while until the solution hits me and then
I sit down and write it all out of my head before I forget it.
BK:
Using the letters of your first name as an acronym, describe your
book...
Magical
Exciting
Lively
Intense
Surprising
Shocking
Adventurous
BK:
How did your writing journey begin?
It
began when my favorite author died in 2007. I’d been thinking of
writing a story and had written pages and pages of notes about a
story I was formulating years earlier. When I found out he had died,
I sat down and began writing the Raie’Chaelia.
BK:
Using the letters from the word, Summer, how would friends and family
describe you?
Shy
Utilitarian
Mature
Multi-faceted
Endearing
Reserved
BK:
What is the craziest thing you've ever written about, whether it got
published or not?
I
wrote a silly poem when I was a teenager about my sister who was
always gone from home because she was out partying with her friends.
She was always in trouble for it, too. Unfortunately, I’ve lost
the original copy of the poem, but I still remember some of it.
BK:
Tell us one thing you've done in life, that readers would be most
surprised to know.
I
swam 8 miles across Lake Tahoe in 2009, which is very surprising
given the shape I’m in now. :) Need to start a new exercise
routine.
BK:
What can we expect from you in the future?
I’ve
had so many ideas for new books. Some came to me when I was
finishing up The Raie’Chaelia. Whenever I get an idea for a new
book, I write it down and put it in its own file folder on my
computer, hoping to revisit it later. I have about 10+ folders like
that, so I’m trying to choose which one to pursue first. Right
now, it’s a toss up between a love story/fantasy set in the Old
Norse world, a paranormal crime thriller, and a teen romance that
deals with the serious issues of high school bullying and teen
suicide.
This
or That...
Coke
or Pepsi?
Coke
Night
Owl or Early Bird?
Night
Owl
Fantasy
or Mystery?
Both
Pen/Paper
or Computer?
Computer
Pizza
or Burger?
Both
Rock
or Country?
Rock
Chocolate
or Vanilla?
Chocolate
Beach
or Mountains?
Mountains
Thank
you so much for having us as one of your stops today. It has been
great getting to know more about you and your book, and wish you the
best of success!
BK
Walker
About The Book
Publisher: Couronne Press (August 1, 2013Series: Legend of the Raie’Chaelia, Book Three|
Category: YA Fantasy, Futuristic Fantasy, Fantasy
Tour Date: Mid October-November
Available in: ebook, 300 Pages
Tour Date: Mid October-November
Available in: ebook, 300 Pages
After the fall from the Maaldan cliff, Chalice is reunited with her friends on a journey that takes them to the coastline of Ielieria. Little do Vlaad and his Fierain know what is in store for them as, bit by bit, their plans are thwarted by this blond-haired, blue-eyed beauty.
The small band of rebels then travels across the Realm, preparing it for war, while Chalice herself is brewing plans of her own that may just land her in the hot seat. What will happen when she returns her father to the throne? What will happen when he finds out what she has done? And … what will happen once Dar’Maalda learns of the rebels’ location?
In the third and final novel of the trilogy, The Legend of the Raie’Chaelia, you find out. It is a dramatic finish to an epic story of action, adventure, betrayal, forgiveness and love.
Praise for Legend of the Raie’Chaelia, Book One:
“Douthit’s love of words is apparent and her use of language highly inventive. She has a firm grip on believable dialogue.”-Kirkus Reviews
“Lively, fast-paced and satisfyingly complex! Can’t wait for the second in the trilogy!”- Diane Donovan, eBook Reviewer, Midwest Book Review
“I really liked this book! If you love adventure books and romance books this is the story for you!!! First off, the romance between Jeremiah and Chalice is super cute! They are really such a good couple. I like how after all the time that they hadn’t seen each other they still had feelings for each other. I also loved Buney! He’s so cute, he reminds me of a little stuffed animal. As for the adventure, this book is full of it! There are many twists and turns throughout the book that always keeps you wanting more. This is an adventure that will definitely keep you reading with a little romance thrown into the mix also. I can seriously see this as a movie.”-Books Ahoy Website
“This was SUCH an epic fantasy. I felt that same “childhood” feeling I’ve felt while reading countless fantasy books, such as C.S. Lewis’ and J.R.R. Tolkein.
This story was so original! Loved everything about it. I fell in love with the characters, the setting was INCREDIBLE, and the background story was so magical. You immediately get pulled in by the mystery and the curious feeling you get that there’s more to this story…
I really loved how Douthit described the scenery. I could imagine myself in the “ghost town” which Chalice travels to first, or the Chinuk village that they stay in overnight. Love the detail, you can really feel a part of the journey which Chalice and her friends take.
The Raie’Chaelia is an amazing journey of which one girl, with the help of her friends, finds out about her past. The ending, was AMAZING. God, I really want to find out more now! That was such a big cliffhanger. The Firelight of Maalda, the second book, will be coming out in maybe around October 2011. Can’t wait!”- Rabiah, I Live For Reading Website
This story was so original! Loved everything about it. I fell in love with the characters, the setting was INCREDIBLE, and the background story was so magical. You immediately get pulled in by the mystery and the curious feeling you get that there’s more to this story…
I really loved how Douthit described the scenery. I could imagine myself in the “ghost town” which Chalice travels to first, or the Chinuk village that they stay in overnight. Love the detail, you can really feel a part of the journey which Chalice and her friends take.
The Raie’Chaelia is an amazing journey of which one girl, with the help of her friends, finds out about her past. The ending, was AMAZING. God, I really want to find out more now! That was such a big cliffhanger. The Firelight of Maalda, the second book, will be coming out in maybe around October 2011. Can’t wait!”- Rabiah, I Live For Reading Website
“I really enjoyed The Raie’Chaelia. I liked both Chalice and Jeremiah. Especially Jeremiah. I’m not really sure why I think so highly of Jeremiah other than he is just a really great guy and an incredibly likable character. Chalice is quite likable too although she did do a couple of things that I thought were a little silly at times. The supporting cast were all very cool too.
The Raie’Chaelia is definitely a really intriguing story and I had a lot of fun reading through it.
I definitely enjoyed reading The Raie’Chaelia and I had a little sneak peak at the next book in the series in the back of The Raie’Chaelia and it definitely looks interesting. I really enjoyed The Raie’Chaelia and I think that any fans of fantasy would definitely enjoy it.”- Rebecca, Everything To Do With Books
The Raie’Chaelia is definitely a really intriguing story and I had a lot of fun reading through it.
I definitely enjoyed reading The Raie’Chaelia and I had a little sneak peak at the next book in the series in the back of The Raie’Chaelia and it definitely looks interesting. I really enjoyed The Raie’Chaelia and I think that any fans of fantasy would definitely enjoy it.”- Rebecca, Everything To Do With Books
Praise for The Firelight of Maalda, Raie’Chaelia, Book Two:
“What I really like about these books is the amount of fantasy. It reminds me of (and I know I said this in the review of the first book) childhood fantasy stories, like C.S. Lewis. Completely magical, and Douthit has really created a fantastic world. You don’t see that too much in YA these days.
The romance in this book has improved since the last one! Chalice and Jeremiah develop even more from the first book, and I found it really sweet and not-rushed-into at all. The action and thrill of what’s to happen next is really amazing too. I had to keep reading to find out what happens next.
I found that the story was great. Lovers of fantasy, with plenty of action, suspense and of course, the blooming romance, will definitely need to pick this one up. A great follow-up from the first book, this one will leave readers hanging on for more. Looking forward to reading book 3!” – Rabiah, I Live For Reading Website
The romance in this book has improved since the last one! Chalice and Jeremiah develop even more from the first book, and I found it really sweet and not-rushed-into at all. The action and thrill of what’s to happen next is really amazing too. I had to keep reading to find out what happens next.
I found that the story was great. Lovers of fantasy, with plenty of action, suspense and of course, the blooming romance, will definitely need to pick this one up. A great follow-up from the first book, this one will leave readers hanging on for more. Looking forward to reading book 3!” – Rabiah, I Live For Reading Website
“The Firelight of Maalda: A story that unites the real with the fantastical and turns science into magic. It is a tale of intrigue and wonder where two opposite worlds collide in an explosive journey that leads Chalice and her friends to the dark islands lurking just beyond the horizon of Ielieria, where the Firelight of Maalda sits … and waits.
This is a YA series for age 13 upwards. Having said that, I’m sure many ‘older’ readers will enjoy it as much as I did. The story continues the story begun in The RaieChaelia and reveals more of the characters and the wonderful world Melissa Douthit has created. I really enjoyed reading the first book, The Raie Chaelia, as well as the sequel.
This story continues Chalice’s journey to fulfil her destiny, and the growing romance between her and Jeremiah. She and Jeremiah knew each other as children, and meet up again at the beginning of The Raie Chaelia. Their friendship has grown into something deeper and in The Firelight of Maalda both characters, but especially Chalice, have grown and matured emotionally and I found it particularly satisfying that their love is not only acknowledged but their sweet romance seems completely natural and uncontrived. There is a touching tenderness between them, they are both strong characters but neither feels complete without the other and their love and respect for each other shines through even when they are not entirely in agreement.
There is a lot more to this story than romance though, there is plenty of action and suspense. There is a large cast of characters, and some of those from the first book make a welcome re-appearance.
The story moves at a fast pace to the nail biting climax and a cliffhanger of an ending – I’m really glad Melissa gave us a taste of the next book to answer at least one of my questions, and I can’t wait for the third in the series.”- Hywela Lyn Website
This is a YA series for age 13 upwards. Having said that, I’m sure many ‘older’ readers will enjoy it as much as I did. The story continues the story begun in The RaieChaelia and reveals more of the characters and the wonderful world Melissa Douthit has created. I really enjoyed reading the first book, The Raie Chaelia, as well as the sequel.
This story continues Chalice’s journey to fulfil her destiny, and the growing romance between her and Jeremiah. She and Jeremiah knew each other as children, and meet up again at the beginning of The Raie Chaelia. Their friendship has grown into something deeper and in The Firelight of Maalda both characters, but especially Chalice, have grown and matured emotionally and I found it particularly satisfying that their love is not only acknowledged but their sweet romance seems completely natural and uncontrived. There is a touching tenderness between them, they are both strong characters but neither feels complete without the other and their love and respect for each other shines through even when they are not entirely in agreement.
There is a lot more to this story than romance though, there is plenty of action and suspense. There is a large cast of characters, and some of those from the first book make a welcome re-appearance.
The story moves at a fast pace to the nail biting climax and a cliffhanger of an ending – I’m really glad Melissa gave us a taste of the next book to answer at least one of my questions, and I can’t wait for the third in the series.”- Hywela Lyn Website
“After reading The Raie’Chaelia last year I was so excited to be able to read the second book, The Firelight of Maalda. Needless to say, I loved The Firelight of Maalda just as much as I loved The Raie’Chaelia.
The story was really good and I had a lot of fun learning more about the world and the goings on. There were the highs and lows in the book and I was really excited to see the return of some really awesome characters from the first book.
Then there was the ending. Oh my goodness! I don’t want to spoil anything but can I just say, that is one huge cliffhanger. UGH! Can I have the next book now please?
I absolutely love The Firelight of Maalda and the entire Raie’Chaelia series. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy story and I know I definitely can’t wait to continue the series.”- Rebecca, Everything To Do With Books
The story was really good and I had a lot of fun learning more about the world and the goings on. There were the highs and lows in the book and I was really excited to see the return of some really awesome characters from the first book.
Then there was the ending. Oh my goodness! I don’t want to spoil anything but can I just say, that is one huge cliffhanger. UGH! Can I have the next book now please?
I absolutely love The Firelight of Maalda and the entire Raie’Chaelia series. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy story and I know I definitely can’t wait to continue the series.”- Rebecca, Everything To Do With Books
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2 comments:
Thank you for chatting today Melissa :)
Thanks you for taking part in the tour and hosting Melissa!
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