This week Tuesday Talk chats to Melanie Robertson King whose latest book The Secret of Hillcrest House is currently on tour with Brook Cottage Books

Good morning Melanie and welcome. Can I start, as always, by asking you a little about yourself?

Thanks for inviting me to your Tuesday Talk Interview, Jo. I live in Eastern Ontario, Canada and if I stand on the sidewalk (I believe you call it a pavement here in the UK) and turn to my right, I can see the St. Lawrence River.
My house is over 125 years old and I’ve had a few weird paranormal experiences in it during the thirty plus years I’ve lived in it.
There’s nothing I like better than curling up with a book and a blanket and woe to anyone who disturbs my reading.
I could tell you more here, but I’ll save it for my author bio.

How did your writing journey begin?

I was twelve-thirteen when I started writing stories and illustrating them but never thought about the possibility of being published. I mean, authors were geniuses, placed on pedestals by us when we were that age. Still, the written word had bitten me. Even back then, when I wasn’t writing (or reading), I talked about writing – and here I am.

Can you tell us about what you’re working on at the moment?

I’m working on a Christmas novella. It’s called Christmas in Quebec City (although I might drop City from the title).

Think Miracle on 34th Street meets Sleepless in Seattle.

Who are your favourite authors and why?

I love to read crime fiction so one of my favourite authors is Stuart MacBride. His Logan McRae novels are set in Aberdeen (city and shire) which are near and dear to my heart as my father was born there in the parish of Kennethmont (Kendonald in my debut novel – A Shadow in the Past).

Diana Gabaldon ranks high in my list of favourite authors because of the Outlander series of books. I have the entire series as well as her Lord John Grey novels.

Another author whose works I enjoyed reading is Joanna Lambert – have you heard of her? I think she’s got a couple more books out since the last one I read so I must get them so I can catch up on the goings on with her characters.

Have you a favourite holiday destination?

Scotland. I love the rugged beauty of the country and it’s part of my heritage. I still have family there so it’s great to go back and see them. Over the years, I’ve made a lot of good friends there, too. And, it was in Scotland where I met Princess Anne in 1999.

If you could invite four famous people to dinner who would they be and why?

Bram Stoker. After visiting the ruins of Slains Castle on my last trip to Scotland and seeing the surrounding area, I want to find out straight from the horse’s mouth was it the Cruden Bay area of Scotland or Whitby, England that inspired him to write Dracula.

Three more, eh?

Diana Gabaldon. She’s one of my favourite authors so would like to be able to talk writing, publishing (trials and tribulations) and Scotland with her.

Helen Mirren. The woman is beautiful and has class. I recently saw where she visited a young boy still in her Queen attire after a performance because Her Majesty was unavailable.

Jackie Stewart. I’ve earned that nickname from driving in the UK. The first time I drove over there, I was nervous and didn’t go very fast. The next time, I was able to keep up with my Auntie Edith who wasn’t known for being a slowpoke… LOL!

Book Blurb

Sometimes there’s more to a house than bricks and mortar.
Hillcrest House is one such place. Perched on a cliff in the picturesque town of Angel Falls, there is more to this Victorian mansion than meets the eye. When referring to the house, the locals use the word haunted on a regular basis. Strange visions appear in the windows, especially the second-floor ones over the side porch. Even stranger events take place within its four walls.
Rumour has it, the original owners, Asher and Maggie Hargrave, never left their beloved home. They claim the couple and their family are responsible for driving people away. Over the years, Hillcrest House has changed hands numerous times. No one stays long. Renovations begin then stop and the house is once more abandoned. The latest in this long line of owners is Jessica Maitland.
Will Jessica be the next one to succumb or will she unravel the mystery of the haunting of Hillcrest House?

Feedback

• Melanie Robertson-King’s latest novel serves up a delightful blend of the supernatural and spicy romance, Lynn L. Clark, author of The Home Child, and Fire Whisperer & Circle of Souls: Two Novellas of the Supernatural, & The Accusers
• Intrigue, dark buried secrets, hot romance and a neat twist in the tale make this riveting reading, Sheryl Browne, MA Creative Writing, Choc Lit Author
• A fun read that keeps you guessing right up to the surprise ending, Dayna Leigh Cheser, Author of Janelle’s Time, Moria’s Time, Adelle’s Time, & Logan’s Time

Buy links

Paperback and Kindle from

Amazon.ca http://www.amazon.ca/Secret-Hillcrest-House-Melanie-Robertson-King-ebook/dp/B01EEJOIXW/

Amazon.com http://www.amazon.com/Secret-Hillcrest-House-Melanie-Robertson-King-ebook/dp/B01EEJOIXW/

Amazon.co.uk http://www.amazon.co.uk/Secret-Hillcrest-House-Melanie-Robertson-King-ebook/dp/B01EEJOIXW/

 

Barnes and Noble

Paperback and nook

Kobobooks

At the iTunes store

And in paperback at

Books a Million

About the Author

Melanie Robertson-King lives in Eastern Ontario, Canada, within sight of the St. Lawrence River. She has always been a fan of the written word. Growing up as an only child, her face was always buried in a book from the time she could read.
At her father’s behest, she studied Highland Dancing and won a silver medal in the Sword Dance in 1969 at the 1000 Islands Highland Games. She also learned how to play the bagpipes (and has her own set) although she admits she doesn’t play very well and hasn’t played in many years. Her neighbours thank her for that.
Melanie’s father was one of the thousands of Home Children sent to Canada through the auspices of The Orphan Homes of Scotland, and she has been fortunate to be able to visit her father’s homeland many times and even met the Princess Royal (Princess Anne) at the orphanage where he was raised.

Social Media Links

Website: http://www.melanierobertson-king.com
Celtic Connexions Blog: http://www.melanierobertson-king.com/wp02/
Facebook Author Page: Melanie Robertson-King Author
Twitter: @RobertsoKing