Melony Teague is a freelance writer who believes everyone has a story to tell and each story is unique and sometimes wilder than fiction. She loves to uncover the good news in society and writes human interest and community pieces. Melony has contributed columns and community articles for the local media over the years. Melony’s guest columns address issues pertaining to the life and health of her community. She loves to inspire and motivate others through her written words. She is also ghostwriter who has worked with diverse subject matter. In addition to writing the biographies for the Portraits of Giving 2014 – 2016 she also handles Communications and PR for two non-profit missions organizations in Canada. She find much fulfillment in teaching her class “Writing Your Personal Story” to local senior citizens. Melony Teague was born in South Africa and immigrated to Canada in 1999. She lives in Toronto, Canada with her husband and their two children. For more, visit http://www.melonyteague.com/

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Welcome to the blog, Melony. I’m so happy to have you here today!

Thank you so much for having me, what a delight to be here with you!

So tell us how the idea for “As the Ink Flows: Devotions to Inspire Christian Writers & Speakers” came about. Looks like a book I’m gonna have to read!

Our writer’s group, which consists of five local Canadian Christian writers, felt that it would be helpful for Christian Writers & Speakers to have something in hand that would be both inspiring and interactive. As first we aimed to enter our manuscript in a contest, but as we worked on it, we realized it was turning out to be something really special, and we wanted it to get into the hands of as many authors and speakers as possible. We then pursued the publishing route and the rest is history.

Was there a particular devotion you wrote that stood out and spoke to your heart as a writer?

There are a few which are particularly special to me, but I must say that the one called, “He Loves Me, He Loves Me Not” really speaks to how we perceive and understand God’s unconditional love for us. I love the passage used in it, (Romans 8:38 -39) and this particular devotion is relevant no matter who you are, what you are facing, or what lies we often believe about how God sees us. This one reminds me to see myself and others, through His eyes.

TOP TO BOTTOM: Melony Teague, Glenda Dekkema, Carol Ford, Marguerite Cummings, and Claudia Loopstra) — Authors of As The Ink Flows

I so love that passage of Scripture. A beautiful message.

What has been the most memorable book you’ve read so far this year?

Since we are at the beginning of a new year I have not had much time to read, but out of the ones I have read recently in Historical Fiction: The Innkeeper of Ivy Hill by Julie Klassen, it is the first of the Ivy Hill Series! I also read The Memory of You by Catherine West coming out soon, it is a memorable read, and yes, have the Kleenex ready.

Awww, both are on my TBR list. Yay!

I read on your website that you are also a freelance writer. Can you tell us one of your favorite subjects you’ve written about?

That is such a good question! I love to tell people’s stories and when working for various clients, I get to meet Olympic athletes and other sports stars, and I get to interview celebrities and philanthropists. I get to meet people I would not normally meet and that is really fun. I mostly write people’s biographies and I love sitting down with someone, getting to know them, especially getting to know the person behind the “big name” and finding out who they really are, what drives them, what motivates them, and what challenges they have overcome. I find this so inspiring and humbling, it is such an honour for me to share their stories and their lives. I have found that truth really is stranger than fiction. I also write for two non-profit missions organizations and I love telling those stories, these are Kingdom stories, and find the experience extremely rewarding.

That is so cool! Love your perspective on this. I also love your blog and the interviews/reviews you do there. Name a few authors who have inspired you lately.

Me and Julie Lessman at CFRR (Christian Fiction Reader’s Retreat) in Nashville, August 2016.

Now, that is a hard one! Apart from my co-authors of As the Ink Flows who have all been there to pray, laugh and cry with me through the last 6 years of my career, I will try to name only a few. There have been so many, and I hope I don’t leave anyone out! (If I do, forgive me please!)

First of all, Julie Lessman (author of Daughters of Boston Series) read one of the first versions of our manuscript when it had a different name altogether. She was, and still is, so encouraging and endorsed our book. Julie is passionate about her Saviour, and her message as a Christian writer.

Carla Laureano (author of Five Days in Skye) has been an incredible inspiration to me behind the scenes. She has on occasion been my sounding board and has been there for me in the ups and downs of this business. She is one smart lady and so incredibly talented.

Me and Carrie Turransky

I want to be Jen Turano when I grow up! She is the author of many books, but recently the A Class of Their Own series. I love her work, and if I want pure entertainment, a laugh out loud read, and a book I can’t put down, any of her books is a “go to” for me, but aside from my great admiration for her written word, she too has encouraged me on my writing journey.

I must give a shout out to the following ladies who in their own way have also been such an encouragement to me personally, and they have let me ask them all sorts of questions, they have been so patient: Susan Anne Mason (Irish Meadows); Carrie Turansky (A Refuge at Highland Hall); Kate Breslin (Not By Sight) and Catherine West (The Things We Knew). There are many more, and I could go on and on. I have been so blessed to be part of such a wonderful community of professionals.

Is there anything else you’d like to add? Any upcoming projects you can share with us?

I continue to do my freelance work and to teach my class to seniors called, “Writing Your Personal Story” and I am seeking the Lord as to what He wants me to do next in terms of publication. I might do another devotional. For now I am sticking to non-fiction and possibly branching out into freelance graphics too. There may, or may not, be a work of fiction in the works.

People can visit me on my website, FB author page, and the As The Ink Flows Page. God bless and thanks so much!

I’m excited for you, Melony. Thanks so much for visiting us today! Have a blessed 2017!

GIVEAWAY!!

Melony has graciously offered to give away a copy of As the Ink Flows to one lucky reader! Enter below and it could be YOU! ;)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for entering! Contest is open to US residents only and ends February 7, 2017.  The winner will be notified by email. Happy Reading, everybody!

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