Hello, reader friends! Join me in welcoming author friend Melanie Campbell for a little chat about five of her favorites and a few questions in honor of her new release, One Woman Falling!
about the author
Melanie Campbell is a member of Oregon Christian Writers and ACFW. She wrote her first story when she was eight-years-old and has been in love with the power of storytelling ever since. She is also passionate about social issues and holds a degree in Sociology from the University of Oregon, which she obtained during her stint as a single-mom. She’s now married and lives in Oregon’s beautiful Willamette Valley with her husband, their three children, and several spoiled pets.
When not writing, she does the bookkeeping and other office work for her husband’s painting business, obsesses over the well-being of their three daughters, and cooks healthy meals. In the spring, you may find her hitting the trails to one of Oregon’s magnificent waterfalls.
Visit her website! Melanie is also on facebook, twitter, and instagram!
five favorites
Favorite childhood book
B: Amen! Story is powerful and God is so good!
Favorite place to visit
M: Disneyland! When my husband and I got married, we took my two young daughters to Disneyland for our honeymoon. It was a magical and happy way to begin our lives together. Since then our family has grown and we have been back to visit several times. We always have a blast.
B: How sweet!
Favorite scripture
M: I’ve really struggled with fear in my life, so I’m drawn to and comforted by all the scriptures that tell us not to fear. One favorite is Joshua 1:9.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
B: We need that repeated reminder, don’t we?!
Favorite movie
B: I still need to read the book but I did think the movie was quite good!
Favorite time to write
M: First thing in the morning. It seems like my subconscious works better at creating while I’m still half asleep. The writing itself is a bit rough, so I go back and edit after my morning coffee kicks in.
B: I have the same experience but at the opposite end of the day. I’m a night owl!
q&a
What is your favorite activity or hobby not related to books?
M: I love nature, so being outdoors is one of my favorite things to do that’s not related to books. (Although sometimes I combine my love of reading and the outdoors by laying on a hammock in my backyard and reading.)
In my novel One Woman Falling
B: I’m not big on the outdoors (I tend to be bug-bitten) but I do love waterfalls!
Briefly describe One Woman Falling.
M: One Woman Falling
B: I can’t think of many things that are more soothing than the sound of moving water.
What is your writing style?
M: I’m part plotter and part panster. I need to know how the story begins and ends before I start writing, but I don’t have all of the details of the middle figured out.
The idea of writing from a complete outline doesn’t appeal to me. I need to discover things as I write and let my characters show me the way. To me, one the most satisfying parts of writing is when it comes effortlessly because I’m simply typing what I see happening in my head, scene by scene.
The downside of this is writer’s block: I know where I’m at and where I’m going, but have no idea how my character gets there.
B: That writer’s block is a nasty business!
What books are you reading right now?
M: I’m currently reading The Plum Blooms in Winter
B: This sounds like a great variety!
What is your reading style?
M: I highly prefer printed books over electronic. There’s something about holding the book in my hands that is relaxing and helps me dive deeper into the story.
As far as routine, I tend to read non-fiction during breaks in my day, and listen to non-fiction audiobooks while I do mundane tasks. I read fiction at night, by lamplight, usually in bed.
Reading novels is one of my favorite things to do and it’s how I reward myself and relax after a busy day.
B: Book therapy is the best!
What are you working on now?
M: I’m currently working on One Way Home, the second book in my Whispers of Grace series. One Way Home is the story of Sharon Gilbert, who is the mother of the heroine in One Woman Falling.
B: Wonderful! Thanks so much for visiting with us, Melanie!
about the book
Cassie Peterson lives in an invisible prison of fear, chained by self-doubt and guarded by a relentless warden—her husband. Derrick’s verbal and physical abuse as well as his alcoholism have left Cassie alienated from her family, without friends, and certain she can’t survive on her own.
After an unexpected police visit, Cassie realizes the survival of her four-year-old daughter, Renee, depends on Cassie’s courage to leave. What she doesn’t plan on is Derrick’s vengeful custody fight.
While walking through the treacherous world of divorce, Cassie is encouraged by her spunky new friend, Missy Langdon, to pursue her love of waterfalls. Cassie finds solace in the waterfalls on the agonizing weekends she’s forced to hand Renee over to Derrick. Meanwhile, unexpected help comes in the form of Brian Sutton, an attorney at the firm where Cassie works—but what price will she ultimately pay for his assistance?
As Derrick’s threatening behavior escalates, Cassie questions her choices. How long will her daughter suffer before the custody case is resolved? Why is she drawn to waterfalls during this chaotic time? And who will stand with her when everything comes crashing down?
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Be sure to add One Woman Falling by Melanie Campbell to your tbr!
Say hi to Melanie in the comments!
Do you love waterfalls too, reader friends?
Faithfully Bookish 
Melanie, thanks for sharing Fervent by Pricilla Shirer. I just purchased it. One Woman Falling sounds like my kind of read, deeply emotional. Following that with a story about Cassie’s mother is intriguing.
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Karen–Fervent is a great book! I clicked over to your website and read about your book, Waiting for Butterflies. It sounds quite intriguing! It sounds like we write from the same kind of heart.
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Yay! New books, new friends!
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Great interview . Can’t wait to post my review.
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Thank you for dropping in, Patricia!
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