Author Interview: Melanie Nilles

Melanie Nilles is a young adult author who has a great love for all things fantasy including dragons and the sort. Melanie recently release the novel Tiger Born under the name M.A. Nilles. Tiger Born is a compelling story of a half demon in search of the truth as well as way to control his demon side. Along his journey he experiences numerous revelations about himself and his kinsmen. Tiger Born is different from the other novels written by Melanie for numerous reasons. I got to ask Melanie several questions about her book and herself 

What made you want to write for young adults? 

M.A: I don’t like most young adult fiction. I just plain enjoy good fantasy and science fiction no matter the age group it is intended for. I love Harry Potter as much as Lord Of The Rings. Starfire Angels just wanted to a young adult story and developed into a series. 

Why is Tiger Born under a different name than your other novels such as Starfire Angels? 

M.A: Most of my other books aren’t as dark as Tiger Born, which is why I list it as M. A. Nilles. I had to list it with my regular name to link it to everything else, though. I write YA and “clean” books under my regular name, although that doesn’t mean people don’t die.

Your other novels are not as dark as Tiger Born, what made you want to try something different? 

M.A: I had written so much lighter stuff that I wanted to try something different, and I really liked it. Now, I find that I have to alternate on occasion or I get bored. 

I have a hard time personally writing short stories let alone, long stories worthy of being a novel, how about you, which is easier? 

M.A: I’m not much of a short story writer. It’s only been in the last few years that I’ve explored shorter stories and now it’s easy. I just had to challenge myself. I love long books. 

Where do you get your inspiration for a story? 

M.A: I get my ideas from all around me. Nothing is new, it is the new and exciting expression of an idea that sparks my interest in pursuing it to the end. 

Typical question, but what authors inspire you in your writing? 

M.A: Fantasy authors that inspire me…JK Rowling inspired me with Harry Potter. Tolkien inspired me with Lord of the Rings. Several other authors who never wrote more than a couple of books inspired me. Much of my inspiration comes from sources beyond fantasy, though. Most of it is actually science fiction. I really prefer to write and read science fiction, thanks to the Star Wars extended universe books. 

What advice can you give for those who struggle with finding the right inspiration? 

M.A: If you need inspiration, just write hang out with other writers, online or in real life. Visit book stores they always inspire me. 

What advice can you give for those who aspire to write but continue to have self doubt? 

M.A: we all have self doubts. It’s a matter of loving what you’re doing and not listening to the inner demons who try to stop us from doing what we love. Writing isn’t easy, but if you want to be a good writer, you need to develop a thick skin.

M.A Niles is the pen name for Melanie Nilles, who is a young adult fantasy author. Her series Starfire Angels revolve around the life of a young woman is far more than human, a young girl who wakes up one day and finds out she is not who she thought. Tiger Born on the other hand is a little more darker, focusing on the demon aspect of things and follows the life of a half demon searching for a way to control his demon half. Both series are wonderfully written and perfect novel for teens who want something different from Twillight.