Monday, December 5, 2011

Melanie Dickerson's "The Merchant's Daughter"


Title: The Merchant’s Daughter
Publisher: Zondervan

Cover blurb: An unthinkable danger. An unexpected choice.
Annabel, once the daughter of a wealthy merchant, is trapped in indentured servitude to Lord Ranulf, a recluse who is rumored to be both terrifying and beastly. Her circumstances are made even worse by the proximity of Lord Ranulf's bailiff---a revolting man who has made unwelcome advances on Annabel in the past. Believing that life in a nunnery is the best way to escape the escalation of the bailiff's vile behavior and to preserve the faith that sustains her, Annabel is surprised to discover a sense of security and joy in her encounters with Lord Ranulf. As Annabel struggles to confront her feelings, she is involved in a situation that could place Ranulf in grave danger. Ranulf's future, and possibly his heart, may rest in her hands, and Annabel must decide whether to follow the plans she has cherished or the calling God has placed on her heart.

1) How did this story come to you?
Beauty and the Beast has always been my favorite fairy tale, and when I decided to do another fairy tale retelling, I knew I wanted to do a Beauty and the Beast story. I knew I wanted to set it in England and for it have a little bit of a Gothic feel. Then the story just gradually evolved. I don’t really remember too much about the process. I wrote it about four years ago.

2) Tell us about the journey to getting this book published.
I was still trying to get The Healer’s Apprentice published when I entered The Merchant’s Daughter in its first contest, and it won first place and The Healer’s Apprentice took fourth. But I didn’t really try very hard to get it published. Once Zondervan decided to publish The Healer’s Apprentice, my agent submitted The Merchant’s Daughter to my editor. A few months later, she asked for some changes. I did the changes, and finally, about a year after we submitted it, they said yes.

3) Tell me three things about yourself that would surprise your readers.
1) My books are published as YA’s but I rarely read a YA.
2) I am watching the TV show Once Upon a Time, which is not surprising, but it is the first TV show I’ve followed in over twenty years.
3) I hate bananas.

4) What are you working on now and what's next for you?
I have a Snow White story and a Cinderella story that are both sequels to The Healer’s Apprentice and am hoping Zondervan will publish them in about a year. Right now I’m working on a Regency for an adult Christian audience.

5) Parting comments?
I should probably say something profound like “World peace is so important and we should all do our part,” but instead I’ll say, “Please go buy my book. It’s really good.”

6) Where can fans find you on the internet?
I love interacting with readers, so please friend me on facebook, http://www.facebook.com/people/Melanie-Dickerson/100000220838349

And please check out the awesome trailers for The Merchant’s Daughter and The Healer’s Apprentice on my website, http://www.melaniedickerson.com/

25 comments:

  1. Thanks so much for a great interview! The Merchant's Daughter looks kike a wonderful read.

    Thanks and blessings,
    Karen
    klange61(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  2. Hi Melanie..This book looks like it would be a great read!! So nice to read about another Author I haven't read yet!! Sure be nice to win this:) Thanks for doing this!!!!

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  3. Great interview and I'd love to read your books!
    Carlagade @ gmail dot com

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  4. I would absolutely love to read this book! Thank you so much for the giveaway! I'll keep my fingers crossed!

    Margaret
    singitm@hotmail.com

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  5. Looks great! Can't wait to read it :)

    randomness.is.awesome@gmail.com

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  6. I am a Beauty and the beast fan too. Nothing like a happily ever after book with all the struggles in between. Love to read this book and thanks for the interview to help us get to know the author.

    robinribbit@gmail.com

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  7. Great interview and a good book! Of course I love to read and would LOVE TO WIN WVERY BOOK!! (sorry I don't mean to be selfish I am so passionate about books)
    Thanks!
    Judi
    mrst72443@yahoo.com

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  8. i have not read any of Melanie's novels, but trust that if Dawn is featuring her, and Zondervan did the publishing, i can't go wrong. Would love to win this book!
    Thanks ladies

    mitzi[underscore]wanham[at]yahoo[dot]com

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  9. I know I should have grown up long ago, but my favorite stories continue to be the spin off's of the fairy tales. My favorite was always a toss up between Beauty and the Beast and Cinderella. I've read some of the secular authors, but I'm really interested in reading Melanie's take. Thank you for the fun!

    amanda38401 at gmail dot com

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  10. Well, what a great interview for sure and my eyes got very large when I read the 3 things that would surprise readers, i was surprised, because like Melanie I hate bananas and like Melanie I love Once Upon a time, the new TV show on ABC , but unlike Melanie I read YA! This honestly is the book that I would ask Santa for under the tree because Beauty and the Beast was always my favorite fairy tale as well thanks again for a great interview!
    ihhcheryl(at)comcast(dot)net

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  11. BEAUTY AND THE BEAST is my favorite fairy tale, so I am looking forward to reading THE MERCHANT'S DAUGHTER.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

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  12. I enjoyed Melanie's first fairy tale with a new twist and I can't wait to read The Merchant's Daughter.
    worthy2bpraised at gmail dot com

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  13. What a neat concept of combining two fairy tale classics! :)

    Happy Holidays
    gahome2mom/gmail/com

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  14. This sounds very really good. Thanks for the opportunity.
    Linda

    dlarock(at)wolfenet(dot)com

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  15. I have always loved the story about the Beauty and the Beast too. Hope to read your book.

    Thank you for the giveaway.

    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

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  16. This sounds like an interesting book! Thanks for the chance.

    nancyecdavis AT bellsouth DOT net

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  17. I really like your book cover with the clever reflection in the mirror. Hope all your other books get published, they sound fascinating enough! Please include me in the free drawing & thank you!
    ~Dawn
    daisyflower.adams@gmail.com

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  18. I absolutely love Beauty and the Beast stories!! Melanie, congrats on your new release! I'm so excited it's finally here. :)

    missytippens [at] aol.com

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  19. would LOVE to read this novel...thanks for the opportunity :)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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  20. I love fairytale's retold. The Healer's Apprentice is one of my favorite books of all time!! I'd love a chance to win this!

    Courtney
    kcmelone at yahoo dot com

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  21. I would love to read this book. Thanks ladies!!
    Blessings.....Joy
    ibjoy1953{at]yahoo[dot]com

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  22. Mention "gothic" and I am all ears!
    I so look forward to reading this book, and it would be a blessing to win it!
    Thanks,
    Charlotte Kay
    charlovesmark at gmail dot com

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  23. Sounds like a great historical book to
    read in front of the fireplace...
    Thanks very much!
    Cindi
    jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

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  24. love to win thanks

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

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  25. The Healer's Apprentice was WONDERFUL! I can't wait to read the next one.

    jeannie
    charactertherapist at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete

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