
All authors have to start somewhere, and there's nothing more exciting than when your first book is about to released and people want to start learning more about you. Today, we have an interview with Mj Rain about her book, A Telltale Secret. If you're interested in buying her book, there is a link on the right hand side. Her debut novel is to be released on Thursday 10th April so don't miss out! If you would like to read a review on her story, follow this link.

My story is about a girl who lives on a planet where those who are deemed 'Useless' vanish. The world is called Chimera and from all outward appearances, everything is perfect. No one worries about anything, yet they all share the same common fear. Being declared 'Useless'. Willow is thrust into a deep dark reality surrounding her family's past, present and future. She discovers the answers to a cryptic dream and a key which is forbidden from conversation by the King. She slowly realizes that stories told by stupid little boys have real truth and when she discovers her family's deepest, darkest secret, she will wish she never wondered if her parents were still alive.
2) Where did the idea for it come from?
My mom bought me Christmas ornaments of skeleton keys. I was looking at them one day and the next thing I knew I had my brilliant idea. All I knew from the very start was five keys, five books; each key magically unique, a teenage girl. The rest is history.
3)Are there any underlying themes that you want your readers to pick up on?
I used A Telltale Secret, to talk about Racism, Prejudice, and Manners. There's also a theme of 'not giving up hope.' Willow also is just trying to find her purpose or place in her world. It's something we all can relate to.
4) Where did your author name come from?
Mj comes from my nickname given to me by my best childhood friends. It was my 18th Birthday and I ate a five pound bag of Jelly Belly Jelly Beans. I was hyper of course and they started calling me Melly Jelly Belly Beans, mostly Melly Jelly or Melly Beans. Mj is Melly Jelly. Rain comes from my middle name of Lorraine. The j is lower-case because it's different.
5) Is there any significance to the oddly coloured hair and eyes in your book?
I wanted the people of Atlantis to be vastly different than the average human. I want them to be more superior in their evolution. So, they have different hair and eyes and possess supernatural abilities, depending who they are descended from. Depending who your family is, that determines your gift. Willow is descended from a long line of gifted Oracles.

I am planning five books and collectively they will be about what happened to, and became of, the people of Atlantis. A Telltale Secret is about to be released worldwide, A Telltale Magic is written and the release date is TBA. A Telltale Kindling I'm writing. I know the titles and plots for books four and five, but you'll just have to wait to find out that info!!!
7) Who were your biggest inspirations?
Ultimately, Harry Potter and J. K. Rowling inspired me to start writing again. My nervous breakdown was the first domino to fall. Watching J. K. Rowling's life story really inspired me to stick with my story, even though I had no clue where it was taking me. The Harry Potter books gave me some place to escape my misery and I wanted to do that for someone else. With (RED), I am inspired by my husband Danny who was born HIV+ and now lives his life with AIDS. None of this would even be possible without my mom. She and her faith in me are why I even had the opportunity to write. I can never thank her enough for all she's sacrificed, to let me live my dream.
8) Tell us about the publishing company you are with, as they are just starting up.
Broken Bars Publishing is the name of the company whose CEO and Founder is Ronnie Dawson. Ronnie is amazing and I can't say enough positive things about my experience. He's a great man, a great friend; always has my back, listens to me, he does what he says he's going to do and he's an idea factory. My vision is his highest priority and if I'm happy, he's happy. I'm very much looking forward to starting the publishing process for book two. Broken Bars Publishing is comprised of a diverse group of authors who love to write and want to use their talent to cause positive change in the world.
9) What are your biggest goals when it comes to writing?
To always do my very best and never give up. Ever. I won't be satisfied until I make as big an impact as possible.
10) Why should we read your book?
Because you want to help me bring an AIDS Free Generation into the world in 2015 and haven't you always wondered what ever became of the lost civilization of Atlantis? Let me shine a light for you.