Up Close with Author Rochelle Melander

1. What inspires you as a writer?

I’m usually most inspired by the creative work of other people. I love going to plays, art exhibits, and author readings. Whenever I feel stuck or down, these events can light a fire under me. I make sure I am never without a journal or a notebook, so I can write down my impressions. When I cannot get away to see something, I listen to music, podcast interviews with musicians and artists, and read books.

2.When did you have that ah ha moment when you knew you were a writer?

I was in college and my theater professor had asked me to write an article about our May Seminar Abroad. I wrote it on the plane home from London. I noticed that I just loved the process—sketching out ideas, putting them into words, revising and making it sound better. I loved the feeling I got while I was writing.

3.What is your writing process?

I am a very disciplined writer. I try to write every morning. I usually know what I want to write about before I leave my desk in the afternoon. I let my subconscious work on the topic during the evening and in the morning, while I work out at the gym. When I get back home, I have a snack and write. On good days, I am done with my writing assignment before lunch at 11 or 11:30. On less good days, I sometimes come back to the writing in the afternoon. During the afternoon, I spend time on social media, meet with clients, teach, and answer email. If I have an editing project to do, I sometimes will split my writing time in half, and edit in the morning. When I am writing a book, I often spend the evening doing reading or research for the book. But most days, I try to finish working by 5:30 or 6 so that I can spend the evening with my family.

4.Tell us about your favorite character and why you chose to write about them?

My favorite characters are the two girls in my work in progress, a chapter book for young readers. These girls are brave, spunky, and creative. I love watching what they get into! I chose to write about these girls because I have a 10-year-old daughter who is brave, spunky, and creative. I wanted to write about characters she could relate to and look up to.

5.What are you currently working on?

I am editing the series of books that I mentioned in the last question and thinking about writing some more in the series.

6.Any upcoming events?

I am in the middle of a blog tour, so I am writing blog posts and visiting various blogs every day. Readers can check out the events page on my website for information about where they can find me: http://www.writenowcoach.com/write-a-thon/events.html

7.If you could be anyone you like, who would you be?

I have always wanted to be like Madeleine L’Engle, my favorite childhood writer. She was able to blend raising a family and writing her books. She also wrote a combination of fiction books for children and nonfiction books for adults.

8.Do you have any advice for new writers and something that a seasoned vet can learn?

I’d encourage all writers to write and read a lot. Nothing—not technique or trick or tool—can substitute for putting in the time writing and reading. After that I would say, be persistent. Traditional publishing is a tight, crazy market right now. The good news is that you will have to write a stellar piece of work to get accepted. And who doesn’t want to do that?

9. Where can your followers find you?

I am online at writenowcoach.com, where I blog pretty much daily. You can also find me on twitter @writenowcoach

10.        Any last words?

Thank you for having me as a guest on your blog. I’d like to encourage your readers to take the plunge and start writing their books! Carve out time in your schedule, even it is just fifteen minutes a day. You owe it to yourself and your future readers!

Thank your stopping by Rochelle! For those aspiring authors this is the book for you.

Thinking About Being an Author?

Have you done your research? No, really have you done your research on how much hard work and dedication it takes to become an author? There is so much more to it than actually writing. If you are not someone who likes to put yourself out there then you may want to reconsider this field all together.

True story, I was at an event and an aspiring author approached me about being published. I asked if she had any marketing plans. Her answer was she would prefer not to have to deal with people. Really? I was a bit taken back because in order to sell you must market. Even the New York Times best selling authors must come from behind their laptop and sign books. She even went on to say she just wanted to make some extra cash. I didn't tell her she would probably fair better as a Wal-mart greeter but I did say how can you expect that if you don't want to promote? From the rolling of her eyes and annoyed look on her face I take it she didn't like that response any better.

The point is if the above mentioned is you then you seriously need a reality check. Being an author is a job and to be even a mediocre author you need to put in some work. If you get up and go to some form of a workplace on a daily basis I am sure once you get there they expect you to do some type of work to get a paycheck, right. Therefore why not think the same applies to being an author. You worked hard writing it so why not work hard letting people know it's out there? 

If you have no idea were to begin your marketing career try something simple as setting up your own book release party. It doesn't have to be any place big. Coffee shop, library, your living room (Pampered Chief can do it why not you?) or any place you fill comfortable with. Show people you are proud of what you have done. If you can't toot your own horn, why should they? 

Next, which you should have done way before the book has been published make yourself known on the internet. Don't bombard people with your book but ease it on them. Make sure you make comments on other people's postings. Comment, do not advertise unless your topic fits what they are saying. Pay attention to what works for others. Now I said pay attention, not email them with a list of question and irritate them until they remove you from their list. Yes, I have deleted several. Networking must be a give and take. 

Last but not least support people. If you see someone asking for a review help them out. If you don't have time to read their book you can at least rate it. You can not become successful thinking it's all about you. The only thing you will become successful at is being a jerk or user. 

Now, my intent is not to discourage but to encourage you to wake up and make your passion a priority. Take your writing seriously or no one else will. 

Until Next Time

Omegia Keeys