Author Melody Calder #interview

Please give a warm welcome to

Tell us a bit about yourself

I left the business world to become a stay at home mom to my twins and now adult daughter. I love to travel, read, and eat salted caramel chocolates. I’m very involved in disability activism. I love to go out and listen to live music with my husband. I’m the stereotypical soccer mom, but with a bit of a wild streak.

Have you always wanted to become an author?

I’ve wanted to be an author for as long as I knew it was a career option, but life always seemed to get in the way.

What was your inspiration for your current book/series?

I moved into a small suburb where everyone has these odd quirks. We don’t talk to each other much, as is the way of this area, so I started making up stories about what could be hiding behind their perfect homes. It snowballed from there and became the basis for Secrets in Suburbia. It actually was not going to be an RH book in the beginning, but the characters took the story that way.

What are you working on now?

I’m working on the 2nd book, which is an inside look at the men and their relationship with Samantha. I’m also working on a spin off of Rachel, Victoria, and Elena’s past. And lastly I’m co-writing a dark paranormal with four other talented authors. I also have an inspiring, dramatic ghost write planned for next year.

Do you have any quirks while writing?

I have to be alone and I chew on a pencil even though I’m writing on a laptop. I’ve taken up my husband’s man cave as my writing space.

What are your hopes for the future?

I hope to keep publishing books that readers love.

Do you have any advice for new authors about the publishing world?

Do a lot of research on marketing before publishing because once it goes live, life is consumed by it. If you can, get a good PA to take some of that on so you can concentrate on writing. Connect with other authors and surround yourself with supportive people. And lastly, don’t take criticism or negative reviews to heart. Everyone has different likes and dislikes.