Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
My name is Melanie and I’ve enjoyed writing for just about as long as I can remember. I mostly write inspirational romance novels, though I have a science fiction series I hope to get to sometime in the future. My seventh book, Finding Joy, is coming out February 14, 2017.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Finding Joy is my latest book. It’s coming out February 14, 2017 and it’s the fifth book in my Love’s Compass series. I wanted to write a book illustrating how, even when we feel like we’ve hit a dead end in our lives, it really could be a new beginning. I think this is something we all face at some point. Looking back, these instances, no matter how hard they were to deal with at the time, were only a stepping stone on the way to something better. The setting for the book, a cattle ranch with longhorns, was inspired by a longhorn ranch owned by some friends.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I have a standing desk so I do almost all of my writing on my feet. I find it helps me think. I also love having some dark chocolate with sea salt on hand during the editing phase.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I have a lot of authors that inspire me, including but not limited to:
Shanna Hatfield
Crystal Walton
Rachel Hauck
Karen Witemeyer
Katy Huth Jones
Debbie Brown
Victorine Lieske
Lori Wick
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the last of the edits for Finding Joy. I’m also in the planning stages for the second book in my Life Unexpected series. It’s tentatively titled Somewhere to Turn.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Getting a much-coveted ad on BookBub has always given me the best results. But there are a number of other smaller places such as ENT, Robin Reads, Faithful Reads, Awesomegang, BookZio, and more. I also couldn’t do it without my fellow authors sharing my books on their blogs, FB pages, and Twitter accounts.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
First of all, don’t ever give up. If you feel the call to write, that’s not going to go away. But remember that we all have phases in our lives. If you’re busy, just write when you can. I went through many years where I’d write even up to a chapter at a time, then might not write a word for months. When the right time came along to focus on my writing and make it a priority, I knew it. Every little bit you write will be that much you already have written when you can focus on it.
Secondly, don’t compare yourself to others. The number of words someone else writes – or the number of titles they publish a year – has nothing to do with you. Write what’s in your heart, learn what you can about your craft, and seek advice.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Don’t compare yourself to other authors. This is so true whether you’re talking about how many books they’ve published, how many likes their Facebook page has, or how much they’re making.
What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading 12 Days of Snowmen by Sarah Monzon.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m continuing to add books to my two series in 2017. But I have a dystopian romance series I hope to begin for 2018.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien, Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling, The Princess by Lori Wick, the Bible
Author Websites and Profiles
Melanie D. Snitker Website
Melanie D. Snitker Amazon Profile
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