Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I married initially at the age of sixteen and had all four of my children by the time I was twenty-two. Between raising a family and forging a career in the contact centre industry I had little time to be creative and when I had time I found it difficult to write.
Approximately 3 years ago I found out that my father wasn’t in fact my biological dad. With my world turned upside down the first thought that came to mind was writing. I found that sitting down and creating a romance was very therapeutic. It took me away from my day to day worries and transported me to somewhere much more enjoyable. I was able to finish my first novel and I’m now writing a second.
It was also around the time that I finished the first draft of my novel that I met my husband. Between the two of us we now have six adult children whom we adore. My husband is my very own Italian romance hero.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My book is titled The Perfect Date. The inspiration actually came from a real life phone conversation I had with a customer over a decade ago and which I used for the opening line in the book. On this phone call I stated that my name was Melita. The customer said “Melita like the coffee? I like mine strong and black. Would that be you?” To which I replied, “No, I’m sweet and white. How may I help you today?”
I found it memorable so decided to tweak my female heroines surname to Tetley, like the tea in order to incorporate this into my opener.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I wouldn’t say all that unusual though I do find that I write best when I’m trapped in a noisy place like a train. The majority of by novel was written on a train from The Central Coast to Newcastle on my way to work each day.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I would have to say Mills and Boons novels have played the greatest influence. I was introduced to them in my early teens and have never looked back. As a young teenager I would read up to five a day during the school holidays. I also love Papillion, Gone with the Wind, Enid Blyton books and a good biography.
What are you working on now?
I’m attempting a second romance novel but this time will attempt to add a lot more of an emotional connection.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
The best sales success I’ve had was when I advertised on Kindle. My facebook fan page www.facebook.com/melitajoy.australia has also been great for sharing my work.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
We are all different and should do what works for us as individuals. For me what works is to sit down and write the book. I allocated time and gave myself a deadline. I chose the train as I couldn’t be tempted to get up and do something else during that time. I aimed for a thousand words a day on my way to work and what worked for me was not just giving myself a timeline but communicating it on Facebook to my family and friends. It added that little push that I needed.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
My friends mother told me when I was a young mother not to worry what others were thinking of me. To do what made me happy and worry about my own well being.
What are you reading now?
I tend to read multiple books at once a habit formed since buying my first e-reader. I’m reading a few different self help writing books, The Tao of Coaching, Mills and Boons novels, Empress Dowager Cixi and a few books on learning to speak Italian.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Another romance novel and then I’ll look at delving into something inspirational.
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?
I’d take Gone with the Wind because it’s my favourite and it’s not a quick read. I’d take a romance set which offers 3 novels in the one book so that I’d have something new to read the three books would only count as one if they were bundled into one book. If my family were not coming with me then I’d love to take a picture book with them all in it. Finally I’d take a very comprehensive book on learning Italian. If I’m going to be stranded I would love to come back literate in another language.
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