Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve written five books. 1-4 are the Renegades Series.
I was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where I live with my husband, and son. I’m a dog lover and recently losing my two 15yr old girls (dogs) don’t be surprised to see a new doggie enter our lives soon (maybe two). After years of begging for a cat, I finally let my son adopt a kitten (even though I’m allergic!) A house just isn’t a home without pets.
Our whole family are avid Pittsburgh Penguins fans and we like going to hockey games when we get the chance. Having met some of the players has fueled my interest in writing about them and creating wonderful stories.
I loved writing since I was small, in school I never met a creative writing assignment that I didn’t love. In high school I even joined a Creative Writing Club that met after school. I’m lucky enough to have a wonderful husband who encourages me to write. When I was laid off from my job of 14 years, he was supportive about letting me stay home and take care of our son. During that time I discovered hockey-romances and found a renewed love of reading as well as a passion for writing.
I spend my spare time reading hockey romances. At holiday time I really enjoy any romance about Christmas. When it is the hockey off-season, I enjoy swimming and spending our days out in the sun. Basically if I’m not writing or reading, then I’m doing something that has to do with hockey!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Zambonis and Mistletoe.
My favorite holiday is Christmas, I love the magic of the season. In December I watch every Hallmark Channel Christmas movie that I can, this year I watched them all November too! I love how they all fall in love and it’s all about Christmas magic, and decided I wanted to capture that in a book.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really, it’s pretty boring! Ha ha.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Toni Aleo was the first hockey romance I ever read. She is awesome. I’ve been lucky enough to meet her twice in person.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on the 5th book in the Renegades Ice Hockey series.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I try to post on various book sites, and get it out to the bloggers. I also participate in Facebook parties, those are good for meeting new people.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Don’t get discouraged, and write what YOU want to write. There will be people who don’t like your story, always remember they obviously aren’t your target audience.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Write for YOU, no one else.
What are you reading now?
Nothing at the moment. Getting ready to either start a holiday romance, PUCKED UP, or Toni’s latest Assassins book. Not sure yet…
What’s next for you as a writer?
I’m hoping to continue my Renegades series, and try to write a romance about a breast cancer survivor. Hopefully within the year, but we’ll see.
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?
PUCKED by Helena Hunting, Any of the Bellevue Bullies books by Toni Aleo, and one or two hockey romances that I’ve never read from an author I know, like Catherine Gayle or Melanie Ting.
Author Websites and Profiles
Melody Heck Gatto Website
Melody Heck Gatto Amazon Profile
Melody Heck Gatto’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account