Author Bio:
Mel Massey is a novelist and the author of Earth’s Magick. She has studied Cultural Anthropology and the History of Religion. Her husband serves in the U.S. Army and she is the mother of two adorable monsters. She spends most of her time talking to her imaginary friends.
What inspires you to write?
The love of the fantastical and the Pagan path helped create Mela’s world and all of her friends therein. Religion and spirituality is a deep well of inspiration for fantasy and fiction. Incorporating elements from multiple faiths gives an extra dimension to the story.
Tell us about your writing process.
I am a serious plotter. I outline every chapter in the book prior to beginning the first draft. I rarely stray from the outline, but when I do, it’s because the characters decided for me. I don’t use any fancy software – I use a pencil on a notepad. Lots of erasing or drawing lines from one idea to the next. I’m old school, I guess!
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
I talk to my characters constantly. I know the sound of their voices and the way they laugh. They also have their genre of music and I have a very interesting playlist while I write!
What advice would you give other writers?
To write! Write that first draft and ignore all of the negative voices that are keeping you from doing it. Once that first draft is finished, the rest is just maintenance.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
That is a process that’s different for every writer. I decided to try the traditional route for three months and then consider my other options. As it turned out, I had offers from two separate publishing houses during that time. I chose the one that I had the best feeling in and ran with it. I’m very happy I decided on the Indie publisher. I have much more creative control over the process.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
I think its changing constantly and the opportunities for authors are endless! I’m excited to be an author in this time because who knows what amazing things are right around the corner for us. But I do believe it’s become less of an exclusive club and much more diverse both in content and in ability.
What do you use?
Beta Readers
What genres do you write?
Urban fantasy and Horror
What formats are your books in?
Both eBook and Print
Your Social Media Links
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mel-Massey/428771050563839?ref=hl
https://twitter.com/melmmassey
