Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.
My name is Melissa, and I think my characters lead more interesting lives than I do. lol
I’m a mom of three, author of 50+ (I think) titles, a proudly independent business woman, habitual snacker, and connoisseur of desserts. I love being happy and write stories laced with humor. I’m a social introvert who enjoys a good thunderstorm and is currently in love with k-dramas on Viki.
When you are writing a book, which is harder? The first book in the series or the others after it?
Writing a book is like going on the best date of your life. It’s a little nerve-racking at the start, but once you get going, it’s amazing and fun. And you never want it to end. Ever. But it always has to. So, I’d say the final books in any series are the hardest. It’s never easy to find a satisfying way to say goodbye.
When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
For me, it’s all about the characters and their “flaws.” It’s not enough to write someone in an abusive relationship desperate to know what healthy love feels like. I’m also going to give her a medical condition that causes inopportune fainting, a low sex drive but a strong desire for children, and stick her with an awkward co-dependant roommate situation. (Demon Discord under my MJ Haag pen name)
Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?
There’s a difference between learning from your peers by watching what they do and comparing yourself to others. The former is smart; the latter will erode your self-confidence.
If you find yourself checking your social media outlets every five minutes, it’s time for a break. Boundaries create healthy relationships…especially the ones authors have with social media. Don’t let it own you.
On a typical day, how much time do you spend writing?
3-4 hours on actual words. (But I tend to work a full 8-9 hours since writing is only 40% of an author’s job.)
If any of your books were to be made into a movie, who are the celebrities that would star in it? What book and who?
Oh boy…this is a tough one. I have over 50+ books between my pen names.
But, if I had to pick one character, it would be Sam from the Judgment of the Six series (by Melissa Haag). He’s an older wolf shifter and the guardian of one of the MCs. When I wrote him, I absolutely pictured him as Sam Elliott.
What is your definition of success?
Waking up happy.
Time is precious, and the number of days we have is finite. I’m trying to slow down and find comfort, wonder, and humor in each moment. If I can wake up happy, it means I did all the right things the day before and plan to do all the right things again today.
What are your social links?
https://mjhaag.melissahaag.com/about
What are your buy links? (Provide links to your Amazon/iBook’s/Koko/etc Author Home Page if you have quite a few. Also include audible links if applicable.)
https://mjhaag.melissahaag.com
Want tickets to Writers on the River #2023?
They are available starting November 4th at Writersontheriver.com
$45 VIP sell out quickly – 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included.
$25 Early Access – 12-1 VIP house, 1-4 General Admission time. You also get a filled VIP bag but NO admission to the after party.
$10 General Admission – 1-4 General Admission time. You can purchase a bag but it is not filled with VIP swag. There is no admission to the after party included.
$35 After party – 7-11 After Party with food and cash bar. Dj with a photobooth is also included in the fun.