Tell us your name and then a bit about yourself.
I’m Mellanie Szereto, the USA Today Bestselling Author of nearly fifty romcoms and contemporary romances, most with characters who have plenty of life experience like myself. Whether you call them older, seasoned, mature, experienced, or later-in-life protagonists, they deserve love too! My stories are often set in small towns with quirky main characters, fun secondary casts, and lots of humor. I enjoy gardening, cooking, and baking—as well as hiking to work off the fruits of my labor—and incorporate food into all of my stories. I live in an old farmhouse in rural Indiana with my husband of thirty-seven years.
When you are writing a book, which is harder? The first book in the series or the others after it?
The first book is usually the quickest to write, but ideas for additional stories often develop as the first one progresses. That’s why I have dozens of books on my to-write list!
When writing a series how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
I love writing series. I focus on getting to know each character as an individual, like real people. They have their own personalities, quirks, strengths, weaknesses, etc. Those elements help me discover their motivations, their conflicts, and the tropes that fit their situations best.
Writing can be an emotionally draining and stressful pursuit. Any tips for aspiring writers?
Writing is mostly a solitary career, so find a supportive group of writer friends. They’ll understand your struggles and celebrate your wins with you.
On a typical day, how much time do you spend writing?
I’m a workaholic. That means I usually spend 10-12 hours a day writing and/or doing writing-related tasks every day of the week. Breaks in that routine tend to interrupt my process, so I try to schedule vacations right after my scheduled deadlines.
Do you have a favorite character that you have written? If so, who? And what makes them so special.
I adore Dr. Carson Hines from The Nerd Next Door. He’s a lovable nerd beneath his football player physique and the slightly cocky persona he wears to fit in. Despite being focused on his career (geneticist), he makes room in his life for the woman he falls for and her daughter. Even better, he can admit when he makes a mistake and is willing to accept the consequences.
What is your definition of success?
While making a living at writing is always my goal, I feel most successful when readers tell me they love my books!
What are your social links?
Newsletter: https://www.subscribepage.com/mellanieszereto
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormellanieszereto
Facebook reader group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/worththewaitseasonedromancereaders
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mellanie-szereto
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/mellanie_szereto
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mellanieszereto
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.)
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/mellanieszereto
Apple Books: https://books.apple.com/us/author/mellanie-szereto/id540431015
Audible: Audible page: https://www.audible.com/author/Mellanie-Szereto/B00GYKKZ7I
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/Mellanie Szereto
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/author?id=Mellanie+Szereto
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/author/mellanie-szereto
Want tickets to Writers on the River #2024?
They are available starting November 6th at Writersontheriver.com
$75 VIP Plus – 11-12 Lunch with the Authors , 12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Limited Quantity expected to sell out first day*
$50 VIP -12-1 VIP hour, 1-4 General Admission time. You get a filled VIP bag and admission to the after party is included. *Expected to sell out first day*
$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. *Expected to sell out opening day*
$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.