Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I write a lot of small town romance, possibly because I grew up in a small town and live in a small town. My husband and I renovate houses and gardens in our spare time, mostly our own but also for family members. There’s something satisfying about taking good bones – either of a house or a story idea – and seeing it through to completion.
How many hours a day do you write?
I am a full-time writer and I spend about eight hours a day at my desk. Most days, I only write about four hours. But when a deadline looms (2-3 weeks away), I’ll spend 6-8 hours writing. There’s a lot of “background noise” for a writer, especially a hybrid author like myself (someone who writes both for traditional publishing houses and as my own publisher). Things I do other than putting words on a page include creating briefs for cover design, writing product descriptions and blurbs, formatting books for sale, scheduling advertising, writing blogs, being interviewed for podcasts, creating new story/series pitches and pitching existing books to film producers.
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
Currently, I have three unpublished books that are waiting for me to edit and package them for sale. I also have three incomplete works in non-romance genres. I’m thinking about whether it is financially viable to branch out.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
I write novellas in two weeks. Longer works take me 8-10 weeks. My production schedule runs 18 months out, anchored by my traditional publishing deadlines and filled in by indie works that may be shifted if I make additional traditional sales. At this time, I give traditional houses priority over my schedule as I’m trying to expand my readership.
Where did you get the idea for your most recent book “Healing the Rancher”?
I layer a lot of ideas into my plots. This book began with a Beauty & The Beast premise set on a ranch. I added a fish-out-of-water theme with the heroine being a social media manager from Philadelphia who wants to land a large contract with a beef ranch, but first she must prove she knows about ranching. I then layered my hero with conflicts – a widowed single dad, a cancer survivor who paused treatment because he wants to have more kids, and a man known for taking in rescues and strays. I enjoy writing stories where a lot goes on, where there is opportunity for character growth, and where I can sprinkle in some heartwarming humor.
How did you develop your plots? How do you select the names of your characters?
I use a lot of screenwriting tools to shape the structure of my plots. Save the Cat is my favorite. I let characters “talk to me” about what they’d like to be named. Are they strong? Delicate? Saddled with a legacy? Names can tell a lot about a character and their backstory.
If you didn’t write, what would you do for work?
I used to be in marketing at a Fortune 500 company. I’d probably be consulting.
How did you get inspired to write “Healing the Rancher”?
I sat my butt in my office chair.
What is your favorite childhood book?
Where the Wild Things Are.
Have you read anything that made you think differently about fiction?
I’m an avid “how to” reader. Currently, I’m enjoying Story Genius by Lisa Cron.
What are you currently working on?
I’m currently wrapping up the first book in a cowboy series for Harlequin for a 2023 release – A Cowboy Worth Waiting For. Since I write full-time, I usually write 3-4 full length books, 1-2 shorter length books, and at least one novella.
Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with bad or good ones?
I don’t read reviews. I have an assistant who does and pulls out quotes. I don’t write cookie-cutter books. Therefore, I’m not going to please every reader every time. And that’s okay.
I have been writing a long time and have a broad list of writer friends: Jayne Ann Krentz, Brenda Novak, Sheila Roberts, RaeAnne Thayne, Susan Hatler, Anna J. Stewart, Cari Lynn Webb. Jayne pushes me to spread my wings genre-wise. Anna and Cari have been my critique partners for 15 years. They keep my characters likable and help me plot when I’m stuck.
What’s your advice for aspiring writers?
Write often. Find out how to tap into your writing muse. Mine likes the quiet and shows up when I’m using a notebook rather than a computer. Take classes and don’t be discouraged if someone else’s method doesn’t work for you. Everyone has their own path and process. Don’t compare yourself to others.
What was the best money you ever spent as a writer?
A really good office chair.
What’s the best thing about being a writer?
Being my own boss and setting my own hours. Of course, that means I have to show up even when I might otherwise have taken a sick day.
Will you have a new book coming out soon?
Yes. Small town cowboy romance fans can look for A Cowboy Thanksgiving and Wyoming Christmas Reunion in the second half of 2022. I’ll also be releasing two romcoms in the fall – When You Kiss Me and Christmas at the Sleigh Café.
What is your preferred method to have readers get in touch with or follow you (i.e., website, personal blog, Facebook page, Goodreads, etc.) and link(s)?
Readers can sign up for my newsletter which contains new release, sale, and freebie announcements. https://www.melindacurtis.net/signup
What you want to say about our website?
You have a diverse collection of features.