Interview with Michael Melville
Published 2015-11-10.
What is your e-reading device of choice?
Kindle Fire HDX
What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you?
I guess I would have to say blogging. I won't say its led to a shit ton of sales, but it's definitely gotten me out there more and a bigger following in the indie world. It's also helped create some great business connections .
Describe your desk
It depends on the weather lol. When it's nice out I write in my garage at night. The desk is a simple camping table from Gander Mountain. On it sits my laptop, a notepad, my cigarettes, an ashtray and a giant cup of coffee. I don't have the internet in the garage so it helps me stay focused on the writing or editing. When it's cold out I write at my kitchen table at night after everyone is sleeping. I only write after midnight when I am home.
When did you first start writing?
I started writing sporadically in my early and mid 20's nothing serious and mostly short stories in notebooks. It was during this time that I think I developed my "voice"
What's the story behind your latest book?
It was inspired by my own divorce and a horrible breakup.
What motivated you to become an indie author?
I actually turned down being published by 2 small regional publishing houses. I was still new to the business then but did enough homework to know they weren't going to do what I needed them to do in order to grow my career and business. Somedays I hate being an Indie and on others I love it.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
It hasnt.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
The other day I wrote a nonfiction piece for my blog and I had several people message me after I posted it and tell me how much they loved it, how it made them cry while remembering their own grandfathers. I suppose that's why I do it, to share those emotions with people who might otherwise be strangers since those emotions connect us all. .
What do your fans mean to you?
I am still new, still growing so my fans right now are like family to me. It would be hard to press on without the encouragement a few of them give me
What are you working on next?
Book Two of the Oregon Series which is tentatively called The Diner. It's a straight love story so I am kind of going back to my roots. I'm just finished up the final editing stage of All the Roads Home (The Oregon Series: Book one) which comes out in January 2016
Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?
Yea it was a story I wrote about a family vacation in 4th grade in these little white books they gave us for class
What is your writing process?
It varies and is fluid.
How do you approach cover design?
I think it's always best to get one done by a professional. I think doing covers yourself is about the same as painting a car with spray paint cans. It never ever looks good
What do you read for pleasure?
Historical fiction
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