Describe the first memory you have of going to writing your first story?
The Descendant started as an idea after writing a short story about an escaped alien. One night, right after playing Fallout 4, an image of a girl sitting under a dark, star-filled sky with her mutt, flitted in my head. I immediately began writing, and the story developed with each keystroke.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
I’d toyed off and on with writing poetry and short stories as a hobby since I was a teen. The idea I had the potential to write professionally didn’t even cross my mind until last year, when my novel ended up earning me a contract for the entire trilogy with DLG Publishing Partners.
What other things do you enjoy doing in your free time apart from writing?
I love to listen to rock and metal music, play video games, read, camp, and paint landscapes.
What does reading, writing, and literature, in general, mean to you?
Reading, writing, and literature are extremely important to me. Growing up, my grandpa was never afforded the opportunity to attend school, and I saw how much it affected his self-esteem. Every person—child and adult—deserves the opportunity to learn, and reading is the major steppingstone to higher learning.
What challenges did you face while publishing your debut novel, "The Descendant"?
My first edit! Oh my. That first rough draft was a hot mess. My poor editor gave me a crash course in creative writing 101. It was the worst experience because I was so green. I grew so much, though, and am so thankful for her guidance and belief in me.
What genre do you enjoy reading the most? Which is your favorite book?
Hmm. I love a lot of genres. I’d say Science Fiction and Fantasy are my tops favorites, but I also enjoy Romance (just about any kind), Horror, Thrillers, and the classics.
How did you come up with the idea for Baltin Trilogy?
I’m a pantser—I write by the seat of my pants—so I usually have no idea what’s going to happen until I start typing. Other than the initial idea of an alien invasion, the rest of the story and scenes would pop in my head as I typed, or at night when I tried to sleep.
How would you describe the relationship between Tilly Morgan and her four-legged companion, Kodiak in "The Descendant"?
Kodiak is Tilly’s best friend. He helps her a lot in the beginning, using his hunting skills to keep them fed, and tries to protect her from the aliens.
What challenges did you face while building the suspense in "The Descendant"?
I tend to want to speed everything up, so my editor had to remind me to slow it down so the tension could build naturally.
What are some hard lessons you've learned about the book industry as an author?
Promote, promote, promote, even if you’re backed by a publisher. These days, it’s imperative to be active on social media and hold book signings, or whatever else is needed. The squeaky wheel gets the grease, so to speak.
Do you find it more challenging to write the first book in a series or to write the subsequent novels?
The second book, The Betrayer, was easier than the first, so I’d have to say the first book was harder, but it could be because it was my first full-length novel.
How important do you think is the cover of a book?
There’s a reason why the saying, “Never judge a book by its cover” is still around. It’s true, but most people do still judge a book by its cover. What’s the first thing a reader usually sees? Right—the front cover, so you want to grab them at that first glance.
Does a writer ever get holidays? What does Melissa Riddell's Sunday look like?
Haha. No, not really. A holiday just means more time to write. Sundays are when I work on homework (I’m at the end of my junior year of a Bachelor of Science degree), and then writing at night.
When can we expect the release of the YA Science Fiction story, which focuses on Misha and Theo, that you are currently working on?
I’m hoping to find a publisher for it at the end of the year. The world Theo and Misha live in is beautiful, yet harsh. The novel tackles the theme of social inequality in a dystopian society.
What is your takeaway based on your experiences with AllAuthor? What is it about this site that you like and dislike?
So far, I’ve been very happy with AllAuthor. The Cover of the Month contest is great, and really drives a lot of traffic to an author’s books. I love the book teaser generator, too. There’s not anything I dislike about AllAuthor. Everything offered has been beneficial and user-friendly too.
