Melissa Rolka
1.What got you into writing / what made you sit down and actually start something? For me it was all the reading I did. I used to be able to read 6 – 10 novels a month. I love getting caught up in a story… the more I read the more I started to concoct my own story about Reed, Kate and Kyle.
2.What is a usual writing day like for you, how is it structured? Bwahahaha, Ok I’m not really laughing, but smirking. I feel like I’m very untraditional compared to most writers. I don’t have designated times or sit down and force myself to write so many words in a day per se. I write as it comes to me. It has to be flowing from my mind easily. I don’t ever force it out if it’s not natural. Sometimes I have to sit back and really think about my characters and where the story will go next. In general though I do write a little each day, some days more than others.
3.Do you get writers block? If so, how do you overcome it?Sure, every writer does at some point, but I always have some story floating through my head begging to get out. So maybe I can’t get out the exact chronological scene I’m suppose to be at out, but can write another scene or story.
4.Are you a plotter/planner when it comes to writing a story? My first book was definitely not planned or plotted out I wrote as it came to me. Actually, it was a completely different story in the beginning and not what I had originally envisioned, but I went with what came to me. Now book two was a continuation of the first so I definitely did more plotting and planning with it. I even did a very rough outline. I am in the beginning stages of writing book three and will be plotted and planned out because it all has to come together now!
5.What was the publishing process like for you, & any advice to aspiring authors?Well, I still like I am still an aspiring author myself! Of course, looking back I would have done something differently, but you learn along the way. Before I even started writing a romance novel I did a ton of research to see what options were out there. Being Indie can be great and challenging at other times. I think the sooner you do your research, build relationships and grow your fan base the better off you will be.
6.What has been your highlight since becoming a published author?The highlight has always been and probably will always be the fans of my work sending me messages about their love or hate of my characters. Being able to hear back from someone who has read my work does something to my insides… it inspires me to keep writing, encourages me to move forward and gives me the confidence to develop my work.
7.Can you share a little of your most recent book with us? And any other books of yours, if you wish. I have two books out, The Perfect Distraction and The Perfect Emotion. It’s a series and I’m currently work on the third book, as well as a spin-off novella from one of the characters from The Perfect Series. Aside from this I have a new project with a fellow author and good friend, Michelle Lynn, called Project M & M. We take turns writing chapters from a different point of view. Also, we allow the readers to vote on what should happen in the next chapter and we throw each other curveballs. It’s free, interactive and a fun love story!
Here is an excerpt from my recent book, The Perfect Emotion:
“Jesus, Katherine,” he mumbles as I kiss my way across his jaw and over to his ear. “What are you doing to me?”
“Kissing you,” I whisper in his ear and brush my lips against his ear lobe.
“Mmmmm hmmmm.” His hands move to my waist and guide me onto him. I’m straddling his lap and his fingers dig into my hips. I rush my hands into his hair and his head presses all the way against the couch, the leather giving in to my demands. Our tongues clash against each other exploring as if it’s our first kiss, yet knowingly anticipating our next ridge or groove. My heart races in ways I never knew possible. My hands run down to the hem of his button down shirt and to the top of his pants. I start to pull at his shirt to un-tuck it, but his hands come around and lock around my wrists restraining me from pulling anymore. I whine into his mouth.
“Why?” I mumble against the softness of his lips and smile.
“This is the first time I’m in your house and I just met your parents… maybe the second time,” he jokes and then nibbles on my bottom lip.
“Grrrrr,” I grumble in his mouth. “You are always being too good.” His eyes narrow at me and he let’s out a rough chuckle.
“Katherine, I think you know that’s not true and I’ll show you just how bad I am when we are back up at school.” His hands snake up to my shoulders wrapping around the back of my neck. Pulling me towards him and his lips find mine again. Softly he kisses me across my jaw to my ear. “Patience,” he whispers.
“I don’t want to be patient,” I pout as I push my body into him. He laughs into me and un-straddles me from his lap. We face each other and I smile shyly at him feeling a little funny by my boldness.
“Stop,” he says, and his hand latches onto my pinky finger gently rubbing it. “Don’t be embarrassed. I don’t like you having to be patient either,” he says, just before he plants a firm kiss to my forehead. I lean myself against him and rest my head on his chest. His arms wrap around me tightly making my insecurities fade. As I take in his familiar pine and masculine scent he shifts us back against the arm of the couch allowing me to snuggle myself even closer.
8.Apart from writing, what do you do in your spare time? I have two kids, my son is seven and my daughter is four. I’m a stay at home mom and am pretty involved in their schools. It keeps me constantly busy!
9.What tip would you give to new authors when trying to build a fan-base / get followers and market their books? (What to do and what not to do.) Connect with your fans. If they reply to you about your books make sure to respond back. Also, make sure you are always reaching out to the bloggers. Having the bloggers share your work is crucial and can really increase your wingspan of who you reach.
10.How long on average does it take you to write a book? Well, it’s looking like it takes me roughly about four to six months. I try really hard not to worry about the time frame and focus on what works for my style of writing. It’s also important for me to focus on staying true to the story and the characters that I’ve created.
Facebook: “https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMelissaRolka”https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMelissaRolka
Goodreads: “https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7224466.Melissa_Rolka”https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7224466.Melissa_Rolka
Project M & M: “https://www.facebook.com/groups/Projectmandm/?ref=br_tf”https://www.facebook.com/groups/Projectmandm/?ref=br_tf
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