Melissa Foster | Ten Surprises About Being An Author

Writing is an interesting career. We authors spend many hours with our computer, often times with little to no adult interaction (thank goodness for social media!). During the last few years of writing, I discovered a few things that were unexpected, and I thought I’d share them with you.

1. I was surprised to find that people actually like to read my work.

2. I used to think that 50,000 was a big number. Now I realize that when followed by “words”, it’s not enough.

3. Coffee and M&Ms really do make the perfect diet—you just have to buy a larger chair.

4. I never expected to find that three thesauruses were not enough.

5. Who knew that characters wouldn’t leave after you finished writing the book?

6. I’m surprised to see people looking at me cross-eyed…until I realize I’m chatting with my characters…out loud.

7. Words are like snowflakes, no matter how many different ones there are, there are never quite enough.

8. Telling your children that they’ve had enough “screen” time doesn’t go over well when you spend 6 hours each day in front of your own screen.

9. Conundrum is a fun word.

10. Books really are more fun to write when you get to chat with the readers who enjoy them—Okay, this really didn’t come as a surprise, but writing is a scary prospect. When someone says they’ve read my book, I want to hide until I hear that they’d liked it, then I want to hug them!

There you have it, ten fun things that came as a surprise to me. I still maintain that publishing a book is like standing on a street corner naked. You’re never quite sure if readers will throw tomatoes or whistle. Thanks for the whistles (I ducked the tomatoes!).

I love to chat with readers—tell me about your top ten surprises in life.

Readers, leave a comment with your top ten surprises in life, and make sure to pick up your copy of DREAMING OF LOVE, which just released this week!

About DREAMING OF LOVE

Emily Braden is a leader in architectural preservation, a pillar in her small hometown, and successful in everything she does-- with the exception of finding true love. She's watched several of her brothers fall in love, and she needs this trip to Tuscany to get away from it all and to stop focusing on what she doesn't have.

Dae Bray doesn't do flings, and he never stays in one place for very long. As a demolitionist, he goes where jobs take him, and the more often he travels, the better. His trip to Tuscany is all work--until he meets smart and sexy Emily, who makes him reconsider his fear of settling down, his no-fling rule-- and just about everything else he's ever believed about himself.

Passion sizzles as Dae and Emily explore the history and beauty of Tuscany. Their romance moves beyond tourist attractions to the bedroom, blossoming into a deep connection neither can deny. But their worlds collide when Emily wants to preserve the property that Dae is there to demolish. Can a woman who sees the beauty in preservation and a man whose life is spent tearing things down find a solid foundation for their love?

About Melissa Foster

Melissa Foster is a New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author. She writes contemporary romance, new adult, contemporary women’s fiction, suspense, and historical fiction with emotionally compelling characters that stay with you long after you turn the last page. Her books have been recommended by USA Today’s book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the World Literary Café and Fostering Success. When she’s not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine.

Melissa hosts an Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.

Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa at The World Literary Cafe or her personal website. Never miss a brand new release, special promotions or inside gossip again by simply signing up to receive your newsletter from Melissa.

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