Who is Melanie Jayne?

Hi Everybody, I’m Melanie Jayne.

I write contemporary romance featuring characters over the age of thirty-five and many of my female characters are size sixteen and unapologetic. My newest book is the fourth book in my Change Series and is called A CHANGE IN PERCEPTION. I’d describe the series’ overall theme as women starting over, this time doing it better, getting it right. My series are very woman positive; the man may step in and help, but in no way is he the redeemer. My ladies do that on their own.

I published my first book two and a half years ago and I just finished the first
draft on my eleventh. In October, I will be branching out to write my slightly
different vision of the Lycan Nation. Let’s just say, these aren’t your mamma’s
werewolves.

I didn’t publish until after I turned fifty, so I’m a late-bloomer. My
grandparents were both writers and making up stories was encouraged when I was
growing up. I typically added a few musical numbers including tap shoes and if
possible a baton for a little pizazz. I didn’t want to pursue a career in
writing, but I thought that I could tell a good story. That was until I took a
creative writing class in college where I was told that I had zero talent. So I
put it out of my head.

Many years later, it was suggested that I give it a try, but writing a book was
much harder than I thought. You have to have focus and there are rules!!! Plus,
I don’t understand commas. I swear I didn’t sleep through English class, but I
am constantly breaking those rules. I have a fantastically patient editor and
proofreaders that haven’t gone blind. When I started I took classes online and
at cons. I would say to anybody out there, get a basic foundation, then grab
your laptop and start writing. Arm yourself with information but this is a
hands-on job- the only way to get better is to write.

I’m very lucky to be surrounded by supportive, knowledgeable people, who answer my weird questions and calm me down when I’m sure that my author world is ending. Recently, I deleted a third of a book that was going to my editor in ten day because during the reread, I hated it. My Manny, David, (that’s the title I gave him, Admanistrative Assistant) talked me off the cliff during our weekly lunch. Once I calmed down, I found my focus and I rocked out the story that I wanted to tell (You Forever will be released in November).

I live on a grain farm in central Indiana with two bossy mastiffs, Ginger and
Duncan Keith, and a very kind husband. My house is usually a mess and I swear
somebody is testing a dust-making machine here. My greatest challenge is trying
to figure out what to make for dinner. Apparently, cereal or ice cream as a meal
isn’t acceptable. I need to exercise more and eat vegetables. I’m pretty typical
except that I sometimes like the people that reside in my imagination more than
those in my life.

Thank you for your time and thank you for reading.