Melissa Foster Passionate Romance for Fiercely Loyal Hearts

Ten Surprises About Being An Author

Dec 12, 2011

I debated writing a serious article that might spark deep and meaningful conversation, but then I decided to throw caution to the wind.

 
This year I published two books, CHASING AMANDA (April 2011) and COME BACK TO ME (November 2011). Both have become bestsellers (Yay!). This year has been a busy one, and this week has added to the excitement. Both CHASING AMANDA and MEGAN’S WAY hit International Bestseller this week—something I wouldn’t even have known if it wasn’t for my good friend author Stacy Eaton, who was kind enough to alert me. Exciting stuff! I feel very blessed, and I am thankful to all of my U.S. and international readers.
 
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.  
 
TOP TEN SUPRISES ABOUT BEING AN AUTHOR
 
  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 there are, they’re 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 itJ, 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, invite me to your book club event! Oh what fun we will have! If you get a chance, pop over to the WoMen’s Literary Café. Free eBook Fridays begin in January!
 
Melissa’s Bio:
 
"Melissa Foster is a wonderful connector of readers and books, a friend of authors, and a tireless advocate for women. She is the real deal"—Author Jennie Shortridge
 
"Foster's latest novel is in the same league as books written by such authors as Nicholas Sparks, Jennifer Weiner, and Kristin Hannah."–Author Carrie Green
 

Melissa Foster is the bestselling, award-winning author of three novels, Megan's Way, Chasing Amanda, and Come Back to Me. She has also been published in Indie Chicks, and anthology. She is the founder of the Women's Nest, a social and support community for women, and the WoMen's Literary Cafe, a cross-promotional site for authors, reviewers, bloggers, and readers. Melissa is currently collaborating in the film production of Megan's Way, and hard at work on her next novel. 

Melissa hosts an annual Aspiring Authors contest for children, she's written for Calgary's Child Magazine and Women Business Owners Magazine, and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family. Melissa's interests include her family, reading, writing, painting, friends, helping women see the positive side of life, and visiting Cape Cod.
 
Melissa is available to chat with book clubs and welcomes comments and emails from her readers. Visit Melissa on The Women's Nest or her personal website.
 
Melissa’s links:
 
Twitter: @Melissa_Foster
My social network for women, The Women’s Nest: http://www.TheWomensNest.com
Facebook Melissa Foster : http://www.facebook.com/MelissaFosterBooks (profile)
Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3023973.Melissa_Foster
The WoMen’s Literary Café, where readers & authors unite! http://www.womenslitcafe.com
 

MEGAN'S WAY Amazon

 
CHASING AMANDA Amazon
 
COME BACK TO ME: Amazon

Article written for Book Briefs