Author Spotlight: Alison Mello
April 5, 2018 • News
1) How did you get started as an author and what made you want to pursue that field?
I am a military wife and due to my husbands career I worked part time. I was bored and had this story in my head. I really had no idea what I was doing when I decided to sit down one summer morning, but I went for it. I just started writing. If I had a question I turned to the internet and did the research. Once I had about four chapters done I turned to some friends and asked them to read it. I wanted to know if I should keep going or stop because I didn’t have what it took to be an author. I was blessed with supportive friends who encouraged me to keep going. They also hooked me up with some other indie authors who gave me guidance and helped me along.
2) What hurdles have your overcome while striving towards your goals?
My first hurdle was getting my books in paperback. I didn’t know any better when I first started and signed with a publisher who did ebooks only. I knew I wanted more but wasn’t sure I was ready yet. I did my research and submitted Compulsion to a publisher who would do both paperback and ebook and it was quickly accepted.
3) Which novel has been your favorite to write and why?
That is tough because every time I think I have a favorite I write another one I love. I do love Shattered Souls because Lexi is former Army like me. I wrote that book to pay tribute to the women of our Armed Forces.
4) For those looking to become an author, what advice would you give them?
Go for it. Put your story on paper and ask for advice and support from your favorite authors. We have all been there at one point in our career and most of us are more than willing to help. I know I am. If it weren’t for my author friends I may not be sitting here writing this today.
5) Favorite motto?
Go big or go home.
6) In one word, how would you describe your writing style?
It depends on what I’m writing because I write in multiple genres but if I had to pick one word I would hope my readers would agree it’s fun.
7) Which author inspires you the most and why?
I actually wouldn’t say I have one in particular that inspired me. My original inspiration came from reading a variety of books. I love to read series and every time I read a series where when the book ended the characters story ended I would get irritated. I wanted to hear more. I wanted the characters from the first book to continue on in the story and that’s why my characters thread. For example with Club Thrive each book is a different couple but you hear about Logan and Sky’s life all the way to book five. They’re a tight nit group who becomes family.
8) What is your writing process like?
I think my process is different than most authors. I have a betas team that reads as I write. They make suggested changes and give me feedback throughout the entire process and then I have a few other betas readers that will read it when it’s done and give me feedback.
9) Goals for the remainder of the year?
I always have the goal of learning new marketing strategies to meet new readers. I seriously love talking with readers and getting to know them.
10) What new projects are you currently working on?
I’m working on two more books for this year. Next to come out will be Hustle and Heart: A Coach’s Love 2 and I would like to release From Ballet Shoes to Combat Boots: To love and serve 2.
11) Any final thoughts you would like to share with the CJC Photography readers?
Thank you to those who took the time to stop and read this. I hope you’ll stalk me…I mean follow me on facebook. I can often be found hanging out in my reader group Alison’s Army. www.facebook.com/groups/
Make sure to pick up a copy of Refuse to Lose which is now available!
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