Author Spotlight: Melanie Hepburn
May 5, 2025 • News
CJC: How did you get started as an author and what made you want to pursue that field?
MH: I’ve always been a reader; for as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to be a writer. I love telling stories for readers to use as an escape, because I love that for myself.
CJC: What do you find to be the most rewarding and challenging part of being an author and what hurdles have you overcome while striving towards your goals?
MH: The most rewarding is when readers tell me my books have meant something to them, and they’re really looking forward to the next one. The biggest challenge for me is finding time in amongst my other commitments to work on the non-writing parts of my business.
CJC: Which novel has been your favorite to write and why?
MH: It’s always my latest book, probably because of recency bias! So, at this point it’s Wilde Secrets. But give me six months and it will probably be my next release!
CJC: For first time readers of your work, which book would you recommend?
MH: Wilde Secrets.
CJC: If one of your books were made into a movie, which would you select and who would you like to star in it?
MH: Oh, this is so hard! I’m a sucker for a Hemsworth, they’ve got the right smirk and rugged look, so for the MMC I’m going to go with Chris Hemsworth.
CJC: For those looking to become an author, what advice would you give them?
MH: There is a huge difference between being a writer and being an author. As soon as you publish a book you launch a business, so being aware of that is the first step. And as soon as that book is in the world it is a product. Sure, it’s art as well, but it is a product and people will have opinions about it. Just remember that someone’s opinion of your work is not an opinion of you as a person. Separating yourself from your work is absolutely essential for longevity in this industry.
CJC: If you could co-write a book with any author, who would it be and why?
MH: I have no interest in co-writing with anyone. Hats off to those who do it, but I suspect I’d drive my co-writer nuts!
CJC: Favorite motto?
MH: Life’s short. Why not try?
CJC: What do you do to overcome writer’s block?
MH: If I have writer’s block it’s because I need to know my characters better. So I usually journal or talk through the plot issue with a trusted friend. I’ll also take some time to do things I love, like walking my dog or knitting or reading.
CJC: In one word, how would you describe your writing style?
MH: Cozy.
CJC: Which do you find harder to do… writing the blurb for your story or selecting the cover?
MH: The blurb. Always!
CJC: Do you have authors who inspire you? And if so, who and why?
MH: Yes, absolutely! Anna Hackett and Melanie Harlow spring immediately to mind, because of the way they conduct themselves and their approach to running their businesses. Yes, they are artists and authors, but they are also very intelligent and purposeful businesswomen, and I love that they show me you can be both.
CJC: What is your writing process like?
MH: I have to do a lot of thinking about the story before I can write it. So, I will spend a month or more not writing, then create a rough plot and then write the book in a burst. But, here’s the annoying thing: I have to write the first 20000 words about three times before I’m happy. Once I’m happy then I can write the rest of the book. I wish that wasn’t the case, but it’s just how I am.
CJC: What new projects are you currently working on and what are your goals for the remainder of the year?
MH: I’m working on the next book in the Cape Wilde series right now, which is Wilde Forgiveness. I’m aiming to release that one in August or September. Then I’ll be writing Wilde Escape, which will probably release in the new year. As I work a full-time day job, I don’t have the time to write faster, so 2-3 books a year is my limit.
CJC: Any final thoughts you would like to share with the CJC Photography readers?
MH: I love Chris’ work and really enjoy seeing all the covers come to life. I think it’s fantastic how we can all be artists and run these complementary businesses. The romance community isn’t just authors, it’s far bigger than that. And I love that so much.
CJC: A special thank you to Melanie for taking the time to partake in this interview.
“Wilde Secrets” is now available!
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