#WriterWednesday with Melanie Smith

I’d like to welcome Melanie Smith to the blog for #WriterWednesday!

Hardest thing about being a writer:

Juggling all the other things that get in the way of writing. As an independent author, I am responsible for managing my brand, promoting my work, updating my website, publishing my next story and networking with other authors. Life often gets in the way of creativity. I am routinely trying to balance my private life and necessary tasks with my desire to just sit down and write.

Easiest thing about being a writer:

Writing. I know some authors complain about writer’s block. This has never been an issue for me. Maybe because I am constantly juggling multiple books at the same time. If I get stuck, or the plot isn’t moving forward, I simply refocus my attention on another story.

Words that describe you:

I asked my husband, and this is what he said — Competent, knowledgeable, family oriented, frugal, financially responsible, natural, adventurous.

Words that describe you, but you wish they didn’t:

Accommodating – I sometimes let those close to me take advantage. I am also stubborn. Sometimes this is a good thing, but not everyone sees it that way.

Favorite foods:

Mexican food of any kind.

Things that make you want to gag:

Hotdogs

Something you’re really good at:

Computer programs, graphic design and promotional art, grammar

Something you’re really bad at:

Remembering names, singing

Favorite music or song:

I love all kinds of music, but my favorite is anything from the 80s

Music that drives you crazy:

Rap music

Favorite smell:

Honeysuckle

Something that makes you hold your nose:

The smell of death

Things you always put in your books:

Strong characters with tight family bonds.

Things you never put in your books:

Politics – people read my stories for entertainment. They don’t need to know what I think or how I feel.

Favorite places you’ve been:

I really enjoy visiting Yellowstone National Park. I also had an amazing trip to Italy.

Places you never want to go to again:

East LA

Favorite things to do:

Ride my Harley and explore the backcountry on my ATV

Things you’d run through a fire or eat bugs to get out of doing:

Public speaking

Best thing you’ve ever done:

Conquer my fears and publish my first book

Biggest mistake:

For many years, I treated my writing as a hobby instead of a talent

Most daring thing you’ve ever done:

I have been skydiving, rappelled out of a ski resort tram, cliff dived at Lake Powell, and learned to ride a motorcycle on challenging canyon roads

Something you chickened out from doing:

Eating sushi or oysters

About Melanie:

Long before she delved into the world of fantasy and suspense, Melanie P. Smith served nearly three decades in the Special Operations Division at her local sheriff’s office supporting SWAT, Search & Rescue, K9, the Motor Unit, Investigations, and the Child Abduction Response Team. She now uses that training and knowledge to create stories that are action-packed, gripping, and realistic. In addition to writing, she is also the Editor-In-Chief for Connections eMagazine — a free quarterly publication focused on bringing authors and readers together.

You can find more about Melanie and her books on her website and social media platforms.

Let’s Be Social:

Visit Melanie on her website at www.melaniepsmith.com

Find her on Facebook at https://geni.us/MPSFacebook

Twitter https://geni.us/MPSTwitter

Instagram https://geni.us/MPSInstagram

YouTube https://geni.us/MPSmithYouTube

Locals Community https://geni.us/MPSLocals

BoobBub https://geni.us/MPSBookBub

LinkedIn https://geni.us/MPSmithLI

Pinterest https://geni.us/MPSPinterest

Goodreads https://geni.us/MPSGoodreads