Today, we have the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Melissa Caudle, an author, screenwriter, and producer. She has written more than a dozen books, both fiction and non-fiction, and numerous articles in magazines as a freelance writer. She has earned a Ph.D. in statistical research and administration from the University of New Orleans. Her books for screenwriters, producers, and reality show creators are fast becoming popular worldwide.
Where are you from?
I am originally from Emory, Texas, a small town about two hours from Dallas, Texas. However, I have resided in New Orleans, Louisiana, for the last 37 years.
Why do you write?
I have always liked writing, and I wrote my first book when I was in seventh grade with my best friend. I’ve never stopped writing, I have over 90 books, and I am a bestselling author in both fiction and non-fiction.
What do you write about?
As I referenced earlier, I have 90 books, and my genres vary. For instance, I have over 40 children’s books, and the most recent series is for children to learn cursive writing. This all came about after the Pandemic, and we were all locked-down. My grandchildren wanted to learn cursive handwriting. So, I tapped into my teaching experience and designed worksheets for them. The only problem, my grandchildren, range in ages from five to 18, so the worksheets had to be age-appropriate. By the time we were finished, I had the cursive handbook. We also wrote a children’s story called “The Creek Dweller in the Bayou” together, which comes out on Thanksgiving. The grandkids gave me the ideas, the plot, and each of them has a character in the book. When it came time to illustrate it, we had fun hiring an illustrator who could capture the kid’s looks, etc.
Besides children’s books, I also have novels for adults. I am most famous for “The Keystroke Killer: Transcendence,” “Adam: The Beginning of Life,” and “Never Stop Running.”
If this wasn’t enough, I have books for screenwriters, filmmakers, and novelists, including my latest book, “How to Launch and Market A Book,” that easily became a bestseller.
To top all of that off, I also illustrate children’s coloring and activity books, and I also have adult coloring books.
For Christmas, I am launching my Crossword Puzzle book series for children, teens, and adults.
Do you have a specific writing style?
I think after that last answer, I would have to say no. However, when writing fiction, I do have a style – I never use dialogue tags. I find them distracting. Also, I am a firm believer that if an author can’t present a character through their actions and dialogue, they haven’t done their job.
What are the obstacles that come in the way of writing?
I don’t have impediments that divert me from my writing as I always set time for myself. However, I own Absolute Author Publishing House, where I publish books and provide an editing service, so this keeps me busy. I also own EZBOOKBLASTER.COM, a software that I designed to send organic traffic to any book’s URL or an author’s website. Between all of that, I stay focused and engaged.
What’s the most memorable thing asked/said by a reader about your work?
One reader wanted to know where I get my inspiration for my characters. In this example, they asked me about the serial killer in my novel “The Keystroke Killer.” When I told them that my inspiration came from my oral surgeon, they couldn’t believe it. You see, I had oral cancer, and I had to have eight of my front teeth removed, cancer removed, and my palate rebuilt. It took about two years to complete everything, including bone grafts and teeth implants. Every time my oral surgeon put me under the gas to work on my mouth, I pretended he was the serial killer. All sorts of things came about in my overly active brain. To make that serial killer authentic, I also went to Death Row and interviewed three serial killers. Talk about an awakening; it was easy to find the inspiration.
What is your work schedule like when you are writing?
I get up every morning at 6:30 a.m., drink my coffee, and relax. By 7:00 a.m., I am at my desk reviewing my tasks for the day. Between 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m., I work on my next book or books. Then, from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. I concentrate on running Absolute Author and Ezbookblaster as I edit other’s work, format it, promote them, or market them. I don’t work on Sundays.
How long does it take to write a book?
I can write a book in weeks. However, editing it is the time-consuming part, and the beta reading part can take up to eight months. I never rush a publication.
Do you have suggestions on how to become a better writer?
Yes, practice and always improve your craft. Attend classes and seek out a writing coach, which I am one of the best, and offer one-to-one coaching services on Fiverr.
What does your family think of your writing?
At first, my family considered my passion for writing as a hobby. That all came to a halt when I became a bestseller, published ninety books, and have a readership topping 1.25 million on my blog, earning my living by writing. I can honestly say that I make a living by writing, and it is my career.
Do you have anything specific you’d like to tell the readers?
First, I’d like to thank all of my readers. They support me relentlessly. Second, check out all of my book as I have a variety.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I always knew I’d be a writer. I have kept a journal since I was five. In fact, just this week, my husband pulled a box down from the antic, and I found my journal from 1982, and it was filled with my dreams. I wrote them out back then, in long-hand, and in short story format. Now, I feel as if I hit gold as I am now writing a short story collection based on these. It is quite exciting to find these after all of these years.
Fantastic! So tell us, how can people find out more about you?
You can check out my website and blog.
Thank you so much for giving us your precious time! We wish you the best for your journey ahead!
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