Author Interview Series: Writers’ Quirks Featuring Melanie D. Snitker

Join me in welcoming author Melanie D. Snitker to Writers' Quirks. Melanie's latest project is Finding Peace (Love’s Compass Book One). 

Thanks for joining us, Melanie. So tell me...

Have you ever fallen in love with one of your characters? 
I have gotten very attached to a couple of my characters. I have to say that, if there was one character I would want to meet in person, it would be Grams from Finding Peace. She plays a small role (and will in the next two books of the series) but just thinking about her makes me smile!

What is the best place for dreaming up your storylines? 
I drive a lot and I tend to get some of my best story ideas while in the car.

What is your favorite snack while writing?

Sadly, candy is, by far, my favorite snack. Especially peanut M&Ms or fruit-flavored jellies. I do, however, try to eat crackers with hummus or something else that’s healthier than candy.

Mmmm M&Ms. How do you feel about pen names?

I personally do not use a pen name, but I can see why some authors choose to do so. Especially for those who have titles in multiple genres.

What is the most not-true-to-self writing or marketing idea you’ve considered (or done!)?

I’m still relatively new to all of this. I think that one of the most not-true-to-self marketing things I’ve done was post on Facebook in a bunch of those author promotion groups. I knew my FB friends could see the posts and I really don’t feel comfortable with flooding their pages with ads for my books!

I feel the same way. How are your books different than the millions of other books?

I want to give my readers a book that is clean, thought-provoking, and hopefully a story that they will remember. I write from my heart.

What one question has no one asked you about your book/character/writing life that you wish they would?

In Finding Peace, one of the minor characters is Grams. She has a heart locket that has a compass on the front of it. Her late husband gave it to her when he went away to war and she’s worn it ever since. There is a picture of the locket on the spine of the paperback book. I’ve been surprised that no one has asked whether the locket really exists or not!

So, does the locket really exist?
I do have a locket that I discovered on Etsy while writing the book and it was the inspiration for Grams’ keepsake. I keep it in a wooden box on my desk and it really is very pretty!

Where would you like people to connect with you online?

My Facebook page or my website.

Melanie, thank you for stopping bye!

Melanie's book Finding Peace is now available.