Melanie Waterbury, first-time author, full-time woman, wife, mother, and devoted daughter.

Who hasn’t talked about writing a book someday? I mean, seriously. At every party I’ve ever been to, with the exception of pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey soirees, I’ve been entertained by those who “say” they want to write a book or will–someday.

Someday never comes as today is where we’re at, no matter what our wishes for the future. (That’s no slam against dreams or those who, for whatever reason, prioritize life and leave off those elusive words. Writing a book is no easy thing. Try it if you don’t believe me.

But I digress. My way and you know it. On to introducing Melanie Waterbury. Woman, wife, mother, and devoted daughter. Here’s a gal undaunted by life’s variety and the need to dig in her heels if she wants to accomplish something. (A successful marriage is no easy thing either :^)

Her first novel–a novelette if we’re getting technical–is on the way. But Healing her Heart for the Holidays, included in SNOW IN LOVE: A sweet holiday romance collection, is NOT to be missed. Not if you’re into INSTA-LOVE and the magic that comes with close proximity and delicious misunderstandings at a stunning bed-and-breakfast. Add a dash of snow and overworked hero, and I’m snorking it down like gooey buttered popcorn.

Seriously, though, the hooks are there. But so are the tenderest moments and a heart-wrenching reality of what it means to overcome hardship that’s ongoing. You don’t want to miss this collection. At .99 cents for Melanie’s debut and seven additional sweet romance stories–mine included–you really can’t afford to. Even if romance isn’t your thing, this collection is nothing short of an instructional that, YES, it CAN BE DONE!

Onward. Being a recent home schooling empty nester, I’ want to know about family. Are they a help or a hindrance, Melanie?? I’ve avoided that question myself by way of the 5th amendment. (Don’t want to incriminate myself). But how about you?

Well I have four kids, so they are definitely a distraction, and possibly part of the reason I haven’t published anything until now. I love them, they are my life, but of course it also makes it hard to get dedicated time that I won’t be interrupted during to write.

You know that even if Dad is right there, they’ll come find you for whatever they need. Which of course means they know you’ll be able to help them and will help them, but still!

I hear EVERYTHING you’re saying, woman to woman. What’s your solution, Melanie? There are countless like us who, despite our beloved burdens, want to reach our goals sooner rather than later.

I’ve started trying to get up earlier than the kids to get things done but with two early risers, and of course they are the 4 and 2 year old, that’s not really a thing. Still, I’ve been managing to get things done around the chaos, especially since I’ve really committed myself to doing this.

Okay, so a combo of true GRIT and legitimate work arounds. Can’t be easy getting up earlier as I’m sure your work load demands far more wakeful hours than not. No bon bon eating chaise fainters in your house–mine neither, although I always fantasized about being Camille.

But now that you’ve broken that barrier–publication!!!–what’s on the horizon for you, Melanie? Books? Projects? Whatever? (Warning. Emptynesting former home-schooling moms tend to be nosy and pushy about encouraging others to reach for the stars!!)

Oh my gosh, I have a million things I want to do! But the one I grabbed at first was a romantic suspense I’ve been playing around with for a while. It’s about an action film start who is targeted by a fanatic cult and the female security specialist hired to protect him. It plays at insecurities about masculinity, and with both characters being an alpha there is some fun ways to go with it.

You had me hooked at fanatic cult. Masculine insecurities pings my radar, too, as again, helping others reach for the stars is what real women do. At least in my circle. No wonder we’ve gravitated toward the same tribe. So do tell, Melanie. More deets, please! How does this new suspense compare with Healing Her Heart for the Holidays?

It’s definitely steamier than the novella for this collection as both hero and heroine are naturally more physical characters. And the fight scenes! My Dad raised me on action flicks so I love writing a fight scene. There’s going to be a lot of them, so if you like action and steam and high stakes danger, you’ll probably find this a good read.

It’s tentatively titled Chased Down, and I’m hoping to have it out shortly after the New Year.

Wow. A worthy goal and I LOVE your timeline. New Year, new career!

Okay, total fluff question next, Melanie. I always like to ask. Probably because I can never seem to answer myself. But what would you do if you won the lotto? A BIG LOTTO?

 Oh I would buy a house. That’s our dream right now, to buy a house that’s big enough for our family. So it would be a big house but not a monstrosity. And we’d take a vacation to Hawaii because my Mom always wanted to go and my parents were trying to get a trip together as part of her bucket list, but she got too sick too fast and they couldn’t make it happen for her. So, my siblings and I have all committed to going in honor of her. Sorry, that’s a little sad, but it’s true.

That’s not sad but a tribute to your mother’s successes. She obviously stirred love and loyalty in the hearts of her children. A very beautiful thing. Like the image I have of your mother–right now–being SO proud of your accomplishments. All of them. I know I am.

If you’d like to learn more about Melanie Waterbury, please, follow her on:

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/melanie.waterbury

Twitter @MLWaterbury

Thank you, Melanie, and thank you readers for checking out the latest at Ann Malley Books. As always, feel free to follow me here for updates, inspirations, cationary tales, book news, and assorted rambling. You know I’m good for it.

If I can help one person avoid the pitfalls I’ve wasted too much time exploring, I’m GREAT. You reading my work is pure gravy, although I’ll admit I’m an addict. Some habits are impossible to break.

With shared prayers and well wishes for all of my readers. I’m SO grateful for each and every one of you who, I hope, is striving for his or her dream right this second!

Write on!