I’m happy to introduce author Robin Melvin to my blog today! I love how every author is so unique.
When did you decide you would be an author? Was it something you fell into, felt called to…?
I’ve always loved words. In 2008, I pursued that passion by taking writing courses. Five years later, my youngest child graduated high school and I was excited to do something brand new. But I found myself lost under layers of toxic mindsets that crushed my value and stole my voice. I realized it was a common struggle for women, especially in mid-life. God called me to write a book and share my journey about finding our God-given identity, our divine design.
What’s your pet peeve?
When people let their dogs run up to me. Sorry Spatzle. Nothing personal. I do like dogs. But it’s unnerving when they run up to me and jump or sniff. Especially when it’s people and dogs that I don’t even know. So I guess that truly is a pet peeve 😉 Susan for Spatzle: He has no teeth and doesn’t jump. I totally understand! Some dogs BITE! and I’m personally allergic to most dogs)
What was your most embarrassing moment as a writer?
My most embarrassing moment as a writer was when I meant to sent a manuscript to a prospective publisher but forgot to attach it in the email. More recently, I was so embarrassed when I forgot a Zoom marketing meeting with my publishing team. Oh and there’s the time at my first writer’s conference (with big time authors like Jerry Jenkins and Gary Chapman) when I went all day with the price tag still hanging on my new blouse.
What has been your most difficult challenge as an author?
The most difficult challenge as an author was when I got stuck in the middle of writing my book. God wanted it to change and I resisted. Writing about childhood experiences was difficult and I wanted to quit so many times. My greatest challenge now is learning all the different tasks of marketing.
How do you process rejections and/or negative reviews?
My book just launched at the end of August. So far, I don’t have any negative reviews. I’m sure they will come. I keep telling myself “My book is not for everyone. And that’s okay.” I’m sure it will sting but I hope to see negative comments as a way to improve future writing endeavors. Early in my writing studies, I was told by seasoned authors to have a thick skin. I learned to see manuscript rejections as “This is not a good fit for us now.” Not as “You’re a terrible writer!”
What do you feel is the best success so far in your writing career?
My best success so far is that I finished my book and it’s published. God helped me write a book that is helping others.
What is your current work in process?
Currently, I’m learning a ton about marketing. How to get book signings, speaking gigs, etc so I can get God’s message of hope and healing into readers’ hands. My only writing projects are short blogs and my newsletter.
Bio:
Robin Melvin is the author of Uncover Your Divine Design: Who did God create you to be? She walks alongside readers to transform toxic thoughts and become who God created them to be—whole and free. She’s an award-winning author and a full-time wife, mom, and gramma. A former military wife, Robin married Jeff in 1982. He is her Army veteran and resident computer geek. Their marriage survives because God works miracles in messy humans. Robin’s favorite thing is hanging out with her family: her husband, two sons, a daughter, two daughters-in-law, and her six grandbabies. She also loves rocks, wildflowers, driftwood, hiking, and camping—pretty much anything outdoors that doesn’t require running.
Website: www.robinmelvin.com
Newsletter: Robin’s Nest www.robinmelvin.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robinmelvinauthor
Amazon Page: https://www.crossrivermedia.com/product/uncover-your-divine-design/
Latest book release: Uncover Your Divine Design: Who did God create you to be?