Q&A with Author Mel Walker
When an author I love tells me I have to meet an author friend of theirs and that I would love the author’s books, I have a tendency to listen and react. And when Kathryn Nolan told me Mel Walker needed to part of Charm City Romanticon, and I need to add his entire backlist to my tbr, you bet your butt I responded immediately. It’s one of the most amazing thing about this community—authors supporting authors with genuine care, affection, and enthusiasm.
As his website says, Mel is in fact that rare bird as a male Romance author. And he offers a beautiful variety of stories from small-town romance to rock and chance encounters to second chances. Definitely something for everyone. And I am so excited to jump in to his books.
I always love reading the Q&A answers to see where my common connections come in with the authors, because there is always something. And right at the beginning, Mel captured my heart. It wasn’t when I was a substitute teacher, but one of the things I loved to do when I was teaching high school English was provide random photos I’d cut from magazines and ask my students to write the hidden story. What they imagined was happening on the page that the mind could imagine even when the eye couldn’t see it and the ear couldn’t hear it. Knowing a similar prompt affected him so much is actually pretty wonderful. And I love how that experience had such a profound effect on him that he remembers it to this day.
It’s those seemingly small things that sometimes wind up making the biggest difference. I image reading one of Mel’s books will have a similar inspirational experience for so many readers. And based on my interactions with Mel so far, I absolutely cannot wait to meet him at Charm City Romanticon 2025. I can’t wait to hear what readers have to say about the books Mel writes that they love.
How did you get started writing?
I’ve always been writing. In third grade we had a substitute teacher who cut out pictures from a magazine and had us write a story based on the clipping for the next twenty minutes. I recall raising my hand at the end and asking for more time so I could finish my story. She turned it into a homework assignment and the rest of my classmates hated me but I didn’t care because I got to complete my story. Throughout my school years I continued to write, including forming a Walker Story of the month club in college where I wrote short stories and handed them out to my friends.
Where do you recommend a new reader start in your backlist?
I always point readers to the first book in my Lake Hope small town romance series called Ryan’s Kiss. It encapsulates much of what I like – small town, community, closed door romance, my favorite sub-genre – second chance, and lots of heartfelt scenes that makes you want to pause and reflect. It has some of my favorite characters and an expansive world with tropes for everyone.
Do you have a favorite/most memorable scene/ part in a novel you've written?
OMG, I love this question because one of newer releases has my absolute favorite scene. It’s based in a coffee shop and the café regular has an instant connection with a new to town barista with a mysterious past. She is stepping out, putting herself out there, flirting, teasing and making her intentions known. The barista seems to be on the same page but she’s unaware that something she’s said has triggered a memory for him and he goes silent. She’s not sure what is going on other than the happy space they were in a moment ago seems to be disappearing. The novel is Grounds for Romance. Here are her thoughts:
My feet pause when I hear him mutter to himself. “Say something.” Two words not meant for my ears. Two words that put me on alert. I freeze and wait for him to say something.
Anything.
Please.
Take us back to the bubble.
Make me laugh again.
Make me do something irresponsible.
Is there a part of your career as an author you thought was going to be difficult but has wound up being really wonderful?
Coming up with new ideas for stories. When I started and saw authors with a hundred books, I always scratched my head and how is that possible. I’ve recently completed my 30th and have a list as long as my arm of what I’d like to write next. It’s so rewarding, and wish there was a way to squeeze more hours in a day.
Are there specific themes, tropes, or subgenres you’re more drawn to as an author, reader, or listener?
As mentioned above, I love Second Chance romance. I believe we all have in us a part of us that would love to revisit a moment from our past and get a do-over. Since we haven’t perfected time travel, yet, second chance gives us an opportunity to reboot and do something different the next time the opportunity presents itself. Whether it’s being brave and approaching that person you always felt a connection with, or reconnecting with an ex and taking responsibility for things going awry and looking to try again. It’s a powerful trope and I find it fascinating both as an author and a reader.
What is your favorite part about being an author?
Creating something out of nothing and having readers connect to it. I love when readers read out and speak about my characters as if they are real people. I’ve written two books for supporting characters because readers demanded each have their own story.
What do you like to read/listen to? Any favorite authors you want to send a shout-out to?
My list is endless and my time too short to read everything I want to read/listen. My tops right now and apologies to all my faves I leave off but in no particular order Alessandra Torre, Danielle Keil, Kelsie Rae, Emery Rose, Kathryn Nolan, LJ Evans, Q.B. Tyler.
Is there someone(s) who’s been influential in your life as it relates to your career?
Alessandra Torre. She’s an incredible mentor, inspiration, and continues to shine a light on what great looks like in this profession. I was fortunate enough to connect with her early in my author career and joined her incredible Inkers facebook group. From there I connected with her blog posts, her author conference Inkers Con and now am part of her Author’s mastermind group. She is one of the most open, talented and incredible ambassadors in this community.
How have your life experiences influenced your career as an author?
I has definitely provided a unique perspective which influences everything I write. From my work experiences, travels, family interactions, world views, etc. Born and raised in New York has given me an appreciation for small towns (don’t laugh).
This or That: 7 random questions that may or may not be book related:
Kindle or Paperback- Kindle
Beach or Mountain Vacation- Beach
Dogs or Cats- Dogs
Ice Cream or Cake- Mmm - cake
Action Flick or Rom-Com- Action Flick
Tea or Coffee- Tea
Road Trip or Air Travel- Road Trip
Connect with Mel Walker:
You can find more information about Mel and her books, and how to connect with her on social media here:
