Meet The Authors Showcase Edition #3 (3 of 3)

A showcase with @melaniegaleaz, author of: Just for tonight

1 what inspired the idea of your story?

"Just for Tonight" was an idea I got when I was on this bender of reading over quarantine where I read, like, 10 books in 10 days, it was insane. My brain was gone. And I had already written a sci-fi book and a fantasy book. I've never even considered writing a romance, but I was just thinking, well clearly I love romance, why not give it a shot? Then I took an idea shower, which is when I play extremely dramatic music and think. And then I got the idea for the book in the shower and loved it and started writing! Then before I knew it, I was posting the first chapters of "Just for Tonight" on Wattpad!

2 what is something you struggled constructing with your story?

While writing "Just for Tonight", I really struggled with thinking of a conflict that wouldn't make the reader hate either of the characters. I wanted something bad, but forgivable. I truly cannot stand reading stories where one of the characters does something vile and then the other forgives them. They give a crappy apology and then nothing even changes after. It makes me so frustrated to see messages like that sent out. So, without spoiling anything I guess, it was definitely a challenge to decide on a conflict that was forgivable but bad enough to change the course of the story.

3 what did you enjoy writing most of your story?

I had so much fun writing the playful banter between Scarlett and Nate. They are just the sweetest couple. It was so fun to write such a healthy couple have fun with each other and tease one another. They truly care about each other so much and believe in one another more than anything. They were the absolute best part of my book. The plot was fun, but Scarlett and Nate are what make it work.

4 what's the overall response of your story from your readers?

Oh my god, the response has been unreal. I remember the day that it started to blow up so vividly, I woke up and went to sleep with like 400 readers over the course of 2 months and then I woke up with 2k readers, and then throughout the day alone I reached 20k readers. And while I was proud of my book beforehand, having other people see what you see in your book was so validating. I could just tell people connected with the story the same way I did while writing it, and it made it so special. I read every comment I get still, even though after winning the Wattys I usually wake up to around 400 notifications every morning, I scroll through them all. It just means the world to me that people like my book.

5 is your story a stand alone novel or a piece of a series ?

Well, for now, it's a stand alone. I will not write a sequel "Just for Tonight" unless I think of the perfect idea that won't ruin them. I'm definitely not opposed to writing a spin-off with some side characters. A Jace and Ethan book is just calling my name, but I wanna think of an original plot, so that's on the back burner for now. But you will absolutely see appearances of my characters in my other book. 

6 what would you like your readers to take away from your story?

Is there where I step onto my soapbox? Well, here I go. First, I know a lot of books that we all read have a lot toxic relationships in them. And we grow up reading that and seeing that on TV, and then we think that's what we want. Your relationship should be healthy and full of love. Your partner should never try to hurt you. If something happens, their apology should be genuine and they should show how they're going to do better. Please communicate and talk through your issues! Second, don't hold onto your past to the point where it stops you from being happy. Forgive yourself for your past, and let yourself be happy. Third, follow your dreams. As Scarlett says, you never know in you're in a dream until you wake up. So try it, and if it doesn't work out, then it might not be your reality. But you'll never know until you try. Chase after your dreams!!

7 what advice would you provide to fellow writers, when it comes to focusing on their own story?

Absolutely make an outline of your book before writing anything. You need to know what direction you're taking your story in!! That way you know exactly what voice and theme your book has. You can foreshadow and hint at things along the way if you know what path your book is going to take. 

8 does your main character share any similarities to yourself?

I feel like it's embarrassing to say yes, because I don't want it to seem like I'm trying to write myself into a story, but yes I'd say a few for sure. Scarlett is so determined to be successful with her bakery and save it from going under and I honestly feel the same way about my book. I've fought so hard for it to be successful, and at this point, there's no doubt in my mind that I'm going to make it. We both have the conviction you need to be successful. I also look up to Scarlett and want to be her in a lot of ways, I think that she's so fierce and yet so kind and it's so admirable how good of a person she is, and I would love to be even more like her.

9 what is something about your story you believe would draw in new readers?

Not to sound like a broken record, but the couple is what makes my story so unique. They're such a fun and complex couple while also being in a healthy relationship where the love is equal on both sides. They're each other's biggest fans and it's just precious. Not to mention, Nate's a singer, and that should be enough to get people reading!

10 do you have any future projects?

Yes, I do! Right now, I'm in the planning stages of "Here Lies the Life Left at the Altar". The concept is that a guy is leaving a funeral and a runaway bride jumps in his car. The two stop someplace and they notice everyone's congratulating them because they think they just got married since she's in her dress and he's in a suit. Then, they decide to see how far they can take this "honeymoon"! And I can only hope that people love it as much as they did with "Just for Tonight"!!