Have you ever wanted something so badly that when you finally got it you didnāt know how to react? Well, itās happening to me now. For weeks, Iāve been wondering what to write in this post, and here I am now, living my big day and not knowing what to say.
2020 is one of the most difficult and controversial years in our contemporary historyāI know some of you survived much more difficult times. All of this year, I tried not to complain, not to despair, not to fear the future. I faced it with a smile on my face and forced optimism, immersing myself in work. Because, like everyone else, I had plans for 2020.
Today is the launch of my new pen name and the release of my first book in a new genre.
Itās the beginning of an era for me.
Iāve been planning this moment for a whole year. Iāve poured so much heart, sweat, tears and sleepless nights into this project, trying to perfect every single detail of my new adventure. Iāve agonized for months before I decided to start writing under a new pen name, because I wanted to keep my audiences separate and not mislead my romance fans by giving them mysteries and thrillers.
For weeks Iāve studied potential pen names before I chose Melinda Colt, a name that is actually close to my own, Melinda Coliolu. It does sound better though, and it evokes action, danger, hopefully a little sexinessāall that I try to include in my books. Plus, itās easier to pronounce. š
During the past year I have worked relentlessly to write the first three novels in my new series, The Irish Garda Files. I have researched, hunted for information, knocked on doors, and even reached out to An Garda SĆochĆ”na, Irelandās police force, to assist me in my writing. With every sentence, I struggle to offer my readers the best product, the most authentic and heartfelt journey. Of all my hobbies, reading has been my favorite since I was four years old. Escaping into books and living along my favorite characters is such a fantastic experience itās impossible to describe. I want to give that to my readers. If only one of you escapes in my stories and loves them so much you wish they never end, then my mission as a writer is complete.
I spent the past few months preparing frantically to launch Dare Game, the first book in the series. My hands still shiver with anxiety as I check my sales and reviews. What if readers wonāt like it? What if people wonāt buy it? What if it will get buried among the millions of books on Amazon and no one will find it?
Iāve never been this honest and open about my feelings in a public post. Iāve learned the hard way never to show vulnerability, because in this day and age a lot of people prey on it just for kicks. I know I will get some hate for this post. I know I will get some indifference. But, most of all, I hope I will get some love and understanding.
Because launching a dream of this magnitude during a frigging pandemic sucks!
I know youāre well aware of that. All over the world people lost their jobs, cancelled their weddings, went bust in their businesses, got separated from their families, lost loved ones, or lost their lives prematurely.
Weāre living some crazy times. It seems that everything is trying to kill usāCovid-19, the weather, the worldwide political and financial crisis, and pretty much everything we eat, drink, or breathe. Everyone is affected by some or all of this.
To me, September 22nd 2020 was all about me and my new bookāthe light at the end of the tunnel. I literally survived this entire year dreaming and dreading this day. Well, today isnāt about that anymore. According to Google, on this fall equinox weāre celebrating a number of things: Falls Prevention Awareness Day, National Elephant Appreciation Day, Hobbit Day, National Ice Cream Cone Day, National Singles Day, National Temperature Control Day, National Voter Registration Day, National White Chocolate Day.
All of these things are more important than one book. Because while this book might be valuable to me, those things up there are valuable to all of us. All I can hope for is that one day, maybe decades from now, my writing will matter enough to be included in a list like thatāmaybe somewhere between ice cream and chocolate.
For today though, I just want to share my joy with you, and hope you wonāt judge me too harshly because of my weaknesses.
And if youāre wondering what Iāve been talking about for the last ten minutes, feel free to check out the infamousānot yet famousāDare Game. I would be honored to hear your opinions.
Stay healthy and safe,
Melinda
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Melinda De Ross is the first Romanian to become a USA Today bestselling author. A prolific writer, she weaves humorous romance and tension-filled thrillers with the same enthusiasm. Her books combine the elegance of European literature with the modern appeal of American culture. While she’s a law graduate and professional target shooter, she prefers to spend her days spinning tales for her readers. In her downtime, she’d rather read or watch a classic movie than go to a noisy club. She loves to hear from readers, so if you have a question or want to learn more about her books, visit her website: MelindaDeRoss.com
Melinda, I just bought it! First, your post is compelling, and understand your being anxious. I certainly wish you well with your new book and in the new genre. Be well.
Thank you so much, Susan! I’m thrilled you bought my book and I hope you will stop by Amazon and leave a review to tell me your thoughts. Stay safe and be well!
Big hugs,
Melinda
Melinda, don’t be discouraged. Love the video, and the book sounds awesome.
Thank you so much, Joan! You’re a sweetheart.
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You have nothing to worry about! The book is excellent and I see a bright future for you.
Thank you so much, my dear Sue. I hope and pray that you’re right.
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