Melissa Foster is a mom, an author, and a chocoholic. Her book, Come Back to Me, is about a young couple worlds apart, trying to find their way back to each other. She sits down with fellow StoryBundler Geoff Morrison to discuss planning, beta readers, and more.

How did you approach your first book? Is that different from how you approached the next? The most recent?

I didn’t have to think about my first book. The story had been stewing for 15 years and by the time I sat down to write it, it flowed without stopping. I find that with my most recent work, as my craft has developed, I worry more about the structure, development, and plot aspects (probably too much), so I spend more time thinking those aspects through than I used to.

What did you learn writing your first novel? Your most recent?

My first novel, Megan’s Way, taught me that I could indeed write. It took away the fear of wondering if my writing would be worthy of a readership. My most recent novel, Have No Shame, taught me that I could successfully delve into very important subject matters with grace.

How much do you plan out in advance, and how?

I’m a total pantser. I don’t plan. I write and let my story develop, though I probably shouldn’t admit that in public, right?

How do you approach writing characters?

It’s really important that I know my characters well before writing about them. I typically let them stew for a bit, until I know who they are; their backstory, where they went to school, how they will react to stress, fear, or elation. I become friends with them—even my villains—then I write about them.

How do you give individual characters their own “voice.”

This is something that I pay particular attention to. I tend to look for my characters flaws and mannerisms and flesh them out to create distinct character differences.

How do you decide on pacing?

I write what comes naturally to the story, and then my editor guides me to tweak the weaker areas and help them move along at a faster pace. I don’t fool myself into thinking that I can write the perfect novel. A strong developmental editor is worth their weight in gold.

How do you decide what to reveal to the audience, and when?

I think like a reader. What would I want to know? Have I told them enough to get them invested into my characters?

Do you listen to music as you write? If so, what?

Yes, loud and constant, and what I listen to depends on the setting of and personalities in my story.

Do you finish, then edit, or do you edit as you go?

I edit after I’ve completed each draft. I might revise a paragraph here or there as I write, but usually I get it all down, then go back and tear it apart.

Do you wait until you have an idea, or do you sit down and write every day no matter what?

I write daily, but typically if I sit down without an idea, one will come quickly.

What’s your biggest hindrance to finishing a book?

The pressure I put on myself to make it better than the last book I’ve written.

How many people get to read your unfinished, or recently finished, work?

Great question – all of my beta readers, three editors, and certain family members. I’d say around 15 for any given title. Then, prior to publication, but after editing, I have about 100 ARC readers and I collect their feedback as well.

What do you feel are your strengths as a writer? What advice would you give for someone who wants to improve that aspect of their writing?

Dedication is a definite strength. I write for five hours, five days each week without fail (barring any unforeseen circumstances). I think it’s important to claim your writing time and be selfish about it. My advice would be to do just that.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out, trying to finish (or start!) their first novel.

I would tell them to just write. Get their stories onto paper, then worry about making them strong. The hardest part is getting it all down on paper and actually completing that first draft. Once that’s done, the writer has a direction and can fine-tune it until it’s perfect.

Are there any websites you found helpful in regards to eBook formatting?

We offer formatting through Fostering Success. For non-technical people, it’s easier and quicker to hire an expert than to try to learn. For those more adept at the technical side of things, they can learn through programs such as Calibre.

Melissa Foster is an award-winning International bestselling author. Her books have been recommended by USA Today's book blog, Hagerstown magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the Women’s Nest, a social and support community for women, the World Literary Café. When she's not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa is also a community builder for the Alliance for Independent Authors. She has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine.

Melissa hosts an annual Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family.

Visit Melissa on The Women's Nest, Fostering Success, or World Lit Cafe. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.

Geoffrey Morrison is a freelance writer and editor. His first novel, Undersea, was featured in the first StoryBundle. You can follow him on Twitter @TechWriterGeoff.