Melanie Ansley's Blog, page 4

Pre-orders for "Theo and the Secret of Elshon"

It's up and running! The second volume in the "Book of Theo" series, "Theo and the Secret of Elshon", is now available for pre-order at a discount price of $2.99. The new adventure hits shelves November 18.

First Chapters: "Theo and the Secret of Elshon"

We're two months away from the launch of Volume 2 in the Book of Theo series! Here's a first look at the opening to Theo and the Secret of Elshon, which comes out November 2021. If you'd be interested in getting an advance reader copy in exchange for writing an honest review by November 18, feel free to sign up here. Happy reading!

5 Things Teaching Writing Taught Me About Writing

Most writers have day jobs, which feed into their writing. Here I ask writers what unexpected lessons their day job or hobby has taught them about the craft. Today's post is by the talented Tiffani Angus, and I'm super happy to have her doing a post because she is not only the editor of both "Theo and the Forbidden Language" and "The Queen and the Dagger", but her debut novel ",Threading the Labyrinth" was recently shortlisted for the ,British Science Fiction Association's award for best novel. ...

5 Things Watching Too Much Television Taught Me About Writing

Most writers have day jobs, which feed into their writing. Here I ask writers what unexpected lessons their day job or hobby has taught them about the craft. Today's post is by author A.M. Manay, who writes urban and historical fantasy with strong female leads. Her series ,The ,Hexborn Chronicles and ,November Snow are available on Amazon, and you can also read my review of Hexborn here. ,Unclean, Book 2 in The Hexborn Chronicles, will be released February 19, 2019 and is available for pre-order...

Blog Post with author Ivan Obolensky

Award winning Goodreads author Ivan Obolensky joins me on my blog to discuss what life has taught him about writing, what writing has taught him about life, and what Isabel Allende taught him about both:

https://bit.ly/2AXdtRS

You can also check out his gothic mystery debut Eye of the Moon, and read my Goodreads review here: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Happy reading and thanks for following!

All the best,
Melanie

5 Things Writing Taught Me About Living and Living Taught Me About Writing

Most writers have day jobs, which feed into their writing. Here I ask writers what unexpected lessons their day job has taught them about the craft. It's been a long hiatus but I'm happy to post a column from an author I met at the LA Times Festival of Books, and later at the IndieReader Awards: Ivan Obolensky, author of the award winning gothic drama mystery "Eye of the Moon".

Today, Ivan's taking the usual "5 Things" formula and giving it a twist, as per the title of this blog. Check out his ...

"Theo" Wins the YA Category at 2018 IRDA Awards

Hi everyone,

I'm at the 2018 Book Con in New York this weekend, with some very cool news: "Theo and the Forbidden Language" has won Best Young Adult Book at the IndieReader Discovery Awards.

Here is IndieReader's verdict on "Theo and the Forbidden Language":

"Melanie Ansley’s THEO AND THE FORBIDDEN LANGUAGE is an engaging novel that follows the humble healer rabbit, Theo, as he learns that his taboo skill for “word-catching” could save his world. With talking animals, an on-going battle to remain free, and themes that ignite feelings of introspection, THEO would sit nicely alongside the likes of C. S. Lewis and Lewis Carol. Ansley has created an immersive world that readers will want to stay in long after the book is finished."

To celebrate, "Theo" Book 1 goes on discount from June 8th to June 15th! This Kindle Countdown means that "Theo" will be only $.99 starting on June 8th, then go to $1.99 on June 11 (https://www.amazon.com/Theo-Forbidden...). Perhaps a good time to gift someone you know an award winning book?

Meanwhile, editing on Book 2 is moving along. The process has been slowed down by a TV screenwriting assignment, but the book series will continue. Stay tuned!

And now, back to writing!
Melanie

5 Things Traveling Taught Me About Writing

And we're back with the "5 Lessons" column! Most writers have day jobs, which feed into their writing. Every Friday I’ll be asking a writer what unexpected lessons their day job has taught them about the craft.

Today, we have a guest post from Gigi Griffis, a full time traveler and writer who, I think, is living the dream. Check out info about her upcoming novel on her website here.

Hey there, I’m Gigi—a full-time traveler, blogger, travel guidebook author, content strategist/copywriter/cod...

5 Things About Upcoming "Theo" Sequel

Today, I’m taking a break from the 5 Things About Writing column to talk about progress with my sequel in the "Book of Theo" series—because I’ve got 5 new updates.

1) The Date: if you’re signed up for my newsletter, you’ll know that I’ve announced Book 2 is launching this September. Nothing like a deadline to get you strapped to your desk! I’m eyeing September 8, International Literacy Day.

2) The Advance Copy: if you’re interested in becoming an Advance Reader, and getting an e-copy before t...

5 Things Stand Up Comedy Taught Me About Writing

Happy 2017! I took a break, but am now back on the blogging wagon.

Most writers have day jobs, which feed into their writing. Every Friday I’ll be asking a writer what unexpected lessons their day job has taught them about the craft.

Today, stand up comedian and screenwriter Jessica Glassberg shares how stand up comedy has improved her writing.

Jessica Glassberg is a comedy writer and standup comedian. For ten years, she was the head writer on "The Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon" and performe...