The Importance of Taking a Break

Two years ago I announced that I was taking a sabbatical from writing. I was burned out, exhausted, frustrated, and ready to be done with *waves hands around* all this. Initially my break was only supposed to be from marketing and social media, but shortly after I announced my break, I also stopped writing.

I rarely stop moving, and that’s been true over the past two years, but I removed the yoke that had been weighing me down and spent my time doing things I enjoyed. Reading, being outdoors, wrangling my very demanding puppy. I volunteered in my community, I started a writers’ happy hour — something I’d wanted to do since before the pandemic. I connected with old friends and met new ones. I came up with a bucket list for my 50th birthday.

The Melanie Hooyenga Starter Kit

***UPDATE: The contest has ended.*** Over the years I’ve done a variety of sales and giveaways to celebrate my birthday, but this year I’ve come up with my favorite giveaway yet: The Melanie Hooyenga Starter Kit! The idea started out simple enough—give away the first book in each of my series to try to reach …

The Edge Rules: Meet Brianna

IndieReader gave The Edge Rules 4.5 stars and said it’s “perfect for readers looking for a book that is both socially relevant and charming.” I’m sharing an interview with Brianna to celebrate.

WvBM: Never-Ending Emails

I’ve weaned myself down to a handful of lists and they all have REALLY GOOD ADVICE—and another because I LOVE HER—and every time I read the posts, I feel one step closer to having a grip on this whole indie publishing thing.