Interview with Melody Heck Gatto

Author of Melting the Ice

Where are you from originally and where do you reside now?

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (from and still reside)

What made you decide to write and publish your first book?

I was laid off from my job, and rediscovered my love of reading (working full-time and raising a child didn’t leave any time for reading). It lead to rediscovering my love for writing, and I decided I wanted to try my hand at a hockey romance.

How would you describe your books to first time readers?

My hockey romances are sweet with a little heat. My series can all be read as stand-alone, but are about one big hockey family.

Who do you feel is most likely to connect with the topics you write about?

Anyone. I think hockey fans will really enjoy my books, but I also think someone who never watched a game will become a Renegades fan. And I think hockey fans of any team will enjoy these stories.

What unexpected or surprising thing did you learn during the process of writing and publishing?

How close knit the author and reader community is. I have made met some really wonderful people in this community, friends that I hope will last a lifetime.

If you could, what advice would you give to your past self before embarking on this journey?

Step out of your comfort zone.

How many people would you ideally like to reach with your books?

As many as possible.

What has been the biggest challenge and frustration during the process to date?

Sometimes life gets in the way and writing is tough. Last year I didn’t release many books at all. Life got in the way and my writing suffered.

What’s your biggest strengths when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

I’m stronger writing then marketing. I love creating characters and story lines. I enjoy being self published when it comes to publishing. I may not have the fanciest way of publishing, but i like having control over all of it. Marketing is not my strongest point, but I do occasionally making teasers to promote my books with.

What’s your biggest weakness when it comes to book a) writing, b) publishing and c) marketing?

My weakness in writing is the conflict. I don’t even like heavy angst on television shows, lol, so writing it is tough for me. I want everyone to be happy and in love! So making my characters miserable is tough for me. As far as publishing, I think the weakness is I don’t use fancy programs, my formatting is pretty basic. Marketing, my weakness is I get bored with it after a while. I am never sure where to post, and what to post. I really need a list of who to contact and what to send them in order to be efficient at it. I don’t have a PA, I do it all on my own.

When do you think you will write your next book?

Currently, I am working with a co-author on one, and I am also working on one on my own.

Are you self published or did you use a hybrid publisher, or a traditional publisher?

I am Self Published.