We recently connected with Melissa Baldwin and have shared our conversation below.
Melissa , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?
I’ve thought about this question quite a bit throughout my career and my life. I’ve learned that success can be measured in different ways. In my career it can be number of books sold, new readers, book reviews and social media followers.
I believe a lot goes into being successful– time, hard work, motivation, patience, self-love, and supportive family and friends.
As time goes on I’m learning that my personal success is the joy my stories bring to readers, If they give one person an escape from the storms of life that means I’ve achieved success.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I was an avid journal keeper for many years and always had a love for writing.
After struggling with secondary infertility I decided to shift my focus to doing something I loved. My daughter was in school and that gave me a lot of free time.
In 2014 I started writing my first romantic comedy and released it that June. I never intended on writing any more books. I’ve since written and published twenty-five romantic comedy and cozy mystery books. In 2021 I became a USA Today Bestselling author. My books are available internationally on ebook, paperback, and audiobook.
I’ve met readers and other authors from around the world and it’s been amazing. I never expected to be at this point in my career but I’m beyond grateful for this wonderful experience even on the difficult days.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect my career is bringing joy to my readers and giving them an outlet.
I recently received a message from a reader that one of my books gave her an escape during Hurricane Ian which had brought so much devastation to my home state of Florida. This message meant so much to me especially because I was having a lot of self-doubt around that time. It was a wonderful reminder that I could make a difference and to keep going when I felt like quitting.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
There are many great tools that help me connect with readers. Social Media is huge for me. I have profiles on Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, Pinterest, Twitter, and Goodreads.
I also have a Reader Group on Facebook dedicated to my biggest fans. It’s called Comedies and Cozies Melissa Baldwin’s Reader Tribe.
Word of mouth is also a super helpful. Readers recommending my books is a fantastic way for me to make great connections.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.authormelissabaldwin.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mbaldwinauthor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormelissabaldwin/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-baldwin-9a95a49/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/mpbaldwinauthor
- Other: Reader Tribe: https://www.facebook.com/groups/573095816362090/