Getting to know the author and why they started writing is one of my very favorite parts of being a book blogger and a member of the bookstagram community. Sharing that with my readers here is also another great perk. I truly hope you enjoy these and find more great authors (and books!) in the process.
Meet the Author: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Their Writing Journey
Today, I’m excited to introduce you to Melissa Lark. She writes snarky, closed-door romantic women’s fiction with a dash of mystery. Her debut novel, Fresh Canvas, was released on April 30, 2025. Melissa is currently working on the other two books in the Fresh Series, all promised to contains laughs, heart-warming emotions, and steamy/swoony kisses.
I was so honored to be able to read an ARC of Melissa’s debut novel Fresh Canvas, and it was phenomenal. I could not put it down!
Thank you, Melissa, for joining me today!
About Your Writing
What inspired you to start writing?
Honestly? A quarter-life crisis about two years ago. Is that even a thing?
Also, this last decade of motherhood has been a ride and a half, and I ended up losing a lot of myself in the process. Which is also beautiful! I don’t regret my three adorable heathens in the slightest, and being a mom has brought me such purpose and joy.
Two years ago, I went through an intense bout of therapy and healing. I began to find myself, and wanted to pick up reading and writing as my hobbies again. I wanted nothing more than to pour a lot of my feelings into a novel to empower other women who may or may not be struggling with the same things.
Hence, Fresh Canvas.
While it is highly fictionalized, many of the emotions are literally from my own journal, and some of the therapy appointments in it as well.
What started out as a “waking up one morning and deciding to be an author” has turned into a wonderful community of word-loving people, one completed book out of my three-part character crossover series, and a zest for life and a love of words again.
Can you share a brief summary of your latest book?
To avoid spoilers (there may or may not be cliffhanging twists and turns), I’ll let you all have the blurb instead!
Meet Amantha Adams.
She despises her name, women’s shapewear, and her ex.
After a decade of crusty minivans, mom buns, and PTA meetings for her son, Amantha has faded into a washed-up, unrecognizable version of herself. When her life gets turned upside down, she is forced to confront her identity crisis head-on, but she doesn’t have the faintest clue where to begin.
She starts by retracing her steps and returning to the beloved museum where she used to work. What she doesn’t expect to find is a fresh batch of mom guilt, an insufferably hot coworker who loathes her, and mysterious criminal activity that she has no choice but to investigate (with the help of the aforementioned sexy coworker, of course).
If she fails, Amantha risks losing more than just her job.
Can Amantha withstand the pressures of motherhood, her new career, and find herself in the process?
Or will she lose her son, her passion, and possibly the love of her life?
Do you have a favorite character you’ve written? If so, tell us about them!
Oh man, this is like choosing between my children. While I want to give an honorable mention to Susan Adams (my main character Amantha’s mom) for her wise words and guidance, I have to go with Amantha.
A girl after my own heart, so full of love, passion, spunk, and more than a few sarcastic comments. She was so fun to write, and she will always be my OG favorite character.
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Writing Process & Inspiration
Where do you find inspiration for your stories?
Mainly from life experiences I’ve had or that have happened around me. Emotions and characters are what drive the creation of my stories, with the plot and fun cliffhangers coming second. Each of my stories have a purpose, and I love that my work (although there are funny one-liners and steamy kisses) serves to validate other people with their own emotions.
Do you have a writing routine or any habits that help you stay creative?
At the moment, I do not have a set routine, since learning the steep curve of indie publishing has been a ride and a half. However, I’m finding myself more productive if I schedule a block of time to write outside the home. That way I’m forced to focus, instead of getting distracted by the overstuffed laundry baskets judging me from the corner.
What’s your favorite part of the writing process?
My favorite part of the writing process is drafting! There is something so exciting about that first draft, watching thoughts and ideas and characters coming to life for the very first time. Sometimes the story takes a turn that even I didn’t see coming, and I love that about writing.
Are there any authors who have influenced your writing style?
So many legends! It would take too long to name them all, but I gravitate toward reading fun, slightly-irreverent, deep-hearted books.
Fun & Personal Questions
Coffee or tea while writing?
While I do love a good herbal tea, my creative juice comes in the form of Vanilla Bean Frappuccinos from Starbucks.
What’s something readers might be surprised to learn about you?
I’m actually obsessed with singing (mostly karaoke), and even made it through a pre-producer round of American Idol. I’m also allergic to the sun (weird, and it sucks, but hey, that’s life), and where some people get so overwhelmed with how cute a baby is, you’ll find me swerving to the side of the road if I see a cute dog.
Are you currently working on any new projects? If so, can you give us a sneak peek?
I thought you’d never ask! YES! I’m currently working on book two in the Fresh Series, “Fresh Start.” This book features two characters from Fresh Canvas: Kate, and Brandon. Their college-fling-turned-feud has been too much fun to write, and I guarantee a happily ever after during this second-chance, closed door romance about accepting yourself as you are.
Final Thoughts
What advice would you give to aspiring authors?
READ. Then find another author and read some more! Learning how others have crafted a good, compelling story through reading was invaluable to me. Also, find your WHY. Trust me, at many points in this long journey, you’re going to want to quit. It will be your WHY that will keep you going. For me, it wasn’t just about a fun story with criminal activity in an art museum and a hot Italian guy. I craved to validate women and share my healing with them. Healed people heal people, and I was willing to go to the ends of the earth to achieve that dream.
Anything else you’d like to share with readers?
It’s because of YOU, beautiful souls, that authors like me get to live out our dreams. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for loving words as much as I do.
