Spotlight: Epic Fantasy Author Melissa Widmaier.
In this spotlight we are covering the wonderful Epic Fantasy writer Melissa Widmaier, author of books like “The Wind at Oak Hollow,” and “A Crow in the Canyon.” Read on to learn more!
Please note: This is an old Author Spotlight initially posted back on Hazel Allen Writes. Only a few minor changes have been made to better suit the vibe of BookStack.
Hey everyone and welcome back for today’s Author Spotlight. This time we are covering the wonderful Epic Fantasy writer Melissa Widmaier, author of books like “The Wind at Oak Hollow,” and “A Crow in the Canyon.”
We’ll get more into those books later in the Spotlight, but there’s a few things I’d like to take note of before we dive further in.
If you’re interested in following Melissa and her work online, she has a few ways for you to do so. Not only does she have an Instagram, but you can also check out her author website, too!
And like always, the Author spotlight is split into two parts. First we’ll learn more about Melissa in the About the Author section. Then we’ll go over her books, upcoming releases, and social links once more in The Author’s Links section.
Now, let’s dive in!
Melissa has been a writer since high school but she has always been an avid reader. When she told her family she wanted to be an editor, they thought she was delusional. To them, editing was boring. But Melissa takes to word manipulation like a hero answers the call of a quest, uncovering truths and finding clarity in the ink/type.
Melissa earned her BA in English Literature with a minor in Anthropology and a Writing Certificate from ASU in 2004. She has been an editor for the past 16 years. During that time, she earned a Master of Liberal Studies, also from ASU, in 2014.
While juggling jobs, family, and nature photography, Melissa continues to write. She is a neurodivergent mom on the spectrum raising neurodivergent children and her perspective on life is unique to say the least.
In 2023, she finally got up the courage to publish her debut novel, “The Wind at Oak Hollow.” She has received 2nd Place in the 2023 Firebird Book Awards for Dark Fantasy, 3rd Place for Fantasy in the 2023 Outstanding Creator Awards, and Finalist in Epic/High Fantasy for the 2023 American Fiction Awards. Her second novel in the series, “A Crow in the Canyon,” released in 2024.
Below are some questions answered by Melissa for the spotlight.
What is the writing process like for you?
I’m what is known as a plantser. I tend to approach things with a smidgen of chaos, but I also try to make it somewhat organized. I usually jot down ideas until they start forming something more pronounced. It can take me months to fully plot out a book, but once I’m at that point, I take off at breakneck speed filling in the gaps.
I keep my outlines loose because I know my stories are character-driven. If something changes, I can easily go back and revise. I tend to write chapter-by-chapter and I do not move on to the next chapter until I’m satisfied (or inspiration hits me like a lightning bolt and I have to release the energy first). My stories come together like paintings. It looks slapped together at first, but then the picture becomes clearer with each brush stroke.
How do you handle writer's block?
Sometimes writer’s block is just my brain trying to tell me to relax. I will take a break from writing and do something else. I might watch a video online. Or I might read a novel. If I’m desperate, I’ll clean the house. These activities tend to jolt my mind back to a rebooted state. I usually have to drop what I’m doing then just to write down the scenes bouncing around in my brain.
Another technique I use is to just go back and read what I already wrote. It forces me to remember my characters and places me back into the scenes and events. I might also just do some research on a specific aspect of the story I’m not an expert in. This can also give me writing ideas.
What was the most difficult part of getting a book published or self-published?
I am my own worst enemy. Being an author on the spectrum is tough because you’ve spent a lifetime telling yourself you aren’t as good at things as other people. It can be difficult to shake the mindset that your writing isn't worth reading too. I’m terribly shy but I’m lucky to have supportive individuals in my life. They have helped me on this road to self-discovery. I was always a writer, but I had to become braver to take that step into authorship.
My “disability” is actually one of my greatest strengths, however. I am hyper-focused on things once I set my mind to them. So, researching how to self-publish and doing all of the back work was therapeutic for me. Now, marketing, that can be overwhelming!
Without spoiling your books, is there a character you've written you relate to most?
I am most like my character Simara Seisyll. She’s basically a recluse, locked up in her personal library all day. We both enjoy learning but we also care deeply for the people around us. I’m not good at defending myself, but I will stand tall for those I love.
Simara is kept submissive by her chieftain father, but she learns to break free by using her knowledge and kind heart to protect her loved ones. As Shakespeare says, “And though she be but little, she is fierce.”
What do you think makes a story great?
This is a matter of opinion, but I can definitely say that I look for stories with great characters. I want to be able to cheer on the characters and experience the action and drama with them. For me, the characters need to be human, not some demigod who is too perfect and who follows a formula.
The plot is important. The characters must have a purpose and something to do. However, even the best plot structure can suffer if the characters are wooden and their motivation is weak. The hero is the hero because they are seeking something greater, not just because they fit the role perfectly.
Is there anyone who's inspired you to write your books?
Because I’m a quiet person, I took to writing as a creative outlet, just an activity I shared between myself and my pen and paper. I did not think to truly share my writing with others until I joined the creative writing class in high school. My instructor, Mr. Sable, made a point of encouraging me and allowing me to explore my ideas. He was a major influence in my love of anthropology as well.
I draw inspiration now from my lived experiences, places I’ve been and people I’ve met. My three sons are directly represented in the youth of my stories. Watching them grow has helped me understand my own past and translate that into my tales.
Do you have any advice for new and aspiring writers?
Do not give up. Successful writers are the ones who get knocked flat and still keep standing back up. If you love something, stick with it. We live in an age where we can write, and write, and write to our heart’s content.
The more you write, the better your skills will be. There is no shame in doing something that others do not appreciate. One day, you might find that your work will pay off. Becoming an author is a long game. Take the long road and learn along the way.
Do you have any book recommendations you think people should read?
I enjoy a good fantasy but I also dive into historical fiction or murder mysteries on occasion. If you share my tastes in fantasy, you might like "Hills of Heather & Bone" by K. E. Andrews, "On These Black Sands" by Vanessa Rasanen, "Thrice" by Andrew D. Meredith, “Lunaria” by Kara Douglas, or the "Blight of Blackridge" by R. P. Dunwater. These are all incredible fantasies written by other indie authors that I have enjoyed reading.
As we get into this section, please note that the synopsis for each book is pulled directly from their Amazon page. This is also the case for any of her upcoming works. After that, we’ll finish by going through her social links and websites.
The Wind at Oak Hollow:
Families can be complicated, especially when the fate of the kingdom rests on yours.
Marl Ganwin is more than just a mischief-maker. He's a pain in the ass--the Wind spirit's favorite youth. The Village of Na-ir tolerates his antics, giving him free rein to ramble and rumble. But things take an unexpected turn when Wind forces him to accept an unfathomable fate.
Can Marl's family and the entire village survive the implosion of his gifts? Or will his choices send their peaceful world order into a whirlwind?
What will he lose when he accepts his power?
The Crow in the Canyon:
The lungs of the kingdom are constricted.
Lafret is the most exquisite city in Artnaus—glistening waterfalls, hanging gardens, and stone-carved houses on canyon walls. But under this mask of splendor is a seething world of strict order and despair.
Torn from their village home, the Ganwins must quest to save their patriarch. But the old man’s past isn’t ready to be buried. They are taken prisoner by the chieftain of the waterfall canyon and forced into his service.
Will brothers Marl and Natsir have the courage to navigate foreign chiefdoms and ancient prophecies? Can they stand together when the time comes to let everything fall?
The third book in the Realm of Light series, “Kingdom of Fire,” is set to be released in 2025. However, there is no official date for its release. Taking place after the previous book, you can definitely expect dangerous adventures, daring heroes and iron-willed heroines, and more epic scenery.
Though you’ll have to wait for more information about this release, you can get prepared by reading Melissa’s other books, or even following on Instagram. And don’t forget about her author website, where you can find news about her books and work, and subscribe to her newsletter.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to read Melissa’s Author Spotlight! It has been an honor to work with her on this, and to be able to showcase her work here on the blog. Go show her your support by checking out her books, or subscribing to her newsletter or insta.
And as always, if you enjoyed reading through this week’s Spotlight, consider subscribing to stay up-to-date on future Spotlight posts. We cover different authors each week, so there’s plenty to look forward to. And with that, I bid you all adieu, until next time! Hazel, out.