We're kicking off National Novel Writing Month with a fun and encouraging conversation with author and professor, Mel Odom. Mel has published over 220 novels in genres ranging from science fiction to westerns to romance to tie-ins with popular movie and television franchises. In addition to his writing, Mel has taught in the Professional Writing department at the University of Oklahoma for several years.
Mel says of his work that he writes "with the hope of telling an interesting tale that will incite a reader to think for himself or herself, to examine his or her own place in the world, and offer a little nudge in the direction of dreams, faith, and personal growth in spite of whatever odds a person has to face. I also believe we were all put here for a purpose. Hopefully, several purposes." You can connect with Mel and find his entire catalog at melodombooks.com.
Our conversation covers Mel's story and career, the challenges of writing across genres, the advantages of self-publishing, and a ton of great tips for both new and experienced writers who are tackling NANOWRIMO.
Our review comes from Tulsa author Bre Lockhart, reviewing Fragile Things - a short story collection by Neil Gaiman. Bre is a fantasy and science-fiction writer from Tulsa, who also publishes mystery and poetry under different pen names. In addition to her writing, Bre is an editor for Three Point Author Services and serves as an administrator for the Tulsa Writers' Syndicate. You can find out more about Bre and her work, including links to her social media, at brelockhart.com.
Mentioned on the podcast (note: links to authors mentioned are to important works in their catalog):
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer - Mark Twain
Swiss Family Robinson - Johann David Wyss
Catseye - Andre Norton
Stranger in a Strange Land - Robert A. Heinlein
The Big Sleep - Raymond Chandler
The Maltese Falcon - Dashiell Hammett
Early Autumn - Robert B Parker
Blackpool Mystery Series - Harlequin Novels by Mel Odom writing as Jordan Gray
Trust No One - Debra Webb
The Awakening - Nora Roberts
Buffy the Vampire Slayer - Multiple titles written by Mel Odom
NCIS Books by Mel Odom
Forgotten Realms - Multiple titles written by Mel Odom
Sabrina the Teenage Witch - Multiple titles written by Mel Odom
Write to Market - Chris Fox
Become a Successful Indie Author - Craig Martelle
The Monkey's Raincoat - Robert Crais
The Tower Treasure - Book One of the Hardy Boys series
The Secret of the Old Clock - Book of the Nancy Drew series
Fragile Things - Neil Gaiman
Dangerous Visions - Harlan Ellison
The Martian Chronicles - Ray Bradbury
American Gods - Neil Gaiman
Music by JuliusH