Melissa Holtz: On Putting Yourself Into Your Characters

Melissa Holtz is a former publicist and marketing expert in the romance genre. Now in an advisory role to several bestselling authors, she consults on industry marketing trends. Follow her on Facebook and Instagram.

Melissa Holtz

Photo by Janel Lee Photography

In this interview, Melissa discusses the process of writing her debut mystery novel, An Enchanting Case of Spirits, her hope for readers, and more!

Name: Melissa Holtz
Literary agent: Carrie Pestritto
Book title: An Enchanting Case of Spirits
Publisher: Berkley
Release date: April 9, 2024
Genre/category: Mystery
Elevator pitch: When a fortieth birthday celebration leads to a ghostly visitor, three friends find themselves navigating surprising mysteries and spiritual high jinks.

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What prompted you to write this book?

I’ve always wanted to write a paranormal mystery. When I turned 40, I was experiencing so many changes and struggled like a lot of women do. I infused a great deal of myself into my main character, and it was cathartic in ways I could’ve never imagined.

How long did it take to go from idea to publication? And did the idea change during the process?

It took about a year. I pitched the concept to my agent and then I wrote five chapters for her to pitch to publishers. It took a little less than three weeks for Carrie to find it a home at Berkley.

The concept was originally pitched as interconnected standalones. Each book was written in the POV of one of the three best friends. Instead, the series follows the same friend group, but it’s always the same heroine’s story, just a different mystery. I like it because I get to dive further into the growth of my main characters, Alyssa and Nick. It also allows for a gradual development of their relationship, given their past experiences with love and loss.

Were there any surprises or learning moments in the publishing process for this title?

I’ve been in publishing for years, starting as a publicist and collaborating with numerous authors before delving into writing my own books. I’m well versed in the process. The only learning curve has been getting accustomed to using TikTok as a marketing tool. The rise of video content and reels as the preferred medium for consumers has posed quite a challenge, mainly due to the significant time investment required to execute it effectively.

Were there any surprises in the writing process for this book?

I had the story living rent-free in my head for a while, but one part unfolded differently as I was writing it. I don’t want to give any spoilers, but the person/people behind the mystery changed and it surprised me in the best way.

What do you hope readers will get out of your book?

I hope they smile and laugh throughout the story. It’s meant to be fun and silly. On a deeper note, I hope they’re empowered to live their best lives and embrace every stage of life, wrinkles and all. Life is full of challenges, but if we live with a growth mindset and positive thinking, we can thrive.

If you could share one piece of advice with other writers, what would it be?

Choose your own path. It’s so easy to get caught up in the comparison game. I think it’s important that we all recognize that we each have our own path. Stay true to your writing style and passion, and your success will come. 

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