Mel Drop

Mel Drop writes colorful, imaginative children’s books filled with humor, surprises, and just enough silliness to keep young readers wondering what might happen next.
His stories take ordinary situations and give them an unexpected twist, creating playful adventures designed to entertain children and make reading aloud fun for the whole family.
From The Last Leaf to Mr Loberry is Scary and Where's Santa's Suit?, each story has its own cast of characters and its own little world to explore.
Mel’s stories start and finish in his imagination—where unusual ideas have a habit of turning into books.

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Inside the Mind - Mel Drop

What inspired you to start writing?
I've always liked to write. I've been writing since I was young. I would create stories and comic strips but only for me to see. I got into children's books when my kids were young I would read to them. I just got the inspiration to start writing again.
Can you tell us a little about your latest book?
The Last Leaf is a story about one tiny leaf on the tree and likes it so much it decides to stay. This story came to me when I was pulling into my driveway and we have a big Burgundy Maple in the front yard and there was a small wrinkled leaf hanging from a bottom branch at the tail end of winter. I thought what if the leaf doesn't fall. The story just came to me once I asked that question.
How do you create your characters?
Through rewriting and rewriting. I have a basic idea about a character and sometimes that will stay consistent through the whole process. Other times a character changes over the rewrites and it's fun to look back and see those changes and find out why they occurred
What does your typical writing day look like?
I don't think I have one. I write when I can and I try not to put pressure on myself to punch a time clock. Some days I may write for the same amount of time but what I accomplish is completely different each time and that's OK with me.
What has been the most rewarding part of being an indie author?l
I like the creative control of being an indie author. It's my work from start to finish. I value the input of my critique partners, but the final decision of how it looks and feels is mine.
What’s one challenge you’ve faced in your writing journey?
Reading my work out loud to others was a big obstacle at first and delayed my involvement with critique groups. I've become more comfortable with it but it is still a challenge sometimes.
Do you have any favorite writing tools or apps?
Just a laptop and a comfortable chair.
What advice would you give to new or aspiring indie authors?
Keep writing and writing and get critique partners.
How do you handle book promotion as an indie author?
Social media has never been an interest for me but it is valuable as an indie author. I'm looking into school and book shop appearances too.
What’s next for you? Are you working on a new book?
I have another picture book in the works and a middle grade book as well