I am often asked if I use a pen name. And the answer to that is both yes and no.
How can it be both?
When I first started writing and publishing my books, I used my actual name, mainly because it never occurred to me not to. Yeah, I’m a little slow.
But then I mentioned to a friend that my mother had another name picked out for me, but was pressured to name me after my two grandmothers. My dad was the eldest son of his family and I would be the first grandchild on my mother’s side. So she got overruled. When he asked what the name was, I told him. Sultonna Nadine. And he loved the name.
I told him he could name one of his characters Sultonna if he’d like, but he said no. The name was mine and I should use it somewhere. Maybe as a pen name. I thought it was a wonderful idea to honor my mother’s choice of names for me. And honestly, I’d always wished she’d given me the name she’d chosen. I feel more a Sultonna than a Mellie most times.
Since I already had both series started under Mellie Miller, I wasn’t sure what to do with the name, until I had the idea for Master of the Fleet. It didn’t fit in either series, but I loved the story. What if I wrote stand alone novels under a different name…
Et voila! Sultonna Nadine the author is born!
So there you have it–the story behind the author. Unfortunately, Amazon doesn’t like the spelling of Sultonna, so if you do a search, it will always come up with a different suggestion. But Sultonna it is.
Am I going to write more under this name?
Absolutely! I actually have two different stories ready for professional editing for Sultonna Nadine. I hope to have one of them out this winter. So keep an eye on this blog for news of a release.
Have a wonderful weekend and a splendid month of September–my birth month!
But at long last, I think autumn is on the way. I hope this heat wave over the weekend is Mother Nature’s last hurrah for summer.
So what’s in the works?
Too Many Talents, the fourth book from Esperance, should be out soon. I know, I keep saying that, but we’ve had to go back for more rewrites. Me and beginnings just don’t seem to get along. I’m fine after the first chapter. For some reason, most of my ideas start somewhere around Chapter 3. Weird…
And hopefully by the end of the year, there will be another Sultonna Nadine book out. I’ve finished my last edit on Whiskey Jug Genie before the editor gets her hands on it. It isn’t as long as most of my novels and while it deals with magic, the romance is sort of low key.
Martin runs an apothecary shop in London. While on vacation in the southern USA, he finds an old whiskey jug to add to his collection of old bottles and jugs. What he doesn’t realize until he gets it home is that a genie is trapped inside. And once Bubba is released, things become…complicated.
So watch for Whiskey Jug Genie. And yes, Sultonna Nadineis the correct spelling of the name, no matter what Amazon says.
Last Wednesday my husband went in for a total hip replacement. While he’s been recovering nicely, things have been a bit on the chaotic side around here. Our daughter, who is a nurse, came up to give me a hand with all the medications and exercises, not to mention keeping the house managed.
So I’ve been absent for a little bit.
What’s been happening in your world?
If you need a break, I have three different “vacations spots” for you to choose from. The fares are pretty cheap and you don’t even have to leave home to visit.
This spot has the advantage of being a slower paced world with a lot to offer in the way of natural beauty. The people are friendly and you might catch a glimpse of some paranormal Talents among the locals. And watch the romances develop!
If you like life in the fast lane, this world might be for for you. Whatever you like to do, you can find it here, from casinos and night clubs to scenic mountains; from white or black sandy beaches to skiing resorts. Just be warned. The law enforcement there is tough on contraband and they have a whole department of shifters to help sniff it out. There may be some who are finding mates, so watch for the sparks!
For this spot we’ll travel across dimensions to a Pacific Northwest quite a bit different than the one you’re used to. Go back to a time where horses and carriages were the main means of transportation in a world where magic is just a part of every day life. And one of the wealthiest men in town is trying to sort out his love life. A weather-shaper and Master of the Fleet, Richard can command wind and water, but can he win his lady’s heart?
Don’t have time for a full length novel? Check out some of my shorter works at Vocal.Media!
Yes, the sale ends on July 31, and then all my books will go back to their normal prices.
So if you’ve never read one of my books, or if you need to finish a series but were waiting to save money, now is the time.
I have two series, Gambler’s Folly and Esperance. Six books in all and all on sale for just $0.99 each.
I also have Master of the Fleet, a stand alone under the name Sultonna Nadine. It is also available right now for $0.99.
And what else can you get these days for less than a buck?
So head on over to Smashwords and find something you like.
Gambler’s Folly features shape shifters on a futuristic world,.
Esperance is more laid back, but with psychic Talents in abundance.
Master of the Fleet is a world where magic is real, but doesn’t seem to help Richard’s love life.
Just click on this link to go to my profile page. Then scroll down and find the book or series you want. Books are available in several different e-formats.
Of course it is July, so it is to be expected. Doesn’t mean I like it any better, though. And the on again off again rain showers keep building the humidity higher.
But what’s hotter than the South in July?
A book sale!
And you’re in luck! Smashwords Summer/Winter sale is happening now through the end of the month. And all my books are included!
That’s right! You can get any of my books right now for only $0.99 each. It’s the perfect time to try one of my novels for the first time, or to finish out a series you started earlier.
So while you’re escaping from the heat, sipping sweet tea or lemonade, go over to Smashwords and check out the sale. There are literally thousands of books to choose from.
If you’re already a fan, drop me a note and tell me which one is your favorite!
All of my books and many, many more are now on sale at Smashwords!
That’s right! During the Month of July, Smashwords is having their Summer/Winter Sale. And I’ve added all of my books to the list.
During this month, you can try any of my books, both the Mellie Miller books, and Sultonna Nadine, for only $0.99 each. Now is a great time to try an author you’ve never read, or pick up the books in a series you’ve started.
Which books do I have on offer?
The Esperance Series–Three books from a fantasy world ruled by psychically talented First Lords. Mischief, magic, and romance await you there.
The Gambler’s Folly Series–A futuristic pleasure world. Whether you’re looking for a fun-filled night life, or a quiet mountain cabin, you can find it all on Gambler’s Folly. But don’t carry contraband onto this world. The shifters from Interpol’s Special Division are on hand to sniff it out–when they aren’t having mating issues, that is.
Master of the Fleet. Meet Richard and Anne-Marie Lemarnier. Share their ups and downs as they try to sort out a marriage with a very rocky start. On a world where magic is commonplace, Richard finds his magic doesn’t help his love life one single bit. Not to mention trying to trace the person who is using the magic to attack Richard’s business.
Yes, the sale lasts all month. But why wait?
Head on over to Smashwords and find something to read this weekend.
And have a wonderful July 4th, to those of you in the USA!
No, I mean the other kind. We are in the middle of a heat wave down here in the South. It feels like we went from late April to late August all in about a week. We don’t usually have temperatures in the high 90’s until much later in the year.
But about that summer heat…
Yes, Too Many Talents will be coming out soon, and you know Jareth and Viviane… They are quite a couple, and when all that combined Talent meets in the bedroom, things can get a little crazy.
Which is the reason for Jareth’s special birthday present to his wife…
No, you’ll have to read the book to find out!
Stay cool and safe out there in the heat. And watch for Too Many Talents! I’ll let you know the release date as soon as I have one.
Need to catch up on the series? They are all available at Amazon or Smashwords!
If you’re like me, you like to read. And the fact that you are here says you do as well.
But sometimes, it’s easier to listen.
Did you know I have the first two books from the Esperance series available in audio? You can go over to Amazon and order them, or get them from Audible.
The reason I’m asking is that I’ve been considering narrating some of my own books. They won’t be as good as the first two, but I know a lot of people who love audio books. While I have no problem with narrating them in general, I can’t do the male voices properly, and I’m afraid it will be off-putting to those listening.
If you want an example of my narration, go over to my podcast of my blogs at Anchor.FM. Several of my posts have been made over into podcasts, and I hope to do a few more.
Drop me a line in the comments, or send me an email and give me your opinion.
Mellie's Books 