Melissa Hope and I discuss her popular YouTube channel for authors, HOPEFUL HAPPENINGS, and how it paved the way to publish her debut novel, SEA OF KINGS. We chat about how she taught herself to write, collaborating with her marine biologist husband, working with Jolly Fish Press, finding beta readers, scheduling time to read while raising three kids, music to write to, and more. Melissa also shares how she found herself represented by an untrustworthy agent and how other writers can avoid finding themselves in a similar situation. Please note, there was a slight broadcast delay when we recorded, so we occasionally interrupt each other. Melissa Hope earned her degree in English and is passionate about sharing her knowledge to help writers improve their craft and connect with the writing community. She escaped the frostbite normalcy of Canadian winters to live in Florida with her family, bipolar cat, and growing collection of scuba gear. Visit her website www.authormelissahope.com to watch free writing tutorials.Here are links to the soundtracks we discussed:The Grey Lady by Alexandre Desplat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EDZTsLouf-EFireworks by Nicholas Hooper: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xRjjq9dR7R4Noon by Éric Serra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qc6e8NOswOgMelissa’s Playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7ulqYBRUUjzwoo8rwTUfxQ?si=fa18aef7bc544a48--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/middle-grade-ninja/support