Project Backlist: Melanie Moreland
Project Backlist: Start Your Journey with Melanie Moreland’s Vested Interest Series
Welcome to Project Backlist, Buzzing about Romance’s guide to must-read backlist books! This week, we’re spotlighting Melanie Moreland and her hit series Vested Interest.
New to Moreland? Start with Bentley, Book 1, where you’ll meet Bentley, Aiden, and Maddox—the dynamic trio behind BAM. Moreland’s signature blend of heart, friendship, and loyalty shines in this series, with Bentley leading the way for unforgettable romance and deep connections.
Curious for more? Check out our exclusive Q&A with Melanie, where she shares insights on the series and its inspiration!
Meet Melanie Moreland
Discover bestselling author Melanie Moreland’s world as she shares her captivating stories, love for coffee, and adventures in baking and cooking. Join her on this exciting journey filled with laughter, travel, and the belief in happily-ever-afters.
Get to know Melanie-
Becky: What initially drew you to the romance genre as a writer?
Melanie: I love romance as an escape. Life is hard and takes so much joy from you at times. Love, especially that wave of new, passionate love is a great way to get lost for a while.
Becky: You have been publishing for quite a few years now… is it hard to keep your ideas fresh?
Melanie: No. I see ideas everywhere. I have note and lists for many more books. I try very hard not to write the same thing over and over. I love exploring different levels of love. Different aspects. Darker heros. Those with a past. Those unable to love. I like to prove them all wrong. Everyone deserves love.
Becky: Can you share any writing rituals or habits that help you stay focused and productive during the writing process?
Melanie: I need total silence when writing. And I have to start first thing or I cannot concentrate. I have a schedule of coffee, writing, snack, writing, break, more coffee, water, writing… then I can take care of real life errand and chores, and I go back and read what I had written and edit. Repeat the next day.
Becky: Romance readers often have strong preferences when it comes to tropes (such as enemies-to-lovers, friends-to-lovers, etc.). Do you have a trope you love to write, and if so, what about it appeals to you?
Melanie: I do love grumpy sunshine. Hate to love. Gray morals at times. And the hero is always ready to burn down the city for her. Always.
Becky: What is one thing you want your readers to take away from your books when they are finished?
Melanie: A smile and the need to find another book I have written.
About the Vested Interest Series:
Becky: What inspired you to write your earliest novels? Were there any particular themes or tropes you were drawn to?
Melanie: My husband worked long hours and I started reading online novels. That led to writing short stories, then I decided to expand and publish one of my own books. A friend encouraged and helped me and the rest, as they say, is history. And I always read romance. It was, and is, a great escape.
Becky: How do you feel your writing has evolved from your first release to your most recent books?
Melanie: When I look back on my first book I laugh a little. More was better. Give them more words for their money. I have learned now sometimes fewer are more impactful. In short—I am not as wordy. I also think I learned my craft. It took a long time—in fact I am still learning and I hope I never stop. I evolve as I gain my experience.
Becky: What about this series/story that holds a special place in your heart? Why do they resonate with you?
Melanie: Found family is a big thing for me and this series was built around the idea. Blood is not always thicker than water. Friends hit differently. You have so much in common and you build on that base. Often your strengths balance their weakness and vice versa. As it is often said, friends are the gift you give yourself. So when you find the right ones they become your family, and you theirs. I only planned on one book when I started writing, then it grew into a huge, loving family of loyal wonderful characters. Their chemistry and love for each other made this a special series for me.
Becky: Which of your characters in this book or series are you most proud of, and what makes them stand out to you?
Melanie: I loved the strength of the female characters in the series. Above all, Sandy. She was a constant in the series, always there for her “boys” with tough love and good advice. It only made sense she be given the last book of the series and her own HEA. As for the men, Reid will always hold a special place in my heart. They boy who took the wrong path, but did it out of love and ended up surrounded by the family he so desperately longed for.
Becky: Have there been any books from your backlist that you feel didn’t get as much attention as they deserved?
Melanie: In this series no. All the books were well received and did well. Other books yes. A couple of my standalones didn’t do as well as I had hoped, but that happens. Changing Roles and Heart Strings come to mine. Great reads, but not as well selling. I am still proud of them.
Becky: How do you approach balancing standalone novels with series? Do you find it easier to revisit characters in a series, or do you prefer writing new stories?
Melanie: If it is a series, I end to overlap them. Characters are constantly reappearing and sharing in the other’s stories. In fact, The Vested Interest and Contract series ended up crossing into each other’s world, a move I hadn’t planned but happened. They became one big group of extended family. I think each story is a standalone, but they are woven together with each other.
Becky: Are there any particular lessons or themes in this series that you feel still resonate strongly with readers?
Melanie: That everyone deserves love. And life is meant to be lived and shared.
Becky: What was the most challenging book in this series to write, and what did you learn from the experience?
Melanie: Sandy’s was the most challenging. She had lost the love of her life and had to struggle to come to terms with loving again. With allowing herself that happiness. I cried a lot writing that book as she shared her pain and confusion.
Becky: Do you ever see yourself revisiting (second gen or expanding) on this series/story’s characters in future projects?
Melanie: Maaaaybe….
Becky: How do you stay motivated to create new stories after having such an extensive backlist?
Melanie: I see stories and ideas everywhere. A snippet overheard of a conversation. A glimpse of someone’s pain they allowed to escape. A couple arguing. Even a neighbour making an innocent comment can spark an idea (think Over the Fence). I have notes and idea for at least a dozen books I want to write. I hope I get to do so.
Thank you to Melanie for taking the time to answer these burning questions. Happy reading!
Melanie Moreland Social Media:
Facebook Author Page: http://bit.ly/MMAuthorFacebook
Melanie’s Minions (FB reader group) https://bit.ly/MMGroupFB
Newsletter https://bit.ly/MMorelandNewsletter
Website: http://bit.ly/MMorelandWebsite
Amazon: https://amzn.to/30LukFd
Instagram: http://bit.ly/MMorelandIG
Bookbub: http://bit.ly/MMorelandBB
TikTok: http://bit.ly/MMorelandTikTok
