Hey sweet Reader,

This week, I thought I’d show you how the stories actually get made — from idea to book in your hands.

Because it’s a whole thing. 😅

How These Stories Come Together:

When the Lord shares what’s coming next in Willow Creek, I map it out to the best of my ability. Right now it looks like a not-too-fancy Excel sheet, but it works. 😁

When it’s time to work on the next book, I pull the quick outline I made when I mapped out the season and fill it in.

Once that’s done, I write the book.

• Some typing.
• Some dictation.
• Some brainstorming sessions where I walk the pup and hang out with the characters. 😅

But it gets written. 😁🙌❤️

Once it feels done, I send it to my amazing beta readers.

These readers have a gift for spotting what’s missing, what doesn’t quite make sense, or what needs a little tightening. They send their notes back, and I make those changes. Their insight help shape the story. ❤️ (So grateful for the gals who have been part of this team!🤗)

Then it’s off to my editor. Fun fact: I have different editors for the different series.

She moves the commas around, catches the things I missed, and makes sure everything is readable so you can actually enjoy the book. 😂

Once she’s finished, I go through everything one more time and finalize it.

Then it goes to my Front Porch Preview Team .

They get the finished version a few weeks before release so they can read it early and have their reviews ready when launch day arrives. ((These gals help readers know if the book is for them, so grateful for yall.))

While the book is with the Preview Team, I start building all the behind-the-scenes pieces:

• The emails for the month
• The bonus goodies
• The sign-up pages
• The book pages on Amazon and my website
• Creating covers
• Publishing the ebook and paperback

Then, while one book is heading out into the world… I’m already working on the next one.

It’s a rhythm.

A little chaotic at times.

But that’s how it all comes together: Prayer. (Thank you, prayer team. ❤️) Coffee. A lot of grace. Holy Spirit in the details. A wonderful team supporting me. And a printed (and reprinted often 😅) Excel sheet that helps me keep my eyes focused forward on all the Lord has ahead for me to do. (Philippians 3:12-14)

Grace + hugs,

Melissa Alyse ❤️

P.S. One more quick update… The next Willow Creek Mystery, Whisked Away, will be arriving next weekend. My grands came to visit for two weeks, and I happily traded some author time for Gigi time. 🥰❤️ Thank you for your grace and patience. 🤗🫶 I can’t wait to share it with you!