We're kicking off National Novel Writing Month with a fun and encouraging conversation with author and professor, Mel Odom. Mel has published over 220 novels in genres ranging from science fiction to westerns to romance to tie-ins with popular movie and television franchises. In addition to his writing, Mel has taught in the Professional Writing department at the University of Oklahoma for several years.
Mel says of his work that he writes "with the hope of telling an interesting tale that will incite a reader to think for himself or herself, to examine his or her own place in the world, and offer a little nudge in the direction of dreams, faith, and personal growth in spite of whatever odds a person has to face. I also believe we were all put here for a purpose. Hopefully, several purposes." You can connect with Mel and find his entire catalog at melodombooks.com.
Our conversation covers Mel's story and career, the challenges of writing across genres, the advantages of self-publishing, and a ton of great tips for both new and experienced writers who are tackling NANOWRIMO.
Our review comes from Tulsa author Bre Lockhart, reviewing Fragile Things - a short story collection by Neil Gaiman. Bre is a fantasy and science-fiction writer from Tulsa, who also publishes mystery and poetry under different pen names. In addition to her writing, Bre is an editor for Three Point Author Services and serves as an administrator for the Tulsa Writers' Syndicate. You can find out more about Bre and her work, including links to her social media, at brelockhart.com.
Mentioned on the podcast:
Mark Twain
Swiss Family Robinson
Andre Norton
Robert A. Heinlein
Mack Bolan: The Executioner Series
Raymond Chandler
Dashiell Hammett
Robert B Parker
Blackpool Mystery Series - Harlequin Novels by Mel Odom writing as Jordan Gray
Debra Webb
Nora Roberts
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
NCIS
Forgotten Realms
Sabrina the Teenage Witch
La Brea
International Association of Media Tie-In Writers
Titan Books
Chris Fox
Craig Martel
Robert Crais
Hardy Boys
Nancy Drew
Grosset and Dunlap
Three Point Author Services
Tulsa Writers' Syndicate
Indie Author Magazine
Tulsa Library
Fragile Things - Neil Gaiman
Harlan Ellison
Ray Bradbury
Tori Amos
American Gods - Neil Gaiman
You can find expanded show notes and links to all of the books, authors, and organizations listed above at okiebookcast.com. You can also subscribe to receive updates when new material goes live on the site and connect with us through comments on the individual shows.
Music by JuliusH
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Music by JuliusH