Laura: I'm Micalea. Welcome to the What to Read Next Podcast.

Micalea Smeltzer: Thank you so much for having me. I'm so excited.

Laura: So happy to have you here. I've been wanting to talk to you for some time since you actually came out with the Wildflowers duet. So, tell us a little bit about yourself.

Micalea Smeltzer: Well, I'm a very boring person.

Laura: That's okay.

Micalea Smeltzer: I am a huge reader, which is why I originally wanted to get into writing. I have three dogs, which is as crazy as it sounds. But yeah, I'm just someone who has always loved to write. I was very lucky to know what I wanted to do and went for it.

Laura: Yes. So, talk to us about your journey transitioning from reader to writer and to where you are now.

Micalea Smeltzer: I had an unusual journey in the sense that I started very young. I began writing what would become my first book when I was 13 and finished it when I was 15. It was the first time I had completed something, and it opened my eyes to the possibility of writing a book. It took me two years, but I did it. It might not have been any good, but I loved it. Originally, I planned on going to college for interior design but realized that wouldn't make me happy. So, after high school, I gave myself a year to make a go of writing. That summer, my art teacher gifted me a Kindle, introducing me to indie authors and self-publishing. My dad suggested I try self-publishing, especially after I contracted sepsis and almost died. Even though my early books weren't great, I can't regret it because it led me to where I am now.

Laura: So, you've been writing for some time, honing your craft. How have you worked on practicing and exploring different stories to figure out your current style?

Micalea Smeltzer: I feel like I learn with every single book. My writing improves, I try different things, and my voice as an author changes as I grow. I think it would be interesting to go back and read my earlier books compared to now. I do think it was easier to write before, when I knew less and had fewer constraints. The more you learn, the more it boxes you in.

Laura: Yeah, I can imagine. When you start writing without deadlines, there's freedom. It's just for you, and there's no audience to critique it. But once it's out there, it's a whole new world of judgment.

Micalea Smeltzer: Exactly. You have to grow a thick skin. One thing I've always told myself is that I don't like every book I read, so I can't expect every reader to like everything I write. That helps me not take it personally.

Laura: Let's talk about the Boys series. It's a six-book series, and the latest one is "Rule Breakers Fall the Hardest." Are they standalone? Can you read them out of order?

Micalea Smeltzer: Yes, I wanted them to be read however a reader might want because I understand some people have favorite tropes and some they don't like. "Bad Boys Break Hearts," the first book, is technically a spinoff from my Willow Creek series, but you don't need to read Willow Creek to enjoy it. It started as a standalone, but I fell in love with Mason's best friend, Cole, and it grew into a series. Now we're at book six. The Boys series is my happy place. When I want something lighter, I return to that world.

Laura: "Rule Breakers Fall the Hardest" is a marriage of convenience story. Can you tell us more about it?

Micalea Smeltzer: Yes, it's about Dare and Rosie, who have a lot of history. Even though they hate each other now, Rosie agrees to marry Dare because she realizes it's serious. They navigate their first year of marriage, college, graduation, and an unexpected child. Dare starts off angry and immature, but having his son changes him. He loves being a dad and steps up to the plate.

Laura: So, we can read them out of order, and it's fine?

Micalea Smeltzer: Absolutely. "Rule Breakers" especially focuses more on Dare and Rosie, so it's a good place to start.

Laura: Let's talk about the Blackfire duet, which has recently gained attention in the indie world. What's it about?

Micalea Smeltzer: The Wildflower Duet is deeply emotional and spans several years, dealing with relatable and deep issues. While it has heavy moments, there's a lightness to it as well. It's set in a small town with cozy vibes. I'd love to explore more characters in that world someday.

Laura: That sounds exciting. I know it's more work for you, but readers would love it.

Micalea Smeltzer: I have so many new ideas and characters I want to explore, especially in the Boys series. Each new book introduces side characters I fall in love with.

Laura: Tell us about "11:11," which has an older heroine and a younger hero.

Micalea Smeltzer: "11:11" was inspired by readers asking for a reverse age gap story. One of the main ideas was the heroine accidentally going on a date with the hero's dad. I'm currently working on a spinoff with Via's sister and Reed's dad, which will be out in October. I might even like it more than "11:11."

Laura: That sounds amazing. "11:11" is my favorite because of the angel numbers and the older heroine, younger hero trope. What kind of books do you tend to read?

Micalea Smeltzer: I love contemporary romance, both reading and writing it. I used to read more paranormal and fantasy romance, and I still read a few each year. I’d love to write a paranormal fantasy book again someday.

Laura: That would be exciting. I know you're busy, but it's something to look forward to.

Micalea Smeltzer: Yes, I need to duplicate myself to get everything done! I used to write much faster, but now I have more responsibilities, including my three high-demand dogs.

Laura: Do you have any book recommendations for our listeners?

Micalea Smeltzer: One of my recent favorites is "Yours Truly" by Abby Jimenez. It deals with a kidney transplant, which is personal for me, and it handled the topic beautifully. Another one is "Funny Story" by Emily Henry. I finished it in May, but I'm still thinking about the characters.

Laura: Those are great recommendations. "Yours Truly" and "Funny Story" are both fantastic reads. Where can listeners find you online?

Micalea Smeltzer: I have a website, and I'm most active on Instagram. I also have a Facebook group called Micalea's Minions, a Facebook page, and a newsletter.

Laura: Thank you, Micalea, for being on the show.

Micalea Smeltzer: Thank you so much for having me.