Interview with M. L Ruscsak
Prachya Review had the pleasure of interviewing Melisa Ruscsak. She is a Motivational Keynote Speaker, Author and CEO of a small traditional publishing house, Trient Press. For anyone trying to traditionally publish or market their book, this insightful interview is for you! Ian Craven took the interview.
Ian: What inspired you to write and how did you learn the craft?
Melissa: I’ve always had the created side that came out in several ways. Here recently, I decided to nurture the writing aspect while teaching others my craft.
Ian: Why did you decide to become an author?
Melissa: In 2011 after suffering 2 strokes, needing brain surgery then undergoing the third stroke a year later, I turned to typing as a form of both communication and entertainment. Developing my creative side year by year with the use of fan fiction ended up leading me on this path. In 2016 I was challenged to write an original story and get it published. That has paved the way to everything else.
Ian: What’s your biggest success after writing your book?
Melissa: Success comes in different ways depending on the mindset of the person. At first, it was just simply getting picked up by a publisher. Then winning some awards, to which my first book won six and was nominated for 2 others. Currently, success is just simply sharing my stories with the world. Knowing that I’m bringing entertainment with my fantasy series, and helping others with my self-guided self-help books.
Ian: Are there any hidden messages in your stories that someone who reads your books can learn from?
Melissa: Regardless if you read from “Are You Happy” or from my fantasy books there are messages. The main being not everything is as it appears to be. There are two sides to every story and up to you to decide what is your truth and to learn from it.
Ian: What advice do you give to someone who wants to start writing?
Melissa: Have a marketing budget in place even before you write. Think about it this way that $50 you put aside today for marketing when your book is released is an investment in yourself. It’s also a tax deduction as being an author is the same as being a business owner.
Ian: What method of book marketing has been most successful for you?
Melissa: Podcast are great. The best ones that I’ve seen a ROI on are the ones I’ve had to pay for. Now remember this is paid advertisement , no less than running that facebook ad. Another great tool is magazines.
Ian: What insightful advice would you give to an aspiring author trying to publish their first book?
Melissa: There are things you need to know upfront. Editing costs money; don’t do this yourself. Book covers cost money and unless you do graphic designs, please don’t do this yourself. Publishing your book should never cost you upfront fees just to publish. Marketing … real marketing costs money. Plan ahead.
Ian: Why did you decide to start your own magazine?
Melissa: Trientrepreneur Magazine was born out of answering the same questions all the time. And i like being helpful, really I do. So the best way I can be helpful today is to create a tool for people to use to help them navigate being an author and entrepreneur.
Ian: What kinds of success have you gained from being a podcaster?
Melissa: Podcasting is a different beast altogether. Now I can say interviewing SAG actors/ actresses , and multi-millionaires is awesome. Because it is. To have 30 minutes to find out how they got to where they are today is priceless. I can say growing the following to over 400k in listeners is success. Yeah that’s great as well as I’m bringing value to them in every podcast. But really knowing every episode I have that one person out there getting help and needing that information, now that is my real success.
Ian: What’s next?
Melissa: Trient Press is growing and expanding in ways I never dreamed of, So I won’t say exactly what’s next. However, I will say this make sure you keep your notifications on and follow all things Trient Press, the next 36 months is full of growth and will have added ways for authors to connect. For now you can follow me personally on instagram @mlruscsak , Facebook @authorMLruscsak , twitter @ruscsakmelisa or just simply google Trient Press. This is my latest book,
it’s at target.com and walmart.com
