Melissa Brayden's Blog

Book club has never been so sexy…

I’m so excited for you to meet Max and Ella! Can We Skip to the Good Part released everywhere this week. This is the culmination of an important journey for me into my new indie publishing role and my heart is FULL.

Also…You asked for it… I’m delivering! First time a new release of mine is on Kindle Unlimited… and it’s happening TODAY! Can We Skip to the Good Part? is live on KU—grab your copy and dive in!

A sassy book club. A hopeful romantic. A guarded cynic. And the kind of chemistry that makes every chapter hotter than the last.

I hope you enjoy the book. Let me know what you think!

My 2025 is starting to shape up. You can find me at these four events with likely one or two more to follow. I’d love to sign a book for you – possibly one of my two 2025 releases! 

Will I see you this year? Let me know!

In February, I’m headed to Florida for ReadOUT Festival! Lots of LGBTQ authors, panels, book sales, and signings. (Might I make a quick pitstop at Disney on the way? I just might.) I’d be so happy to see you at the festival. Stop by, listen to a few panels, get your book signed, and say hello. I’d love it.

So, this is a project I’ve been planning for a long time, and I’m thrilled to finally share it with you. I’ve started my very own Patreon! My goal here is to create a relaxed, behind-the-scenes space where I can connect with you and share more of my work, along with the nitty-gritty of my journey in publishing.

Here, you’ll get exclusive access to early chapters from books not yet released, short stories from past couples, candid conversations about my writing process, updates on upcoming projects, and maybe even some private stories from the publishing trenches! I’ll spill the good industry gossip and talk about what I’ve learned (and am still learning) along the way. Plus, I’ll be offering signed books, exclusive swag, and other fun goodies to show my gratitude for you being here.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me—let’s make this a place where we can enjoy the ride together!

Link to my Patreon Page: https://www.patreon.com/user?u=118222958

Women’s Week in Provincetown, MA is just a month away! Come see me October 16th-19th for book signings, panel discussions, author readings from my most recent release, When You Smile and a Meet and Greet at the cutest little spot on the water, Harbor Lounge. Not only that, but it’s the 40th Anniversary Celebration of Women’s Week with a schedule chocked full of special events, speakers, musicians, comedians, activists, and more. If there was ever a year to attend, this is it! See you there?

Super exciting news to find out that Lucky in Lace (a book that was admittedly a little different than my usual fare) was shortlisted for a Lambda Literary Award! The awards will take place on Tuesday, June 11th in the heart of New York City. I’m super excited to attend and see as many Broadway shows while in town as possible. I was also happy to see two of my Bold Strokes colleagues, Kris Bryant and Georgia Beers, also shortlisted. We will take in the Big Apple together! Stay tuned for photos of our trip!

I’m so happy to announce that I’ll be speaking on a panel later this month (November) discussing all things having to do with series writing. I had a blast writing Soho Loft, Seven Shores, and Tangle Valley and look forward to discussing what went into each and why series are so popular. (I have a lot of thoughts on the topic!)

Joining me on the panel will be authors: Jae, KC Luck, Ann McMan, and Anna Pulley. Plus, we are blessed to have the brilliant, Karin Kallmaker, serve as moderator.

The event will take place over zoom and is free to all attendees.

All you have to do is register here: REGISTER ME!

Have you ever been to Provincetown, Massachusetts? Some call it the perfect destination for LGBTQ travel, and I have to agree. Provincetown celebrates individuality and the queer community like no other place I’ve ever visited. Not only that, but it’s a beautiful little town on the water. I love to sit on the beach with a cup of coffee and just soak it all in.

But I DIGRESS!

I’m excited to be participating in Women’s Week again in Ptown this year October 11-14th. The city blossoms into a celebration of LGBTQ women and their contributions to the arts. We’re talking book discussions/panels, readings, book signings, cocktail hours with your favorite authors, comedy shows, cabarets, softball games, art showings, film screenings, amazing music food and more. There’s so much to do. I never get around to it all, which is my regret each year.

If you have the time and would like to experience Ptown and Women’s Week for yourself, definitely book yourself a place and come hang out. I’ll be participating in events Wednesday-Saturday. The official daily schedule will be going up soon!

I’m always excited to bring my books to you in as many formats as possible (print, ebook, audiobook, and even the interactive gaming app, Chapters). Now, I’m extra thrilled to announce that you can find my first two novels, Waiting in the Wings and Heart Block, on Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited program.

See you on the page flips!