Melissa Ferguson is a bestselling romantic comedy author who lives in East Tennessee with her family. Ferguson’s whimsical and heartwarming stories are pure fun, complete with quirky side characters and humorous plots.
Ferguson is visiting your Library on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 6 p.m. for an author talk and book signing. She’ll speak about her novels, creative writing process, and unconventional journey to becoming a rom-com writer.
Thanks to a partnership with Atlas Books, Ferguson’s books will be for sale at the event.
Ferguson has firmly established herself as an up-and-coming presence in the rom-com genre since publishing her first novel, The Dating Charade, in 2019. She is an incredibly prolific writer, with seven novels and several short stories. Her latest book, The Perfect Rom-Com, will be released on Tuesday, Feb. 11.
You can find all of Ferguson’s books in the Library’s physical collection, as well as in ebook and audiobook formats through the Libby app.
We got to talk with Ferguson about her evolution as an author and how she thinks about her genre and craft.
When did you realize you wanted to be a writer?
Growing up and in college, being a writer never crossed my mind. I’m extremely extroverted and writing is an isolating experience. But in 2011, my husband got a temporary job in Ohio that was supposed to last six weeks, and I went with him. I was alone in an extended stay apartment all day with no job, no friends, no hobbies, no money, with literally nothing to do from sunrise to sunset, bored out of my mind.
One day I saw “Twilight” on TV, and then soon after saw a girl with a Twilight tattoo on her neck. In that moment I thought, “Stephanie Meyer’s [author of the “Twilight” series] work is so influential that this girl committed to a tattoo!” It got me thinking, “Books are so powerful. I wonder if it’s possible for me to write something with my own messages that would affect people that deeply?”
Since I had nothing but time and a laptop, the next day I started writing. Creating an imaginary world hooked me. I told my husband,
“I’ve stumbled into something, and I don’t think I’m ever going to be able to stop.”
We ended up in Ohio for a year, and I spent it sitting on our air mattress, writing my first book.
Your story plots are so fun and creative. Where do you find inspiration?
My story ideas always start with the thought, “Wouldn’t it be funny if…” or “What would happen if…”. The premise takes root and goes from there.
I also write what I live. All my plots include elements of what I’m going through, thinking about, or interested in at that particular time. I also show up in every single book, usually as the neurotic sister or the crazy best friend!
What is it about rom-coms that draws you to the genre?
I spent four years working on my first novel, a fantasy book, and then two more years after that with an agent trying to get it published, only to be met with hundreds of rejections. That book has still never seen the light of day! My agent at the time suggested I pivot to romance instead because it’s an easier genre to break into. I said,
I don’t enjoy regular romance novels, they’re too boring. But I think rom-coms are a hoot.”
So that’s where I landed. My first rom-com was published in 2019.
My stories probably have more character development and less romance than is typical for the genre. There’s a lot of comedy and heartwarming side characters in my books that make the stories fun. The main character is always going through something and growing, while finding love along the way.
Can you tell us what you’re currently working on?
Yes! I’ve got two projects in the works right now that I am so excited about: a murder mystery rom-com and a children’s book. So be on the lookout for those in the next year.
Learn more about Melissa Ferguson’s work, and follow her on Instagram for daily updates about her experiences as an author, mom, and farmhouse lifestylist.
Visit our events calendar to find more exciting programs for adults. Follow Johnson City Public Library on Facebook and Instagram to receive updates about Library programs, collections, and services.
