Galleys look like this! These are the unpublished proofs that have been edited (like crazy) and are, as we speak, on their way to being printed and bound into a real book.
My upcoming book FROM THE START, which releases in April, is all about a retired NFL quarterback and a jaded writer of romantic made-for-TV movies. Writing my heroine scriptwriter wasn’t such a stretch for me. Sure, it took a little research to discover where and how Hallmark-esque movies are made. But I felt up for the task.
Writing a football player, though?
Pretty much as foreign as MATH.
And in case you’re not aware of the relationship between math and I, things pretty much ended my junior year of high school when my pre-calc teacher took me aside and kindly explained it might be best NOT to go on to calculus the following year. Oh, sure, I had a brief fling with arithmetic once more in college when I needed the required gen. ed. credit. But from that point on…math and I…DUNZO. [P&R reference, ftw!]
But like a good writer, I did my research on football, got some help, asked questions that probably sounded pretty dumb…and now, you know, I think I can genuinely say I appreciate the sport. I might even watch the Super Bowl on Sunday! And if you’re wondering, I’ll probably cheer for the Seahawks solely because of some free association logic:
Seahawks…hawks…hawkeyes…The Hawkeye State…IOWA!!
In celebration of the big game, my publisher has offered to give away TWO galleys of FROM THE START!
Galleys are unpublished proofs. They’ve been formatted and edited, but books haven’t yet been printed. So this will be is a super fun sneak peek for two people. And if you don’t like football, don’t worry…the book is still chalk full of fun and romance.
Entry is easy and you’ve got until the end of the day Sunday to enter.
Comments 152
Good luck, everyone!!
I’m not a football fan. But if I had to choose it would be the Seahawks. But I’m really into the food and friends part. =)
We are routing for the Patriots!!!! Did hard fans. “Do Your Job”. It’s going to be a close game, but we will do this.
So. I don’t really care who wins the Superbowl. HOWEVER, I do like the Seahawks uniforms AND I like their quarterback. SO…I guess I choose them. 🙂
Seahawks!
I’m not a fan of pro football. I’ll be rooting for the puppy with the Clydesdale ads! 🙂
Have a fantastic weekend!
SEAHAWSK!!!!! Die hard fan here! #GOHAWKS!!!!! I’m so excited for the Super Bowl that my heart has been racing since they won the NFC in that CRAZY game!!! And now that it’s so close to the big game, my sleep is suffering and I’m shaking so hard from the EXCITEMENT!!!! 😀
I’m rooting for the puppies. Yay Puppy Bowl!
Since my team didn’t make it, I don’t really care. But if I had to choose, I’d choose Seattle.
I’m not too sure who I’m rooting for. My guess is Seahawks!
I love the description for this book! It sounds like it will be a good read! Can’t wait to read it!
Good luck everyone! Have fun and stay safe this weekend!
I hope the Seahawks wins.
Seahawks!
Well, since my team didn’t make it, I don’t really care. But for fun I will pick Seattle.
I have to work this Sunday, so I was honestly a tiny bit glad when Green Bay lost- now I don’t care as much that I’ll be missing the Super Bowl. But I would kind of like to go back to a Solid Rock Super Bowl party again- good times!
Seahawks because I’d like to see them when back-to-back and I don’t love the Patriots.
Not too into football either, but if I had to pick, I’d go with the Seahawks.
I can’t wait to get this book and read it! Loved teh other ones. I am rooting for the Seahawks also!
I don’t follow the super bowl. Sorry.
My 9 year old is a huge Green Bay fan so we can’t root for the Sea Hawks which means we will be cheering on the Patriots.
I have been eagerly awaiting the release of this new book!
Seahawks!!!!
I would love to win a copy of your new book and share the word about it! I can’t wait to read it, even if I don’t win it. I know it will be good, and I can’t wait to keep supporting you, Melissa.
No football! I’m a HUGE hockey fan. Stanley Cup is the way to go!!
Seahawks!!!!
Rooting for the Seahawks
Well…since the Lions aren’t in the super bowl, I think I’ll go for the Seahawks cuz their uniforms are prettier
Love football! Can’t wait to read this book!
Just NOT the Patriots…. so by default I suppose that’s Sea”squawcks”.
ack! Forgot to say that I am rooting for the Seahawks! Sad that the Cowboys are not there though… 🙁
I’m not into football, but my family are all Seahawks fans. I grew up in Washington state so I am rooting for the Seahawks.
no favorite – although I have spent most of my years in New England, so guess it should be the Patriots!
Since the Seahawks won last year, I’m cheering on the Patriots! Being from MN though, I’m a Vikings fan 🙂
We are cheering for the Seahawks!! My husband is an original 12th man and I’ve been a fan since the mid-80’s. Love them!! Go HAWKS!!
Patriots all the way!!
This would be really cool to win. I enjoy your books.
Seahawks! I am a Dallas Cowboys fan through and through but since they’re waiting for next year’s Super Bowl, I’m just rooting for whoever is NOT the Patriots! 😉 Go Hawks!
Thanks so much for giving us this opportunity Melissa! Looks sooo good!
~Nicki
I didn’t catch the question. I don’t watch football so it doesn’t matter to me who wins.
I’m not a football fan, but I don’t mind reading about a swoon worthy player lol!
Looking forward to the read. Sounds awesome!
as a diehard Broncos fan, i am not a fan of New England, so I am going with Seahawks.
Hope to win!
don’t like football……but will watch it with my guys they will be watching it…..patriots!..love to win one of tour books
can I root for the food?
Well, since I like your word association that brings it back to the Hawkeye State, I guess I should go for the Seahawks, BUT it’s Patriots all the way for me!!!!! Can’t wait to read your book.
i want the Patriots because I am not a fan of the Seahawks. Wanted Denver but that didn’t happen.
I will probably root for the Seahawks, mostly because I don’t like the Patriots. (Who am I kidding? I’m just there for the commercials….)
Patriots 🙂
Since the Packers are out…Go Seahawks!!
GO SEAHAWKS! Can’t wait for the Big Game OR your awesome book!!
I would say patriots
Cmon seahawks !! ♡
Since we are devoted Buffalo Bills fans in this house and thus we do not like the Patriots, we are rooting for the Seahawks!
Seahawks! 🙂
Seahawks. 1) because my dad can’t stand the Patriots (so he is obviously going for Seattle) and 2) because they beat my Pack, so they darn better win it all!
I enjoy football (grew up in a family with 4 boys), but I probably won’t be watching the Superbowl this year. I don’t like either team 1) Patriots are probably cheaters, and even before that I didn’t like them and 2) The Seahawks beat the Packers (my team). If I had to pick a winner I’d prefer the Seahawks to win, though.
I will be rooting for the Seahawks for my family, but honestly, I’m just there for the commercials and a hopefully good half-time show *fingers crossed*.
I am rooting for the commercials and the snacks!
The underdog and the commericals.
I love NFL football!!! I am pulling for the Seahawks, not because they are my favorite team, but because I don’t particularly care for the Patriots!
I like how you selected the team you are cheering. As an Iowan myself, it takes a lot for me to cheer for anything related to the Hawkeyes. I’m a CYCLONE! 🙂
Anyway, I attend Super Bowl parties for the fellowship, food, and commercials.
Great contest. I am a diehard Patriots fan.
Patriots right now, but that can change any second! Lol. I am not really into football, but do enjoy the excitement and commercials of the Super bowl. 🙂
Seahawks!!!
I cheer for whoever is ahead because other than liking the color of the uniform I don’t know much about football…
This book looks very interesting!!
Sounds like a great book even though my favorite part of super bowl is the commercials!!
I am rooting for the Seahawks. I use to be a Patriots fan, but that is when Bledsoe was quarterback. Let’s go Seattle!!!
I am torn who to cheer for so I just hope for a good game!! Also hoping to win this pre-read!! Fingers crossed!
I will be rooting for the Seahawks. Looking forward to some of the commercials. Will be a fun day.
Patriots
well sure, I’d love to have anything by Ms. Melissa!! read a Christmas short of hers and I’m hooked! I’m a fan!!!
Seahawks! I would love to see them win back to back.
Honestly, I’ll probably be reading a book instead of watching the game.
We actually like both teams this year, but I think we’re officially going for Patriots 🙂
Seahawks!!!!!
Seahawks!
Cool new author for me.
My husband is a huge football fan. If I won this I could sit in the double recliner with him and read while the games are on!!!!
Not much of a football fan. But this is a pretty cool mash up song that is ALL ABOUT this year’s Super bowl. Please go watch it. It’s pretty funny! 🙂
http://youtu.be/Zi7OKs8MVes
Seattle!
Honestly, I’ll probably be reading a book!
I want the Seahawks to win.
I am rooting for the Seahawks! I can’t stand cheaters!
I am not a real football fan. I like our home team (Go Colts) to do well. Rooting for Seahawks as I don’t care for the Patriots.
Honestly, I am not a football fan. However my mom is, so she watches the Super Bowl and as a result, I do know some about the game. Because I DO not like the Patriots (sorry, fans!), I’m hoping the Seahawks win…. but what I’ll really be doing is playing a stack of DVD’s. 😉
seahawks only because I live in Washington lol, but I’m a Broncos fan
love the Patriots! I became a Patriots fan because growing up, my baby brother loved them. They were so horrible so I cheered them on for him. Now I’m a fan myself! 🙂
My team is the Packers. And disappointed that they lost, but if I was to pick a team it would have to be the Seahawks. Because I think there the better team overall.
I’ll be cheering for the Seahawks!
I’m not even sure who’s playing, just that it’s being played in Arizona!
Downton Abbey. WINK.
Seahawks. No offense, Patriot fans, but other than their name and logo reminding me of history (and I love history), I’ve never been a fan. Now the Broncos, and Manning…whole other story.
Everyone else is bragging about your books, hope to win one and read it 🙂
Woohoo! Bring on the game day snacks and commercials. 🙂 And book. Mostly the book.
I’m really not rooting for either team, but I’ll be watching and enjoying the game anyway. 🙂 (My Cowboys didn’t make to the Super Bowl this year.)
Don’t really care who wins. I do like to watch it and the commercials though!
Commercials 🙂
I know there’s a lot of controversy around them, but I’m from New Hampshire so I’m a Patriots fan! Plus, I didn’t see or weigh the footballs so I’m not going to judge and I really only ever watch the Super Bowl for the commercials!
My family (hubby, son, sis-in law, niece) are all HUGE Seahawks fans….so Go Hawks!!! 🙂
I’m a college football fan. But since we live overseas we don’t get many opportunities to be a part of the tailgate parties. Nut we do try to follow our favorites via the Internet. Would love to win! Sounds like such a great read.
Oh dear I am absolutely one of those crazy “12th man” kind of fans. I live in Washington state and believe me the hype is HUGE for our Seahawks and who doesn’t love Russell Wilson- a man of integrity, faith and a huge heart ! So 100% – GO HAWKS!!!
We only watch football during the Superbowl, so we will probably root for the Patriots because we live in the Northeast. We enjoy the commercials, the food, the half time show, and the game, if it’s exciting!
Seahawks! Hope the Seahawks stomps them! Go HAWKS!
cant wait for this book! So Seahawks!!
I don’t really have a preference, but if I had to pick I would say Seahawks because I respect their quarterback, Russell Wilson.
My team didn’t make it this year but if I have to choose I would say the Seahawks!
I’m rooting for the Patriots!
Congratulations on your new book! 🙂
I’m not a fan of either team! But, I guess I will go with Seahawks.
Seahawks
I’m not really into football, but I love Melissa’s books! She’s fabulous!
As my husband says, “Our ‘Super Bowl’ is the ‘Daytona 500’! We won’t be watching the football game.
I not into football either!! but I would love to win a copy of your awesome book!!
Seahawks, and I love the correlation to Iowa Hawkeyes.
Seahawks
The Puppy Bowl puppies! Not into football – every time I try to watch there is a catastrophic injury to one of the players (Can’t like that!)
As much as I love high school and college football… I really couldn’t care less about pro football. So I won’t be watching the Super Bowl or rooting for anyone.
I’ll watch the game just because my husband enjoys my company for it – so I’ll root for whoever he is rooting for:)
My husband was in a blind draw at work and got the patriots. So… if they win, we win. I guess we will root for them. But for us… it’s still HOCKEY SEASON!!!
Seattle Seahawks and thanks for the opportunity to win!
Go Patriots!!!
My team didn’t make it so I am just going say may the best team win.
I pick the Seahawk’s to win the Superbowl!
I am a HUGE Seahawks fan! So of course my pick is the Seahawks. I love Russell Wilson and how he is not afraid to share his faith and how some of his teammates also give glory to God for everything. Love how at the end of the game they will form a circle, kneel down and pray, as well as all the charity work and foundations that the players have and how they give back to there communities. I have most of the players in my Facebook feed and love the pictures that Russell Wilson will put up of his visits to Seattle Children’s Hospital. Great man, Great Team! GOOOO SEAHAWKS!!!
I would love to win a copy of your new book. I love your comment about math. I always say that I have a math phobia. I am a middle school teacher, and that is the one subject that is NOT on my certification and for good reason.
Oh, and I will be supporting the team my husband supprts. Of course, I will have my face in a book while he watches. I am not really a football fan, but it gives me a chance to be with him and read at the same time.
Though strictly a Pittsburgh fan, I will undoubtedly be cheering for the Seahawks, as I will never be a Patriots fan…ever. 😀
Diehard Patriots fan. 🙂
I am not a fan, but I do like to see our local Oregon Ducks win.
Have to admit, we were hoping the Packers would be in this position, so we still have to figure this one out! Ha Ha!
Go Seahawks! I love football. I can’t wait for the book.
I am not a big fan, but I would like to see the Patriots win over the Seahawks.
Don’t have a preference.
Definitely Seattle! I’m just not a Patriots fan!
Neither team!! Will read a book instead!
I love football. My dad had 2 girls so he would have us go out and play ball with him. One of my favorite memories growing up is watching football with my dad!
Patriots 🙂
Seahawks
Thanks for the chance to win!! Not really a fan of football either.
Cool…. I love to read!
I have no preference who wins the Super Bowl this year. I will be reading when it’s on anyways. I would love to have the opportunity to win one of your books. Their personality is awesome, just like yours !
No preference…just watching it with the family (and mostly paying attention to the commercials!)
hoping for clean, no serious injuries game with both teams playing well
Go Seahawks!
I loved your free association thinking on who to cheer for! hahaha. That was great.
Seahawks, as close to home town team as it gets around here.
I’m rooting for food!
I’m spending this cold day, curled up with a book
I’m not a sports person, so even though “my team” is in I could care less who wins lol
I’m not really into football but enjoy the Super Bowl snacks and commercials. This year, I’m staying home to take care of a sick child though. 🙁
I love the Patriots but I want the Seahawks to win. I can not wait for the game.
I’m not a sports fan, don’t care which team wins.
I am not rooting for either team
Not even watching the game, sorry.
The Patriots!!! my daughter is rooting for the Seahawks! lol