Newsletter Sign-up and Freebie Short Stories

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Welcome to the world of Melinda Call! Join my newsletter to get updates on signing events, indie recommendations, and upcoming releases. I promise not to spam your inbox. I’m way too busy with life so expect these quarterly at best. Click the links below to sign up and receive two freebie short stories in the Blood Match universe.

https://dl.bookfunnel.com/vd0l8pef4w

https://dl.bookfunnel.com/ct4db8mg6o

Get to Know Melinda Call

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While I do have a biopage, sometimes pictures speak louder than words so here are a 5 things to help you all get to know me.

All the books are photos of physical copies in my personal library. Swan Song is actually the second battered copy as the first one completely fell apart after reading it so many times. Honestly, picking only 5 was difficult but these are the ones that really stuck out. Please note, all but Swan Song are part of a series so I consider the entire series influencial.

I love movies! Narrowing it down to four was nearly impossible but I felt this shows the broadness of my favorites. “On your left” still makes me tear up to this day. I’m a SAP when it comes to emotional scenes. Give me an entire box of tissues. I’m gonna need them. Missing from this list is What Dreams May Come. I don’t care who you are or where you are in life, watch this movie and prepare to sob. Its good to let it out sometimes.

I took bellydancing for several years and actually performed both in recitals and paying gigs. It is still one of the best and fun workouts. I’d recommend it to everyone, young and old. My day job is Laboratory Liaison at a large cancer center but I did work at the lab bench for decades in virology, neuroscience, and cancer research before transitioning to my current role. I am terrified of inside birds, yet my first writing award was an essay on the Rocky Mountain Bluebird. Go figure.

I think everyone dabbles in random hobbies but baking and gardening have stuck with me the longest. There is actually a bread recipe in my upcoming cozy mystery. Dirt therapy and the love of making outdoor spaces beautiful come from my parents. My garden is hanging on through this crazy heat so I might not be canning nearly as much as I’d hoped this year but there should still be plenty to eat at time of harvest. (Looks at 3 tiny tomatoes from last weekend with pride).

Somehow, my love of animals didn’t make the cut. I’ll make sure to share all my crazy animal adventures in another post soon. Until then, keep reading and hope to see all of you at an in-person event soon!

Summer Update

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2026 has been a rollercoaster with some unexpected hard turns. Not all were bad but have challenged me greatly and forced me to take a deep breath and reset some goals. Including taking a break from everything to go on a vacation with the hubs later this year.

The first thing I’ve had to do was be nicer to myself and realize not all my goals were realistic with all the change happening. For someone who likes to plan to the nth degree, this has been a challenge in itself. The good news is I’m still alive and making progress, even if it is a bit slower than originally planned.

There are still lots of in-person events happening in the second half of this year. Make sure to check my Events 2026 page often as I’m still booking several in October/November/December. Some will be markets and some will be in local bookstores. If you are in Seattle-area, you won’t want to miss the Seattle Book Blast in September.

Eden’s End Book 1 will still be coming this fall with AMAZING new series related swag. This book has been a labor of love including LOTS of research. With all my “life” changes, getting this ready to share has taken longer than anticipated. Rather than a mid-September release, we are now looking at October. This is still perfect as the book is set IN October. I will be shouting release parties from the rooftops as soon as I have a firm release date.

There have been a lot of times I just wanted to give up and hide in my bed, but bills still need to be paid and books need to be written. Every kind word, book review, and new reader who stops by my page or booth keeps me going. Thank you all for sticking with me through the tumultuous first half of 2026. Here’s to a better second half, or at least better gas prices.

Book Signing at FMC in Missoula, Montana

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πŸ·πŸ©ΈπŸ–€ The Blood Match vampire romance series is set in a fictional Missoula, Montana, with a few other places just to keep my characters on their toes. I am thrilled to announce I will be attending a book event on Wednesday, May 20th from 4-7PM at FMC Books on Main Street Missoula! πŸ·πŸ©ΈπŸ–€

πŸ·πŸ©ΈπŸ–€Β Join me in this amazing new bookstore in what will always feel like my hometown. There will be books, freebies, and a series related crossword for a grand prize. FMC always has fun activities on Wednesday nights too. Bonus celebration as my birthday is also happening this same week.πŸ·πŸ©ΈπŸ–€

πŸ·πŸ©ΈπŸ–€πŸ“• Check out this romance based bookshop on their website or on IG. πŸ·πŸ©ΈπŸ–€πŸ“•

Travel Planned for 2026

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This year marks another author milestone for me. I’ll be traveling out of state for author events and I’m beyond excited. I specifically choose locations that allow me to visit family and friends while spreading the word about my books and love of reading. There will still be several events in the Salt Lake valley so if you are a local, you won’t miss out on all the fun.

Make sure to sign up for my newsletter and check my 2026 Events page for updates on where I’ll be. My paranormal cozy mystery series will launch this Fall. Special book launch swag will be available for events only so don’t miss out on the adorable secrets I have planned for this new series.

I hope these small jaunts will just be the beginning to my adventures in authoring. Is authoring a word? Well, it is now. Thanks for coming along for this wild ride. Meeting and seeing the excitement of readers is why I love in-person events and won’t be stopping anytime soon.

Happy Reading!

Thank You for 2025

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2025 was more than my little author heart could have imagined. The final book in the Blood Match trilogy, Blood Empire, was released in May. I did a total of twelve in-person events in the Salt Lake valley and met so many wonderful local authors and readers. Your response to the Blood Match series was overwhelming.

I wanted to give a heartfelt thank you to everyone who supported me and came out to the in-person events. Hearing someone say “Hey! I recognize that book!” or “Look Hon, this is the book I was reading on the drive here.” was like a dream come true.

I didn’t sell millions of copies or go viral but I found my people. The Utah author and market community is like none other. We are here to build each other up and cheer on all victories big and small. Writing may be a solo endeavor but everything that comes after takes a village.

Next year, I will be expanding not only the range of my in-person events but will be working on my first cozy mystery book. Don’t worry, the Blood Match universe isn’t over but it was time to shift to something a little different to keep my muse happy.

Here’s to 2026! Let it be filled with light, achievements, and personal growth.

Utah Author’s Day

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Utah Authors Day is a tradition dating back to the 1930s that was revived by the League of Utah Writers in 2021. This holiday, which is recognized annually with an official declaration from the governor, is a fantastic opportunity to bring writers into their local communities to meet readers and celebrate Utah’s wealth of literary talent.

On December 6th, local bookstores and libraries across the state will be hosting Utah authors for signings, book sales, presentations, and readings. Each venue will determine what events will take place. Follow the link for all locations and authors participating.

I’ll be at Lovebound Library with these other amazing authors. I hope you can stop by to support Utah authors and a wonderful small business in your area.

Schedule below:

  • 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Scarlett Xavier; Mae Thorn
  • 1:00pm – 2:00pm: Keyra K Allred; Melinda Call
  • 3:00pm – 4:00pm: Sara Fitzgerald; Mary Martinez
  • 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm: Emily Cox and Nicole Allen; T.L. Coulter

Creator’s Collective Salt Lake Holiday Market

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Saturday, November 22nd from 11AM – 4PM

South Salt Lake Community Center (2531 S 400 E Salt Lake, UT)

Creator’s Collective presents the Salt Lake Holiday Market. Get ready to shop amazing local vendors, enjoy delicious food trucks, and soak up all the festive vibes. πŸŽ„

❄️ All ages are welcome to this free event. Goodie bags for the first 50 shoppers! ❄️

Help support over 75+ local vendors including fine line tattoos, hollow needle piercings, permanent jewelry, charm bar, books, and so much more. Be ready to check everything off your holiday shopping list both for others and yourself.🎁

The Blood Match series will be available for purchase. This event will also unveil the new custom Blood Match shot glasses. Of course, everyone can spin the prize wheel for some amazing bookish related prizes, some of which are also new and holiday themed.

Enchanted Fall Market

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✨ Enchanted Fall Market βœ¨
πŸ‚ October 25th, 2025 | 10 AM – 4 PM
πŸ“ 3726 E Campus Dr, Eagle Mountain, UT 84005

Step into a world of autumn magic at the Enchanted Fall Market! Hosted by Spellbound Books and Smithcraft Shenanigans, this whimsical event will feature over 25 unique vendors, delicious food trucks, and a mobile bookstore filled with stories and cozy fall vibes.

Wander through a marketplace of handmade crafts, seasonal treats, and enchanting finds. Many vendors will be offering special incentives, discounts, and prize drawingsβ€”each one a little different, and all worth exploring!

Costumes and festive attire are absolutely encouraged, so come dressed to embrace the magic of the season. Whether you’re shopping, snacking, or spellbound by the fall spirit, it’s sure to be a day full of charm and community.

🍁 Free admission | Family-friendly | Local vendors | Magical vibes guaranteed! 

✨ My booth will be offering $5 off the first five book purchases! Halloween candy and Halloween themed prize wheel prizes will also be available while supplies last. Check some holiday shopping off your list, even if you’re shopping for yourself.

Utah Reader’s Fest

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Fall in love with books again! Join me and dozens of other Utah authors, Saturday, October 11th at the Viridian Event Center in West Jordan, Utah. This event is all ages and admission is free.

There is a book drive to help support the West Jordan education programs. Visit the food trucks for yummy treats. Yours truly will be doing a reading at 7pm.