An Interview with Melissa DelMonego

Melissa DelMonego has been a corporate event planner for more than thirty years. She has an unwavering passion for organizing and leading projects to successful completion. Now, Melissa shares her expertise and productivity techniques to help others experience a greater sense of achievement in their daily lives. She helps others be their best: more focused, empowered, and accomplished through offering simple, yet highly effective strategies for planning, moving forward and achieving goals.

Think Like a Planner shows you how to know yourself better, understand what works for you, and then create a plan that is unique, one that sets YOU up for success; stay on task and motivated along the way; and overcome obstacles that keep you stuck and frustrated.

Melissa was born in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. She has a Business Degree in Marketing from Susquehanna University. When not working, Melissa enjoys planning trips and sharing new adventures with her family. Her happy place is in the mountains. Favorite activities include skiing, fitness training, hiking, writing, cooking, and being in nature. Melissa resides with her husband in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania.

You can learn more by visiting her website at www.thinklikeaplanner.com.

Tell us the story of your book’s title. Was it easy to find, or did it take forever?

I had the concept for my book in my role as an Event Planner while interacting with meeting attendees and understanding their struggles and need for “soft skills training that could go beyond clinical education and increase their productivity and effectiveness both as employees and as individuals. On the topics of how to increase focus, stay on task, and move goals forward, I felt that I had something to offer that would benefit others. The title actually came to me after listening to an interview with an Aerospace Engineer in which he talked about his book “Think Like an Aerospace Engineer” and what it takes to excel as an Aerospace Engineer. What he was saying spoke to what I was thinking: that everyone has unique gifts that can benefit others. My goal in writing this book is to help others be their best: more focused, empowered, and accomplished. Beyond the specific strategies and exercises, the book is really about getting to know oneself better and setting oneself up for success. This is a unique path. It is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. It takes time to make time and having a plan is key!

How did it feel when you first saw your book cover? Or when you first held your book in your hands?

It was tremendously thrilling to see the design of my book cover after giving input to the design team. They provided several options, but the very first option is the one I selected! They nailed it! It was the first time I felt my book come to life. I absolutely love the mountain image as it represents overcoming challenges and accomplishing goals AND it speaks to something near and dear to my heart, my love of the mountains and being in nature. Holding my book in my hands as a finished product for the first time was extremely gratifying as it is quite a journey to get from point A to point B in writing a book and along the way, you wonder if it will all come together! Atmosphere Press makes the process easy and enjoyable.

What was the most rewarding/meaningful part of publishing your book?

The most meaningful aspects of publishing my book have been the sense of accomplishment I felt when it was complete and the positive feedback I’ve received from others. I also discovered that I thoroughly enjoy writing, something I hadn’t realized before I began this process. Identifying others who can help you overcome obstacles and keep the process going is critical to success. I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish this goal if it were not for others around me who provided their skillsets and encouragement along the way.

What is one thing you hope readers take away from reading your book? How do you envision your perfect reader?

I hope readers will walk away with a greater understanding of themselves, what makes them tick, what works for them in terms of setting themselves up for success. I also hope readers will walk away with a greater belief in themselves, what they absolutely are able to accomplish with some simple tools and perhaps different ways of thinking. And I hope readers will be kind to themselves, understanding that change is not easy, but it is doable. And having some simple strategies can help drive that change. I want readers to feel focused, empowered, and ultimately accomplished!

What new writing projects are you currently working on? Or, other projects that are not writing?

At the moment, I am focused on promoting my book and finding ways to reach my audience: folks who are looking to re-energize, organize, and identify new approaches to stay on task and move forward. Beyond book sales, I am seeking ways to engage with my audience via author meet & greets, interactive sessions and discussion groups. And, of course, I am balancing those activities with normal day-to-day responsibilities. However, I do enjoy writing and have thoroughly enjoyed becoming an author so who knows? Perhaps there will be another book project in my future!

How was working with Atmosphere Press? What would you tell other writers who want to publish?

For anyone who is considering writing a book or who has written a manuscript, I would suggest reaching out to Atmosphere Press. I was introduced to Atmosphere Press by another author and friend of mine who had just published with them. It can be overwhelming to evaluate publishing companies and if you are unfamiliar with the publishing world, as I was, it can be confusing. Atmosphere Press has a simple, highly effective process (see why I like them?) that walks writers through each step – from editing to cover design to interior design to publication – that enables writers to create a finished product, something I did not have the skillset to do without hiring multiple professionals and then managing the entire process myself. It enabled me to focus on my role – content – while others focused on their areas of expertise. And everyone with whom I interacted was extremely positive and supportive, providing motivation along the way. Working with Atmosphere Press made becoming an author a reality. Thank you, Atmosphere Press!

Are you a writer, too? Submit your manuscript to Atmosphere Press.