“Mel — why don’t you tell us what you’re working on?”

“For me, this question is the worst. While I adore talking about writing in general and receiving feedback on my completed and semi-edited drafts, I am superstitious when it comes to discussing my works-in-progress (or WIP, for those in the know). If I am in the middle of a new story, I refuse to talk about specifics — not the subject, the plot or any details — with anyone, including my sainted husband. I need to hold all of it my head, without any escape, allowing the pressure of the story to build like gases in a volcano about to erupt…”

See more on on why writing is an explosion in my latest column for the Montclair Local.