Let's face it.  Things are pretty terrible right now. Even I, an eternal optimist, have been struggling to see the glimmer of light ahead as anything other then an oncoming train. But in this terrible time, I do think its important to note the good things that are happening: summer mornings in the herb garden, … Continue reading Latest for Montclair Local: Writing Community, Pandemic Edition

It seems like a year since I last updated my blog about the release of THE JERSEY DEVIL, though its only been a few weeks.  Since then, I've been sheltering-in-place with my family, and so far everyone is healthy and safe and we were able to obtain an Easter ham. You know how partial I … Continue reading Montclair Local: “Thank You Artists Everywhere”

I am so pleased to announce that THE JERSEY DEVIL: A COLLECTION OF UTTER SPECULATION is available for purchase today on Amazon (Paperback or Kindle). It's been quite a wild ride these past couple of months, and I couldn't have done it without the support of all of the other writers in the anthology as … Continue reading THE JERSEY DEVIL is Available Today

I am so psyched to announce that my latest short story "Land of Hopes and Dreams" will be featured in THE JERSEY DEVIL from Utter Speculation Publications. And today is cover release day! WOOT! So happy to be included in this anthology along with my fellow writers: LCW Allingham, H.A. Callum, River Eno and Susan … Continue reading Presenting THE JERSEY DEVIL: a Collection of Utter Speculation

Jo March. Anne Shirley. Ramona Quimby.  They were all the stars of my childhood. In my latest for Montclair Local, I turn back to the original carrot-headed Canadian and rediscover what made Anne Shirley so kick-ass in the first place... Check it out: Anne of Green Gables, and Audiences

As an artist, promoting your art can be THE WORST.  Don't they know that we are introverts?!?!  Or at least, really awkward around people? In my latest for Montclair Local, I take a lesson from history and buck up the courage to promote my own work, even at the cost of looking a little bit … Continue reading Latest for Montclair Local: “The art of shameless self-promotion”

Only ten days late, here is my latest article on the power of the deadline and how it can be harnessed for good: "Deadlines have always had a strong power over me. When I was in fifth grade, my middle school started handing out planners: skinny eight-by-11 books with flimsy laminate covers and a plastic … Continue reading Latest for Montclair Local: How to Harness the Power of the Deadline

  "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 … Continue reading Montclair Local: Writing as an Explosion

Super excited to announce my latest publication!  On February 14, my flash fiction short story "The Fall of Icarus" was included in the inaugural issue of Nightingale and Sparrow Literary Magazine with the theme of "flight." A piece of historical fiction (which I'm really beginning to dig writing, by the way), "The Fall of Icarus" gives … Continue reading New Publication: “The Fall of Icarus”

I am beyond thrilled and honored to announce that my short story Dear Jacqueline was nominated by the fine folks over at Sum Journal for a Pushcart prize! Champagne and New Year's horns for everyone! For those that may not be aware, the Pushcart Prize strives to honor the best writing appearing in literary magazines … Continue reading Pushcart Nomination: “Dear Jacqueline” in Sum Journal