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

Super excited about my latest publication in Hippocampus Magazine about how finishing a large project can make one feel artistically lost and alone.  Don't worry - there's a (semi) happy ending. Check it out! "Living by Lists" Hippocampus Magazine, December 2018

"It was harder then I remembered. First of all, it was difficult to find out where the writers were. I mean, how do adult writers find each other outside of a classroom setting? I even briefly considered going back to school for a graduate degree, but decided that (a) it was too expensive and (b) … Continue reading On Playing the Field: Searching for the perfect writing group

SUUUUUPER excited to announce that I got my first ever fiction award!  EEK! My short story Last Run placed second in the 2019 Bucks County Short-Fiction Contest.  It's a great contest, focused on encouraging local writers, and this year was judged by Elizabeth LaBan, author of The Tragedy Paper and The Restaurant Critic's Wife. AND … Continue reading Winner: Bucks County Short-Fiction Contest

Check out my latest article for Montclair Local: an interview with sex writer Steph Auteri on her soon-to-be-released memoir, A DIRTY WORD. Montclair Local: Steph Auteri is Writing Life, and Writing Sex

Hello, all!  Catching up after a busy summer of writing and working.  Super excited to announce my recent publications in Sum Journal, Unlost Journal of Found Poetry & Art, and Montclair Local.  Links to all of my stories, poetry and journalistic musings below.  Enjoy! Dear Jacqueline - Flash fiction about the day President Kennedy was buried and the people … Continue reading Recent publications: Sum Journal, Unlost Journal, Montclair Local

My latest column, The X Factor or How a Retreat Can Focus the Mind, is up at Montclair Local about how you can have a mini-writers retreat anywhere.