I’m honored to be included in the 10th anniversary of the JaxbyJax Literary Arts Festival, December 1 – 3, at the FSCJ Kent Campus. This year’s lineup has so much to offer in memoir and creative nonfiction as well as talented local authors in other genres like poetry, fiction, and spoken word.

My manuscript is in a holding pattern as I brave the query trenches—a situation akin to dating in which, rather than looking for a romantic partner, I’m seeking a literary agent to represent and sell my work. Here’s what I’ve been reading and writing while I wait.

I have a personal essay coming out this fall in The Banyan Review about converting my lawn into a yard with purpose. My adventures in environmentally conscious landscaping have been somewhat of an inspiration to friends. So to those of you following in my footsteps and cursing the weeds taking over your mulched beds, I feel the need to disclose a dirty secret.

I couldn’t be more thrilled to have an article in Jacksonville Mom about a topic near and dear to both my personal life and my writing. If you read nothing else related to Pride Month, please consider reading this and sharing it with someone you think might benefit from the questions it poses.

Creativity runs in my blood. Before I took the plunge into my writing career, I watched my mom dive into her work as an artist. In our personal and creative lives, we shadow each other frequently. That’s why I’m so proud to have my latest piece published next to my mom’s artwork in the new Anthology of Women’s Voices, produced by Women Writing for a Change, Jacksonville.

Did you miss my reading at Jax by Jax? This adapted excerpt of my memoir-in-progress is the moment I thought back to when I first started questioning my sexual identity. Standing out is always a risk. Here’s the best and worst of what can happen when we go all-in.

I’m proud to announce I’ve been selected to read my work at the JaxbyJax Literary Arts Festival Saturday, October 16 at 2:30pm. Here’s how to attend and what to expect.

I’ve reached the point in writing memoir where moving forward requires me to ditch the metal diving suit. If discussions about sexuality and gender make you uncomfortable, now is the time to look away. My name is Melissa, and I’m questioning my sexual identity.