Backchannels

It’s been a terribly difficult, tiring, anxious, confusing time, hasn’t it? Feels like we went to sleep at the end of February, and woke up in a stark dystopian novel in March.

My emotions are a snarl of quicksilver uncertainties and kindnesses and fears and back again. I feel so inarticulate, because even this attempt at description doesn’t come anywhere near close enough to the realities we’re living in.

We’ve been self-quarantining for three weeks here on the East Coast, and the governor has just issued a stay-at-home warning through April 30th; I know many states and communities have already been stay-at-home quarantining. May this keep us safe and save many, many lives. <3

As we all try to adjust to unprecedented circumstances that COVID-19 has triggered, sending you my best.

A special shout out to medical personnel, emergency crews, store clerks and other necessary-business personnel, my fellow teachers, and parents at this time— your compassion and bravery make a difference.

I’ve been making art, pondering and reflecting, walking into rooms only to stare into space with perplexity, sharing with students and friends and family, trying to listen more than I usually do, grateful for work online, and attempting to get rest whenever it’s possible (sometimes, it’s just not been possible, as we all know).

How are you coping, dear ones?

I’ve waited to blog until I had GOOD NEWS. Can’t we all use some good news right about now? One of my poems was just published at Backchannels.

Please feel free to share your good news and gratefulness, no matter how big or small, to uplift us in the barrage of near-constant virus coverage.

Sending big virtual hugs (I so miss hugging) and much love and health to you all.

By Ron Smith on Unsplash

New Year, New Writing: I've Got the Inspiration Station for You

This is your year! Invest in your writing dreams in 2020!

• Write poetry? Try Poetry Power! for signed copies or Poetry Power for print and ebook copies via Amazon.

What writers are saying about Poetry Power: “After reading Poetry Power, I feel confident that yes! I could be a poet. Melanie takes her readers by the hand and walks them through the whole process of writing, publishing, editing and loving poetry. Little personal vignettes scattered throughout Poetry Power made me feel like Melanie was a friend. It was as if we were in a writing group together and she was sharing her writing secrets. Each chapter ends with a Try this Prompt that are easy and exciting to try.” —Tricia L. McDonald, Writer and CEO Splattered Ink Press

• Write fiction or nonfiction? Try In a Flash for signed copies or In a Flash for print and ebook copies via Amazon.

What writers are saying about In a Flash: “Written in lively prose, and full of terrific prompts and great examples of the form, this book captures all the potential of flash prose pieces and crystallizes it expertly for the reader, whether novice or advanced.” Fred G. Leebron, director of writing programs in Charlotte, Roanoke, Gettysburg and Latin America, and Pushcart Prize and O.Henry Award recipient

• Love photography AND writing? Try Photography for Writers for signed copies or Photography for Writers for print and ebook copies via Amazon.

  What writers are saying about Photography for Writers: “If you’re a writer (or photographer!) that’s tired of the same old how-to books, then you’re in luck. Melanie’s advice takes you on a delightful tour of the creative world in a way you haven’t seen yet. Her voice and ideas will spark ideas - you’ll be laughing and learning but also producing! This book is a treat!"
  –Kandace Chapple, publisher and writer of Grand Traverse Woman magazine

• Signed book bundles available at: WritePath Productions.

I'm Featured Author at Burningword Literary Journal :)

Super excited to announce that I’m Featured Author this month at Burningword Literary Journal.

• Check out my poetry here: “Clean out” and “First Bite” poems.

• Consider submitting your work  (between now and March 10th), here: Submissions.

• Also, consider supporting the journal and purchasing the issue, jam-packed with wonderful artistic works, here: Issue 93.

Welcome to the World, Photography for Writers!

At long last, it’s release day for my new book, Photography for Writers!

Buy your copy today at Vine Leaves Press. Signed copies also available, via my WritePathProduction Etsy Shop or via pm.

Photo by Adi Goldstein on Unsplash .

Poem Publication : "Lines Composed after Purchasing a 2020 Planner"

Thrilled to announce that my poem, “Lines Composed after Purchasing a 2020 Planner” was published in the current issue of Verse of Silence.

For my fellow poets and writers, the editors accept submissions at Verse of Silence Submissions.

Like this image I made? Prints available at Write Path Productions.

Like Writing down the Bones and The Artist's Way?

Just in time for NaNoWriMo! If you liked Bird by Bird and other craft books, check out In a Flash and these nifty videos my awesome publisher created.

Writing down the Bones style

Writing coach and publishing advisor style

Invest in your writing today. All three titles in my Flash Writing series are now available, including the pre-order for Photography for Writers.

"Big Shot"

Pleased to share the latest poem from my Particle collection, with illustrations from the talented @annabelle_fern .

Free Kindle Saturdays at FutureCycle Press

My poetry publisher, FutureCycle Press, is offering titles as part of Free Kindle Saturday for a limited time. My book, This Passing Fever, will be a part of the promotion. Check it out at: Free Kindle Saturdays Poetry .

For a signed copy: check out my Etsy page: This Passing Fever, Signed.

For unsigned copies, try Amazon: This Passing Fever at Amazon .

One reader’s review: “This book of poems provides a first-hand account, along with some historical perspective, of the 1918 Influenza epidemic in one small town. Beginning with a childhood rhyme, Melanie traces the spread of the epidemic through the town, to Camp Funston in Kansas and back to the mothers and fathers, husbands and wives, and the children felled by this epidemic and to those who survive. Bringing home the futility felt by all and most assuredly the medical professionals in the town, the book is a heart-rending account of this difficult time. In addition to the personal poems that Melanie has imagined, she has used information gathered from oral interviews, documentaries and reports to pull focus back to get the wider view of the impact of the epidemic. The poems capture your imagination and the reader is drawn to the next and the next to discover the fate of the people one comes to know. Highly recommended.”

Another reader’s review: “Through tears and sighs and a pause or two to take a deep breath before continuing, I read this amazing poetry collection cover to cover in one sitting The initial poem snatched me from the present and immediately immersed me in small-town life during the 1918 influenza pandemic. This wasn't so much a history lesson, it was a journey through the eyes of those who experienced the helplessness and horror of losing neighbors, friends, teachers, parents, siblings - and the strength demanded of them to hold onto their hope and faith. I wasn't just the reader, I was in Kansas in 1918 with the folks in these poems. I could see, hear, touch, taste, and feel what it was like to live through the epidemic. That's the power and precision of Melanie Faith's writing. Read this poetry collection and share it.”

"Takeaways"

Happy September!😁 New month, new piece to reveal from my Particle manuscript -in-progress.

With another fantastic illustration by @annabelle_fern .😊

"A Study in Monochrome" Published

Wondrous news: another poem from my Particle manuscript was published at Severine. Check out “A Study in Monochrome.”