What's going on?

Work with Melissa

I love doing events that encourage children (or adults) to engage with the wonder of stories, peeling back the layers to self discovery and exploring the world around them.

I am available for story sessions, school visits, presentations, panel discussions, and picture book writing workshops/masterclasses either in-person or online. I am also available for creative commissions.

Please get in touch to discuss how I can work with you to deliver a meaningful and memorable experience or product.

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Next month...

PURPOSE AND COMMUNITY: Why We Write and Who We Write For. I'm excited to be part of a panel presenting at the University of Cheltenham & Gloucester as part of their Creative Writing Day on the 29th Nov. Tickets are FREE so do take a look: https://www.glos.ac.uk/event/creative-writing-festival-2025/

BOOKISH NEWS...

Book launch antics

It was such a treat to be able to celebrate with fabulous critique partner and writing friend, Lucy Tandon Copp, as she launched her first book baby into the world. 'A Love As Full As the Moon' is an exquisite tale of mixed cultures, true identity and belonging, published by Puffin with gorgeous images by Sienna Younsen Kim, and Hayley's Cupcakes - that cake was so good! As a happy side effect, I got to hang out with everyone from our brilliant writing group (known as PB7) and meet some other lovely writing industry folk.

Thanks to Waterstones Victoria for hosting.

Cheltenham Literature Festival

This year's festival magic in my home town was packed with big names and brilliance. Favourites included Frank Cottrell-Boyce talking about the Reading Revolution and meeting Michael Morpurgo.

Teaching with Spark Young Writers

This month I started work with young writers in their local library. I'm only a support worker but it was amazing to see them freely

Writing!

I'm always working on new stories, wherever I am. Ideas are everywhere and I have endless scribbled notes and half completed drafts! I also work with two amazing critique groups - PB7 (thanks to WriteMentor) in the UK, and Working Titles in the USA. They keep the wheels turning and I am eternally grateful to them :)

Never stop learning

London Book Fair

My first time at this enormous industry event. I was so happy to grab a moment with some of amazing PB7 writers and we all frantically scribbled notes at the author events. But it also made us realise what small cogs we are in the vast machine that is publishing. So much going on and exciting things to come for all of us in this little group!

Editing

I've always spent a lot of time editing and polishing work, usually producing at least a dozen versions of any one story before my agent sees it. But now that I am lucky enough to be working with professional editors I'm really carving out time to focus on research and specific word choices, international appeal etc and I'm learning lots of new things.

Deadlines dead ahead! (Actually I secretly love deadlines - they get me fired up - a hangover from the days of journalism I guess!)

Never stop learning!

Just got back from another incredible SCBWI Picture Book Retreat. I've been a couple of times now and it's always jam-packed with inspiration and learning and brilliant people (including the awesome Leo Timmers this year!). Children's book people are always so nice! A real treat.

I love doing in-person events and making connections whenever possible, but whether it's real life or online I can't get enough of learning about writing and stories, how picture books work and the industry itself.