Melissa Darby grew up in the small town of Atwater, Ca. She began writing poetry at the age of 15. Finding inspiration from heartbreak and love. The free verse poetry that she discovered, helped her get through some of the toughest times. In 2006, She had an urge to write a story. One based on the town she grew up in and the friends she had. A Teenage Life was published in May of 2007. A Grown Up Life, followed shortly after in March of 2009. Unfortunately, the publisher had not given her an editor. Even with that happening, those who read her books, really loved the story. Just recently she had two free verse poetry books published. In the Mirror and Undone. The collection of poems span from 2008 to present. They are a reflection of her and she hopes that her words can help. She is always working on something new. From Zombie slayers to an Empath just trying to get through high school. Her imagination never ends.
Melissa's Works
The Girl
I'm the girl they want But they never want to keep I'm left standing cold The wind rips through my soul I'm the girl they don't think twice to leave behind My tears become icicles an empty heart I walk through the icy waters Waiting for the warmth Lingering words Hurtful light I'm the girl they want But never want to keep They never put up a fight I've been bruised while they walk off without a scratch Or an honest goodbye I'm left wading in all their lies
____________________________________________________
Why Can’t I Stay?
I see the mountains
The rolling hills in the distance
I want to break free
Run within the trees
I’ am afraid of my existence
The flowers bloom
I lay in the open field
I smell the sweet fragrance
That surrounds their day
Why can’t I stay?
I no longer want to worry
I no longer want to be afraid
The stars beckon for my attention
The moon sits lonely in the distance
Will I be able to resist it?
The coldness of the night
Burns me deep inside
I’m unable to fight the
Numbness that has been given to me
I want to break free
Author Interview
What inspired you to write your first book?
My very first book was called, A Teenage Life. I was thinking about when I was a teenager. The town I grew up, the friends that I had, and my experiences. So I just thought to myself, I’m going to write a book! And I did. It took 6 months to write and The sequel, A Grown Up Life took a whole year.
How did you come up with the titles of each book?
With my current books that have been published. They are Poetry books, free verse. I came up with In The Mirror based on a poem I wrote. Poetry is always a reflection of the writer. So I thought In The Mirror was perfect. For Undone, It is also a title of one of the poems. But I also saw it as these are all the poems that didn’t make it to my first poetry book.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
My poetry is very personal. All the emotions and the things that I have experienced through out my life. I hope that when someone reads my poetry that they can relateand I hope that it can help.
What books have most influenced your life most?
I’ve always loved reading since I was a child. The book that really influenced me was the R.L. Stine Fear Street series. I had every book and I looked forward going to the bookstore. I regret to this day, giving those books away.
If you had to choose, which writer would you consider a mentor?
Sylvia Plath was an amazing writer. I remember when I was a teenager walking the halls of my high school reading her books.
What book are you reading now?
I was reading Richelle Meads, Georgina Kinkade Series. I also loved her Vampire Academy Series. I' am just starting the 5th book in The Mortal Instrument Series by Cassandra Clare. Amazing!
What are your current projects?
I always have current projects coming to mind. I had started a Zombie book. I love Zombies and I find them very interesting. I’m on Chapter 4, Hopefully I can be less distracted and finish. The working title is, Zombie Slayers.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your books ?
I wouldn’t change anything. I think the only thing I would change is the publishing company for my first two books. I never received an editor and they were published that way. Which, I think as a writer it’s embarrassing for someone to see errors. But those who did read it, enjoyed it despite the errors.
Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
The earliest I remember, Is in Junior high and we had to write a short story. I wrote a story and my teacher submitted it to a contest. I had actually won a ribbon and everything. I didn’t really start writing, writing till around the age of 15. I found that poetry really helped deal with all those feelings that you rarely understand at that age
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
With my books, other then poetry. The most challenging is getting past Chapter 4. I’ve had a very hard time staying focused.
What was the hardest part of writing your book?
Both poetry books weren’t hard to write. I had already had a huge collection and just put them in order,
What would you do in a zombie apocalypse?
Such an awesome question. I love the whole Idea of Zombies. But I would probably be terrified. I would probably be one of the first to die.
If you could be any paranormal creature what would you be and why?
Hmmm.. Paranormal creature.. I think it would be a Vampire. I think it would be fun.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
I just hope that my words can touch someone. Words are so powerful. I feel that if you can really get into a book or a poem. That you have that emotional connection, it’s one of the best feelings in the world. I hope that my writing can do that for someone
Fav Movie ?
My favorite movie of all time is Buffy The Vampire Slayer. When I was a kid I had it on VHS and watched it so much I had to get a new one. I also am a huge fan of the TV Show. I just think in general, Joss Whedon is a genius.
Fav band right now ?
Recently I found Lissie, she has such an amazing voice. It’s a voice that’s so inspiring to me.
Fav food and drink ?
Right now coffee is my favorite drink. I didn’t get to really have caffeine while I was pregnant. So now I just want it every day. Food it varies, But I love pasta. I also love potatoes.
Well done. I believe I might need to check out one of the poetry books.
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