Author Archives: Melanie
Huge Thanks to The Coil
Thanks to The Coil magazine for including an excerpt from Malawi’s Sisters. If you haven’t read the book and not sure if you want to get it, maybe this piece will help you decide: Downstairs: An Excerpt from ‘Malawi’s Sisters’
Discussing Race and Crime in America
I had a wonderful visit to the Virginia Festival of the Book in Charlottesville, Va. in March. I was able to be both a reader in the audience of some engaging panel discussions, as well as a presenter on stage. My appearance … Continue reading
2019 Reads for the Rest of Us
What a thrill to be included in Karla Strand’s amazing list, “2019 Reads for the Rest of Us” for Ms. Magazine. Karla writes: “As a reader, I’m always surprised at how challenging it can be to quickly locate books written by … Continue reading
CSPAN BookTV Famous!
I was honored to be included in the inaugural African American Breakfast Party, hosted by children’s author Caroline Brewer to kick off the African-American Read-In event founded by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE). It was … Continue reading
Pre-order Malawi’s Sisters Now Available
Malawi’s Sisters is now available for pre-order from Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Order it now and it’ll be immediately shipped to you in March (publication day is March 15, 2019). Buy it for yourself, or as a gift (or … Continue reading
When Your Life Gets Dumped Out on the Curb
Walking home, “Tiana” tried to rush her three children passed a pile of belongings that had been dumped on the street – the sign of a recent eviction from her apartment building. “Mommy, are those our things?” asked her daughter. … Continue reading
We Have a Cover
We have finalized a cover for “Malawi’s Sisters,” due for release from Four Way Books next spring, and I hope you love it as much as I do. Many thanks to Four Way Books associate director, Ryan Murphy, who designed … Continue reading
Malawi’s Sisters Coming in 2019
I’m thrilled to announce that my novel, “Malawi’s Sisters,” was selected by Edwidge Danticat as the winner of the inaugural Kimbilio National Fiction Prize. My novel will be published in the spring of 2019 by Four Way Books. I’m especially honored to have Ms. … Continue reading
Panelist at AWP17 Conference
I’m excited to announce I will be participating on two panel discussions at the Association of Writers and Writing Programs, the largest literary conference in North America, being held in Washington, D.C. next month. The annual event attracts more than … Continue reading
Legacy Award Brings Together Writing Heroes
What a fabulous experience I had at this year’s ceremony for the Hurston/Wright Foundation Legacy Awards. The event was at the Washington Plaza hotel on Friday, Oct. 21. After more than 20 years, I had the chance to chat briefly with … Continue reading
