Melanie S. Hatter

I’m super excited to announce that my short story collection, “Let No One Weep for Me: Stories of Love and Loss,” is now available for pre-order as an e-book (see above for where to order). The official publication date is May 7 and the paperback edition will be available soon.

These are short stories I’ve written over the years. When I reviewed them all together, I noticed a theme of love and loss – failed relationships, troubled families and heartbreaks. There is some hope in there, as well, but they reflect the struggles we often experience in our lives.

About half of them were published in small literary magazines, but are likely new to most of you. Some I had written more than 10 years ago. Every so often I would reread the stories that had not been published and make tweaks until, finally, I felt I needed to release them to the world.

It’s true what they say, stories are like your children. It was time to let them go to make their own way, without me continuing to fuss over them. These are not stories a big publishing house would be interested in, so I thought I would publish them myself. I’m releasing them to the world and hope they bring some enjoyment to you.

I give enormous thanks to Richard Peabody and Donna Britt who both provided encouraging words on the collection. And a huge thanks to my son, Chris Darden, who designed the cover, and to many friends who provided feedback along the way.

Thanks to so many of you for your support and encouragement.

Had a fabulous day at Banneker High School in Washington, D.C. on Thursday; I spent time with three of Ms. Clare Berke’s 9th grade classes. Although all ended well, the day had a troublesome beginning — my car wouldn’t start. I had my fingers crossed it was just the battery, but feared I would be on the hook to replace the starter. Eugh! Plus it was the coldest day ever. However, lucky soul that I am, my neighbors, Tom and Suzanne, were out, and Suzanne offered me her car to get me to the school. My savior! Despite the delay, I made it on time to meet my escort, Nancy, a wonderful retired teacher who volunteers with the PEN/Faulkner Foundation.

I love these school visits, which are sponsored by the PEN/Faulkner Foundation’s Writer’s in Schools program. The kids always have great questions that often get me thinking about my novel in a new way. I especially appreciate that my book, The Color of My Soul, has become a fairly popular selection in the D.C. schools. One question that arose a few times from the teens was, “What audience is your book written for.” Originally, I saw it as a book for women of color in their 20s-40s, but I have been pleased to discover that high-school girls and boys are enjoying the story and connecting with the characters and the themes of identity, race and culture.

Thank you Ms. Berke and PEN/Faulkner!

Oh, and my car? Fortunately a call to AAA got the battery re-charged and I didn’t have to purchase a new one. Phew!

Sending my best wishes to all for a happy new year!

“It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace.” ~ Agnes M. Pharo

Read my end-of-year blog.

It’s always exciting to get a story published. Many thanks to Memphis Vaughan, editor of TimBookTu, for selecting my short story, “New Clothes,” to be included in the site’s Summer Quarter. I hope you enjoy it.

http://www.timbooktu.com/hatter/newcloth.htm

In January, Yvonne Battle-Felton interviewed me for her weekly radio show “The Writing Life,”

where she talks to some notable figures in writing today.

I met Yvonne several years ago when we were both studying at Johns Hopkins, and was excited when she got back in touch and invited me to join her on her show, which airs in the UK. It was a pleasure to chat with her and share some writing tips.

Listen to the show.

I was so thrilled recently to receive a thank you card from Ms. Wendy Thorbjornsen and her class at Trinity University for having visited them last month. It was such a cool surprise in the mail.

Each student signed their name and added a message of gratitude.

I love talking to young people about writing and it’s such a great feeling to know that my work has touched someone else enough that they take the time to send a card. That doesn’t happen much in this world of technology. Thanks for making my day!

I just had the most amazing experience at a writers retreat in the Bahamas. There’s no better daily commute than a ferry to a private island and a morning doing writing exercises in a coconut grove. If there is a heaven, that’s where I was for a week at the Salt Cay Writers Retreat. Read more.