Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Martini-Morales.

Hi Melissa, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

My story starts when I was a kid, writing little stories in the back of my mom’s office or playing make-believe while running through the garages at my dad’s body shop. Whether I was at work with them or on my own, I was always using my imagination to create something new. That love of storytelling grew with me and became a core part of who I am. By the time I was in high school and college, I was working on literary magazines, refining my skills and deepening my passion for writing. Through it all, I never fell out of love with creating stories or building worlds.

When the opportunity finally presented itself to start my own literary magazine, I didn’t hesitate. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, but one that allowed me to fulfill little me’s dream of bringing stories to life and creating a space for imagination to thrive. Today, I’m lucky enough to not only live out that dream but also share it by publishing the work of other creators and supporting this incredible creative community. It’s a privilege to be part of something so inspiring and meaningful.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

In general, this journey has been a very pleasant one, filled with creativity, imagination, beautiful artwork, and so many lovely people. The sense of community has been one of the most rewarding parts of this experience. But of course, there have been struggles along the way. When I first started the magazine, there were countless small details to figure out—like creating systems that worked for submissions, for my team, and for my own work style. Balancing everything with my personal life was a challenge in itself.

I’ve primarily supported the magazine out of my own pocket, which has been tough at times. I often wish I could do even more for the magazine and its contributors, but I’m working hard to give my best. There’s also been a learning curve in asking for help when I need it, extending deadlines when necessary, and improving my communication with both the team and the creatives we collaborate with. It’s been a process, but each struggle has taught me something valuable and made me more resilient.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?

Moss Puppy Magazine is a biannual literary magazine that publishes poetry, prose, artwork, and interviews. Each issue revolves around a theme, but what makes us unique is that these themes tie into a larger story and world about Moss Puppy, our mascot character. The magazine isn’t just about individual pieces; it’s about contributing to an evolving narrative. I’d describe the type of artwork we specialize in as weird, muddy, and messy—a space where unconventional and experimental work thrives. While “weird” can be a broad term, we use it to highlight that we’re not focused on big names or fancy credentials. Instead, we’re deeply interested in whatever raw, authentic, and imaginative creations artists want to share. Every piece deserves to be celebrated, and it’s a beautiful thing to provide a platform where that can happen.

What I’m most proud of is the community we’ve built. We’ve developed relationships with repeat contributors and formed connections with other literary magazines and creative influencers in the larger artistic community. Despite the challenges we all face, there’s something incredibly powerful about this sense of connection. What also sets Moss Puppy Magazine apart is the concept of our mascot character and the world we’ve created around her. There’s a larger story unfolding with Moss Puppy that we hint at in our themes, referencing other “puppies” and locations in her world. This makes the magazine not just a collection of creative works but also part of an ongoing narrative that readers can follow. As we prepare to release our field guide and other exciting projects, we’re expanding the lore and inviting people to join us on this imaginative journey. It’s something that feels truly special and one-of-a-kind.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?

I believe the quality most important to my success is adaptability. Being able to embrace change, learn from challenges, and adjust as needed has allowed me to navigate the complexities of running a literary magazine. Whether it’s creating new systems, working with contributors, or overcoming financial hurdles, staying flexible and open to growth has been crucial. Adaptability also helps me approach the creative process with curiosity and a willingness to try new ideas, which I think is essential for building something unique and meaningful.

And, of course, having a cute puppy like my Mipha by my side doesn’t hurt either. She’s always there to lift my spirits, keep me grounded, and remind me to find joy in the little things—even on the toughest days.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mosspuppymag.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/mosspuppymag
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/mosspuppymag
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/mosspuppymag

Image Credits

Kathryn Davis