Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Lemay.

Hi Melissa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?

I have many stories. I can say that I have always loved words, writing, and reading. I have always had a desire to write. I never thought writing would be something I could make into a career, but I have recently thrown myself into writing and editing pretty much full time. If I’m not spending time with family, drinking coffee, or hanging out with animals, I’m probably writing.

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

I stopped writing for a while. Sidetracked by circumstances. When I was younger, I struggled with substance use for several years. Eating disorders, too. Those things take over your life. I didn’t have time to write.
I think we are all healing from things, some more than others, and some don’t even realize it. I hope sharing about my struggles through my writing will empower others to be courageous and do whatever healing they need to do, so they can experience a life full of love and joy.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

I am a writer. Specifically, a poet. I’ve been writing most of my life. I think if I’m known for anything, it is for pulling no punches when it comes to the subject matter and word choice in my poetry. I hope I’m also known for my love of Jesus.
I’m most proud of restarting a writing career after years when I didn’t write. I’ve worked hard to get to where I am. I was voted Author of the Year for 2024 by the community at Spillwords Press. I recently started an online journal for poetry and fiction, called Collaborature. It is going well! I also just took on my first paid editing job for a friend in our writing community, editing her manuscript. She said she was impressed with my first go-over and my attention to detail.
I think what sets me apart from many is that attention to detail. I hear from numerous self-published authors that either the editor or publisher of one or more of their books did an awful job with it. I don’t understand! How can people charge money to do a crap job? (Rhetorical)

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?

I think the most important lesson I am learning is that it is never too late to do what you love doing. If you step out in faith through the doors presented to you, opportunities and blessings will meet you.
Other projects I currently have in the works are a manuscript for a book of (my) poetry to submit for publishing; a forthcoming poetry book co-written with two of my friends from across the country; the continuation of a story about a couple’s escape from slavery during the abolitionary period in Trinidad and Tobago in the 1800s, called The Last Auction—I write haiku for the story, Nigel Byng is the story writer; and editing an anthology of poetry and essays that will be published through Garden of Neuro on the topic of conversations with loved ones who have passed on. I am blessed to be on quite the adventure.

Pricing:

• Editorial assessment (pricing upon request)
• Developmental
• Copy editing
• Proofreading

Contact Info:

• Website: https://melissalemay.wordpress.com
• Other: https://collaborature.blogspot.com