We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Melody Pendlebury. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Melody below.

Alright, Melody thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Do you have an agent or someone (or a team) that helps you secure opportunities and compensation for your creative work? How did you meet you, why did you decide to work with them, why do you think they decided to work with you?

Amy Brewer at Metamorphosis Literary Agency is my agent. If you’re unfamiliar with the querying process to secure an agent, it’s very challenging. I didn’t sign with Amy until after my first novel was published by a small press. In order to publish with bigger publishers that have a wider distribution reach, you must have a literary agent. I knew that I wanted my work to be read by a wider audience and I wanted a team of people to help me get my book out there. I received a lot of rejections from different agents during the querying process with my first book and my second book that was ultimately picked up by Amy. In the industry, they always say that it’s important to find an agent that’s a perfect fit. I never really understood that sentiment and thought as long as I could get an agent I would be good. Amy is excited about my work, sees my vision, and has a personality that meshes with mine. I think these are the reasons we both decided to partner together as a agent/author duo.

Melody, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Melody and I firmly believe that one should never completely grow up. That is why I have chosen to spend my days writing for a younger audience. I reside in Jacksonville Florida with my beloved corgi Gatsby, and my husband Dylan. I started my writing career with children’s picture books and have now pivoted to middle-grade novels. I started writing and publishing as a way to share the stories I told to the children I taught when I was a teacher.

My first book The Prince and the Pupper, is an adaptation of the classic “The Prince and the Pauper”. It is a tale of two corgis that look almost identical, but have very different lives. Two corgis get into quite a mix-up and learn a valuable lesson about what life is all about.

My most popular book, Short and Stubby Wins the Race, is an adaptation of the beloved folktale “The Tortoise and the Hare.” This is a story of a corgi and his owner that overcome all obstacles in order to prove that with hard work and dedication anything is possible.

Robin Hound is an adaptation of the heroic tale “Robin Hood.” This is a story of a corgi named Gatsby who helps the poor animals that live on the streets. This story shares a message of kindness and that anyone can help no matter how small.

My first co-authored book, Jumo the Unicorn, with Amanda Young, is about a little rhino who loves everything about his life until one day he feels as though something is missing. Jumo the unicorn teaches children the importance of being their true self spreading messages of inclusivity, friendship, and love.

My debut novel, A Girl Called Ruthless, is inspired by the fiery girls in my fourth-grade class. This novel was published by Darkstroke Publishing in August 2021.

I am represented by Amy Brewer at the Metamorphosis Literacy Agency.

When I’m not writing or teaching kids how to write, I can be found planning my next big trip to some magical place I’ve never been to.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Most writers’ goal is to write full time and I’m not unique. I currently work in marketing and have plenty of time to work on my writing, but of course, my ultimate goal is to spend my days writing about the characters I love.

I’ve never been particularly talented in sharing my thoughts through speaking, but for some reason, I’m able to by writing fiction. I think my writing can make an impact on readers, even if that impact is just getting them to be passionate about reading.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

Whenever I meet someone who has enjoyed my book, it makes everything worth it. Especially if it’s a person that I didn’t previously know and they just found my book. Writing is so special to me because it allows you to reach people you never would have previously reached.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.melodypendlebury.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authormelodypendy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melodypendleburybooks/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melody-pendlebury-b04666103/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/melodypendy
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSpCmwnGLlL8D5WGfbkO7jA
• Other: Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Melody-A-Pendlebury/e/B0875YMP7X%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share