Melissa Westemeier

This quiet summer means I get to swim nearly every day. In order, my strokes of preference are: back stroke (my best and fastest), breast...

Last summer an idea for a story squeaked around the edges of my brain and I articulated it to my writing group. "Possibly my next book...

Long-time followers and friends know about Mr. D's strange proclivity for acquiring critters. He's responsible for one of our stray cats...

It's human nature to pull in tighter when we feel fear. Instinct makes us curl in to protect ourselves from a punch, we wrap ourselves...

This pandemic has revealed a few sobering truths to me. That's bound to happen when isolated with your own thoughts, there's no...

A few early reviews of my new book have come in and they are very flattering (special shout-out to Musings of a Bookworm!). Thank you to...

It's strange to share a bed with someone while they read the book I wrote. I can't focus on my own book because my gaze keeps moving over...

While pushing out my new book and keeping up with teaching online, I've enjoyed some pretty eclectic reading in my spare time. Most...

My new book will be available April 1st! It's been printed and shipped and you can hold a copy in your hands in just a few short days!...

Through the Channel will be available April 1st! Local readers, I can deliver or you can pick up your copy directly from me. I can ship...

My new book, Through the Channel, will be available April 1st!

Stay tuned for details, but mark your calendars for April 23-26! I'll be presenting a workshop on making and keeping your book club LIT!...

Today the Creative Writing Club I advise at school met. We're focusing on developing voice in our writing this year and over Christmas...

a Christmas escape

cover reveal for Through the Channel!

I heard from Mitch Miskoviak, my cover artist, today. The first peek of In the Channel's cover looks great! Stay tuned on this site for...

The world learned yesterday about Toni Morrison's death. Tayari Jones shared her thoughts about Toni Morrison's contributions on NPR, and...

Remember this old commercial? Years ago I had a wonderful strawberry patch in a raised bed in our front yard. The berries were dependably...

A week ago I foolishly raised my hopes that we'd get a snow day. I let the prospect of a free day sink giddily into my heart and I...

It's the best holiday tomorrow, a combination of eating well and counting one's blessings. I give thanks every day, God has given me a...