I’m Mel—a writer, photographer, wife, mom of four, and lifelong lover of stories.
Writing has actually been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I earned my degree from Purdue University in communications with a minor in journalism and began my career in television news before moving into newspaper journalism and public relations. Eventually, I stepped away to stay home with my children and built a photography business, where I’ve spent more than fifteen years telling stories through images.
Along the way, I stopped sharing the stories I wrote with words because I never believed my work would become anything beyond the pages of my Google Docs or journals.
Then came Bookstagram. What started as an Instagram account devoted to talking about books quickly became something I didn't expect—a community that made me brave enough to start talking about my own writing again. For a while, I hide behind everyone else’s stories. I could champion other authors, gush over their characters, and recommend their books without ever having to say, Hey, I write too.
When I started mentioning my work in progress to author friends I had met through the book community, they began encouraging me to share it. Little by little, I stopped hiding my words.
Around the same time, something else was changing. In October 2025, I made the decision to stop reading explicit romance after feeling convicted about what I was consuming. I had no idea then how much God was about to redirect my own writing.
While reading through the Bible chronologically, I felt Him nudging me to write down what I was learning. Those notes became emails shared with a Bible study group. The emails grew. The research got deeper, and eventually, those scattered notes became Journey Through Leviticus: The Beauty Beneath the Blood, a 20-day Bible study.
I had absolutely no idea how to publish book let alone a Bible study.
But every time I reached a place where I didn't know what to do next, God seemed to provide someone who did. He brought beta readers, a pastor with editing experience, published authors who helped me navigate formatting, and people who encouraged me to keep going. Step by step, He provided what I needed when I needed it. (If you’re reading this, I know you know who you are…THANK YOU.)
I'm currently writing my second book. Frames of Grace is a faith-laced contemporary romance that begins when two strangers sign up to model for a photo shoot. Hannah is fighting to see herself beyond body dysmorphia and past trauma. Eli is carrying the weight of believing it’s his job to keep everyone—and everything—from falling apart. It’s romantic, emotional, a little gritty, and rooted in hope…a story about messy people, real wounds, faith, healing, and a love that sits with you in the mess. And, of course, the kind of tension and chemistry I hope jumps right off the page.
Whether I'm writing about the sacrifices in Leviticus or two fictional people falling in love in a sunflower field, I think I've realized that I'm still doing what I've always loved:
telling stories and looking for the beauty hidden in the details.
FUN FACTS (because why not?)
I love sunsets.
Stargazing is something I could stay awake doing for hours.
I like sniffing antiques and book pages. (Strange, maybe? Don’t knock it until you try it.)
I enjoy exploring new places.
Eggs and salt-and-vinegar chips make a delish snack.
I love the mountains, but I also love the ocean.
My husband and I have been married for almost 20 years and met in high school.
I’m that friend you have to stop for when we’re on a walk so I can take a picture of every pretty thing.
Details matter.
I’d rather have an old home with charm and character than anything modern.
I have two mini Bernedoodles who are my cuddlebugs.
I could sunbathe for hours and never tire of it.
Give me anything spicy and we’ll be friends.
I love orange-flavored anything.
I’m gluten-free. (Is that even a fun fact?)
I’m the oldest.
I enjoy people-watching.
Laughing out loud with friends is exactly how I want to spend a night out.
Total introvert. Please text me or send me a voice message. I will not answer my phone if you call. (LOL.)
I adore Regency movies or shows.
Sometimes I talk in a British or Italian accent just for fun.
I also I love books that make me cry. The more emotionally wrecked I am, the better. 😂