Hey there! 

My name is Melissa, and writing is my passion, my hobby, my career, and my calling.  I am a professional copywriter, creative writer, and writing professor. I have been a writer my entire life. I have an MFA in creative writing from Minnesota State University-Moorhead. My work has appeared in Old Northwest Review, Welter, Animal Wellness Magazine, and more. I grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and am a third-generation Finnish American and Italian-American. 

In 2019, I was part of a panel at FinnFest USA, a celebration of Finnish-American and Finnish heritage. My panel was called, "Working-Class Literature in Finland and Finnish America." I read a short story and in addition to being part of the panel, I was interviewed about my work and the recording is now part of the National Library of Finland, the oldest scholarly library in the country. 

I hope that you enjoy my work!