Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I have spent a lifetime developing skills as a writer. Before I could even read, I would produce scribbles on a page and “read” the stories to my grandmother. I have been most prolific in writing poetry, but has also written a multitude of essays, research papers, and short stories over the span of my life.
Through employment and volunteerism, I have been able to develop writing skills for various business materials including, but not limited to: grants, press releases, policies (personnel, volunteer, and board), marketing materials (brochures, fact pages, etc.), by-laws, articles of incorporation, material for web pages, appeal letters, speeches, curricula and tests for training, client information summaries, meeting minutes, newsletters, and correspondence.
I hold a B.A. in English, a B.S. in Psychology, and an M.A. in Psychological Services – Counseling. As an undergraduate at Shenandoah University, I won the distinguished S. Gordden Link Poetry Prize for an unprecedented 3 years in a row. My first novel, Releasing Me, was Indie-published in July and is available in several outlets.
I was born in New York. With the exception of a brief residency near Nashville, Tennessee, I have lived in various parts of Virginia for most of my life. I have been married to William Payne since 1993 and has a son, daughter, three stepsons, and a large extended family.
I served as Executive Director of three different non-profit organizations in Virginia and also served in Quality Assurance, Grantwriting, and Development positions with other large non-profits. The organizations where I have worked have addressed such complex issues as domestic and sexual violence, child abuse, homelessness, human trafficking, mental illness, disabilities, substance abuse, and child abduction.
Following recovery from Urachal cancer, I switched career endeavors. I currently serve as a contracted Director of Development for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Virginia. I am also completing my Doctorate of Public Administration. I tend to be actively involved in various community groups. I am trying to build a platform, Payneless Projects, from which I can launch my writings and business endeavors.
I recently finished my second book, Valley Voices: Poetry that Speaks to the Soul. It should be published by November 1, 2015.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book — soon to be published — is Valley Voices: Poetry that Speaks to the Soul. I collected the poems I had written over a lifetime, did some editing, updating, and new writing, and put them all in this book. Most of the poetry is about people I have encountered — some whom I just observed and never even met! People and their stories inspire me. I also like to write about my own resilience.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I usually write on a laptop which is perched on a TV stand, with a coffee to my right. I don’t know that’s exceptionally unusual. I would say my sleeping habits are a bit more unusual…
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I hold a collection of Little House on the Prairie and Nancy Drew books. As a former English major, I’ve read and studied a lot of the classics. Again, I prefer stories of people — true or not. I would say my first novel, Releasing Me, is a little influenced by “Flowers in the Attic”. I’m no stranger to Stephen King. In summary, I enjoy reading any genre and it definitely doesn’t have to be something on the scholarly approval list!
What are you working on now?
Right now, I am continuing to learn about promotion and am gearing up to publish my second book. I have a goal to write a book in nearly every genre, just for fun.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Goodreads has been a wealth of information. I’m still learning what others are helpful.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Network and soak up the information you glean from people and available information. Be cautious before spending significant money on things you can probably do yourself.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
This too shall pass.
What are you reading now?
I’m getting ready to read “Bowling Alone”, which will be a book important to my dissertation.
What’s next for you as a writer?
As I mentioned, I’m interested in writing in all genres. I’m planning on writing a book relevant to my work in the non-profit industry. I’ve begun the mind-mapping.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Robinson Crusoe, The Bible, Chicken Soup for the Soul
Author Websites and Profiles
Melissa DeDomenico-Payne Website
Melissa DeDomenico-Payne Amazon Profile
Melissa DeDomenico-Payne’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account