Julia Cameron, the author of The Right to Write: An Invitation into the Writing Life, says, “Writing is like breathing, it’s possible to learn to do it well, but the point is to do it no matter what.” I understand her view completely after writing freelance for over thirty years.
I continue to be an author within many anthologies and work-for-hire books. I’ve written award-winning poetry, articles, personal experience stories and essays. I write for both secular and religious markets. On the practical side of writing, I specialize in creating leadership development trainings, along with programs for volunteer and missions ministries and bible teaching material.
I will forever write and love the company of those who also have a passion to put words on paper. I’m pleased to provide author services such as: coaching sessions for writers, book assessments, and editing.
I am also privileged to host both the “WLG Writers Life Group” Facebook group, as well as the quarterly WLG Reunion Gathering. If you’re a seasoned writer, new writer
or writer wannabe and live in the Houston area, please feel free to contact me for information about our group.
In other words, if you’re interested in writing, I’m interested in you!
My writing background
I have spent years in the true vein of freelance writing, accumulating hundreds of bylines in various publications.
I’ve written in many areas including journalistic reporting, poetry, devotionals, articles, essays, teaching materials, ministry development programs, newsletters, website copy, blogs and more.
I’m particularly fond of writing for anthologies, publishing twice in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series books.
I have contributed to many devotional series books including those for young adults and teen girls such as Steve Russo’s random thoughts and Barbour Publishing’s God Hearts Me.
I also write adult devotionals for Standard Publishing. (See My Books page for more)
I was the co-compiler and contributor of Thank You for Your Hero, a book published for those grieving the loss of military personnel. All the proceeds from the book are currently being donated to www.fallenwarriors.org.
My own books are geared directly toward the writing community.
The Heart of a Ready Scribe: 52 Reflections for Writers continues to be well received by the writing community. The book is the recipient of the following awards:
- 2013 Xulon Christian Choice Award
- 2012 Indie Excellence Finalist
- 2012 USA Best Book Award
I hope you’ll enjoy my ongoing Let’s Write! series, sold on Amazon:
- Book One – Let’s Write! A No-Nonsense Manual.
- Book Two – Let’s Write Devotionals!
My first Blue Jean Bible Studies book, And She Shall Be Called Women: A Bible Study on Lesser-Known Women of the Bible received the 2020 Book Excellence Finalist Award. This book is perfect for both individual and group study.
Awards
- 2020 Book Excellence Finalist Award
- 2013 Xulon Christian Choice Award
- 2012 Indie Excellence Finalist
- 2012 USA Best Book Award
- 2007-2010 Poetry Judge for IWA! Statewide Poetry Competition
- 2006 IWA! Writer of the Year
- 2005 East Texas Writers Association Poetry Award
- 2005 IWA! Poetry Award
- 2004 IWA! Poetry Award
- 2003 Writers Digest Honorable Mention Nonrhyming Poetry
Affiliations
- Woodlands Writers’ Collective
- Creator and Facilitator of WLG Writers Life Group (2010 to Present)
- C.S. Lewis Foundation Writers Workshop Coordinator
- IWA! Writing Group Member
- American Christian Writers Member
- Christian Writers Fellowship International Member
- Extraordinary Story Tellers Speaker Board
- Volunteer Lay Minister at Lakewood Church, Houston, Texas.
Melanie Stiles 