5 QUESTIONS WITH MELANIE
M. A. Phillips lives in Northern NY with her husband, daughter, and three cats. She is a writer, teacher, and Druid. She has published four novels with Shadow Spark Publishing. When she isn't writing, you can find her in the garden, sewing, hiking, or enjoying a book with a side of tea. You can read more about her spiritual and creative journey on her blog ditzydruid.com, or on Instagram @ditzydruid.
1. Which childhood snack helped shaped your personality?
Something that stands out in my memories is sliced apples with cinnamon and sugar. My mother often prepared this for me when I was little. Her mother did the same for her, and now I've passed it on to my daughter. Such a simple thing, but very special.
2. What’s the most bizarre place inspiration has struck you?
I'm not sure. Most of my ideas come to me in the usual places: the shower, car rides, and in the middle of the night when I struggle to sleep. I have found a lot of inspiration during strolls in cemeteries.
3. What’s one thing you’ve learned about yourself because of your creative practice?
I've learned that I am perseverant. It takes a lot of time, energy, and drive to bring a piece to completion and then submit it for publication. An extra layer of grit is required when receiving editorial feedback, corrections, and meeting deadlines. Somehow I've been able to publish four novels and various short stories over the years despite these hurdles. There was a time when I thought I'd missed the creative writing boat entirely since I didn't take those classes in college, but I've learned that it's never too late, and people from all backgrounds and occupations can become authors.
4. What's the most delightfully useless skill you have?
I can undulate my stomach, though this has proven useful recently in belly dance lessons!
5. What item in your house do you think has the most stories about it?
My home itself must have so many stories to tell since it was built in the late 1800s. While gardening in my backyard, I've actually come across several items belonging to previous owners. Everything from pottery shards, remnants of old farm equipment, a porcelain doll arm, and even a metallic compact. I've kept the latter and often think about who held it once upon a time.