Author Melissa Newman: Reader Photos With House of Cleaving

Reader Photos With House of Cleaving

For those who did not have a chance to enter the Traveling With Sister Blackberry contest, another contest will begin just after House of Cleaving is released in June 2011. The new photo contest is called “At Home With House of Cleaving.” Submit your best creative photo of House of Cleaving around the house doing everyday things – washing the dishes, sweeping the floor, folding laundry or just sitting on the couch enjoying a cup of coffee.

The deadline for this contest is December 31, 2011. Eight winners will be chosen and those eight winners will receive free copies of Melissa’s third book to be released in 2013 — Growing Up Wilder.

A Note to Readers

Just a Short Hiatus ... More Novels to Come

While Growing Up Wilder was my last novel, it will certainly not be my final. I have two outlines just dying to escape from my desk drawer and I often have to apologetically shove them back in when I find they have made it to the surface time and again.

I am currently working toward completing my doctorate degree (I am all but dissertation, folks!) and I am tangled up in research that uses storytelling and social media as a way to increase hope levels for individuals and entire communities.

This research is allowing me to focus on solving a problem within Kentucky's Appalachia - negative stereotypes.

Readers, please be patient. I will return to fiction shortly. Until then, please continue to share Sister Blackberry, House of Cleaving and Growing Up Wilder with your friends and family.

As always, I welcome your notes and messages.

Melissa