Author Interview: The Literary Spotlight with Author Melanie Sue Bowles
I am so excited to welcome the incredible Melanie Sue Bowles to The Literary Spotlight! Melanie is not only a talented author but also a compassionate animal advocate who has dedicated over 30 years to running Proud Spirit Horse Sanctuary, where she and her team have provided love and care to hundreds of at-risk animals.
Her journey as a writer began with the heartfelt desire to share the stories of these beautiful creatures, leading her to write three nonfiction books and two middle-grade novels, LIBERTY BISCUIT and LITTLE PEARL, both inspired by the animals at her sanctuary. Through her writing, Melanie weaves stories of kindness, resilience, and the deep connections we form with the animals we love.
In today’s interview, I’ll be diving into Melanie’s creative process, the challenges she’s faced as a writer, and the joy she finds in inspiring young readers through her books. Her kindness and passion shine through in everything she does, and I’m so grateful to have her here today to share her story with us.
Let’s dive in and hear more about Melanie’s beautiful journey!
Introduction:
Cyra: Could you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your writing background? What inspired you to become a writer, and how did your writing journey begin?
Melanie: I earned my living as a firefighter/medic. While working on my career, I simultaneously founded Proud Spirit Horse Sanctuary. In operation for over 30 years, we are one of the most successful, longest-existing facilities for at-risk horses (and other animals) in the United States. 100s of animals have found peace in our care.
My writing journey began when I was inspired to tell the stories of these animals. I’m the author of three nonfiction books and two novels for kids. I’ve also written dozens of articles for magazines. Everything I write is about the kindness that animals deserve.”
Creative Process:
Cyra: Could you share a glimpse into your creative process? How do you approach developing ideas and turning them into stories? Do you have any specific rituals or habits that help you get into the writing zone?
Melanie: I don’t really have a process… an issue that I might want to address is usually at the forefront of my mind, and then I
build a story around it from there.
Writing Influences:
Cyra: Who are some of your favorite authors or literary influences, and how have they shaped your own writing style? Are there any books or works that have had a profound impact on your writing career?
Melanie: There are dozens of other writers that I admire. That list is long. However, as a young girl, I loved the Little House series. I told my mom that one day, I was going to live on a farm with a lot of animals and that I was going to write books about them. That dream came true!
Overcoming Challenges:
Cyra: What challenges have you faced as a writer, and how did you overcome them? How do you handle writer’s block or periods of self-doubt?
Melanie: I don’t believe in “writer’s block”… Sometimes you just need to go for a walk and think about something else until the inspiration flows once again. I have never been able to force myself to write. I simply have to be inspired and motivated to get the words on paper.
Character Development:
Cyra: How do you approach developing compelling and relatable characters in your stories? Are there any strategies or exercises you use to ensure your characters feel authentic and three-dimensional?
Melanie: The more you write, the more you’ll recognize what’s working and what isn’t. Reading a scene out loud can also help you
identify a character who needs work. And, as always, read, read, read the genre of books that you want to write.
Creative Inspiration:
Cyra: Where do you find inspiration for your stories? Are there any specific themes or topics you enjoy exploring in your writing?
Melanie: The horses, donkeys, cats, dogs, and other critters at our sanctuary are always my inspiration. Overcoming challenges
and kindness to all animals are always the themes of my writing.
Personal Reflection:
Cyra: Is there a particular book or project you are most proud of? Could you share the story behind it? What is the most rewarding aspect of being a writer for you?
Melanie: I’m proud of all my books, but especially my two middle-grade novels, LIBERTY BISCUIT, and the stand-alone sequel LITTLE PEARL. Both stories were inspired by the animals at our sanctuary. And it has been so rewarding to know that these books
have touched and influenced young people.
Editing and Revision:
Cyra: How important do you think the editing and revision process is for a writer? Could you share your approach to editing your own work? Do you have any suggestions for writers on how to improve their editing skills?
Melanie: Editing is enormously important. You will never get published if you don’t edit and revise your own work before hoping to get published. Reread, revise, reread, and revise some more until you make it the best it can be.
Publishing and Marketing:
Cyra: What has been your experience with the publishing industry? Any advice for aspiring authors on finding agents or publishers? How do you navigate the world of book marketing and promotion? Any tips for authors looking to build their audience?
Melanie: The publishing industry is very complicated; it can be brutal. And things change very fast. What worked for me many years ago, or even just a few years ago, won’t necessarily work today. My best advice is to read the submission guidelines of houses that
publish the genre you want to write. That’s easy to Google: “Graphic Novel Publishers” or “Mystery Publishers” or whatever it is you write. Read their guidelines.
Advice for Budding Writers:
Cyra: What advice would you give to aspiring authors who are just starting their writing journey? How do you handle rejection and criticism in the publishing world?
Melanie:Just starting out? Read, read, read the genre you want to write. And don’t fret about the end game – whether or not you’ll ever get published. Just get the book written. Spend time educating yourself, keep learning – but most importantly, get the book
written. Handling rejection? Expect it.
Favourite Quote:
Cyra: What’s your favorite quote that keeps you going in life?
Melanie: “The purpose of life is to live a life of purpose.”
Future Projects:
Cyra: Could you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects both in terms of your advocacy work and your literary pursuits? Do you have any upcoming projects or goals you would like to share?
Melanie: I’m just about finished with a Young Adult novel.
Melanie’s Website: https://horsesofproudspirit.org/
