You might know Melissa Buron from her blog (which is also published in the local Houston paper, The Banner) where she interviews authors, but soon you will know her as a published author in her own right. Like me, Melissa has lived abroad and can appreciate all the world has to offer. I had the pleasure of meeting Melissa at one of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators meetings in Houston, TX, and I can tell you she is just as lovely in person as she seems on her blog. Melissa is the epitome of an Enjoli woman — remember the 1980 perfume commercial where the woman in the ad did it all (she worked, was a mom, a wife, and still managed to look beautiful)? Melissa took time out of her busy schedule to share a little about herself as well as some exciting news.
Where did you grow-up and where do you live now?
I grew up in Spring, TX back when it was a small town instead of an extension of the Houston urban sprawl. My summers were spent running wild in the woods around our neighborhood, picking blackberries, and reading stacks of books from the library. I went to college and began teaching in Houston. One day the travel bug bit and then next thing I knew I was teaching in Lagos, Nigeria. It was the scariest and yet one of the best decisions I have ever made. I lived in West Africa for four years, got married and moved to Paris with my French husband.
In Paris, I joined the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). It was in SCBWI that I not only made wonderful friends, but I also began to write. Four years and two children later, my family moved to Houston. At first it was like moving to a foreign country because I lived abroad for so long. Since we’ve been back in Houston, I’ve been teaching, writing (and procrastinating doing the laundry). It has taken a bit of time, but I’ve finally adjusted to being “home.”
What is a normal writing workday like for you?
I never have a “normal” writing day. As a teacher, author, blogger, mom, and wife, every day dawns with a different list of duties. I do however have a “fantasy” writing day. It would consist of waking up long after the sun is in the sky (I normally get up between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m.), sipping a few leisurely cups of coffee (I usually gulp one down as I make breakfast, pack lunches and try to get everyone out the door), and doing an hour of yoga or other exercise (right now, I usually huff and puff my way around Memorial Park a few days a week). Then I would settle down to a full day of writing, interrupted occasionally by my personal assistant bringing me tea and snacks for sustenance. Currently, I teach two days a week and the other three are a wild mix of journalism gigs, school work, household chores, and the occasional moment to scribble down a few words.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I’m an equal-opportunity reader which means I read just about anything in front of me including business magazines, science books, economy journals, and gossip rags. I sometimes get an idea from reading all of that information, but more often than not, I get an idea for a story when I’m washing dishes, taking a shower, or cleaning my child’s face. For some reason, water is always involved which is why my notes are often water-stained and slightly damp. Other times, I just sit at the computer and wait for the idea fairy to come visit. She’s usually late.
What advice would you give aspiring writers?
Work on your writing, read as much as you can, find a critique group (consisting of individuals you trust), and write, write, write. Also realize that any sort of creative endeavor is scary. Creating something out of nothing is, in short, a miracle. It isn’t supposed to be easy. It’s not supposed to be neat and clean. I think many new writers imagine published authors sitting down to a computer and writing a novel from start to finish — without a pause or need for a second draft. But in reality, all written work goes through multiple drafts filled with slow chapters, dead end plot points, and boring characters to be exorcized.
What are you working on now?
I’m working on a middle grade ghost story. I also have two picture book manuscripts and a young adult Gothic novel all waiting for the finishing touches and/or fairy dust to be sprinkled upon them. They will all be finding their way into bookstores and libraries in the very near future.
Do you have any upcoming appearances or events you’d like to publicize?
I don’t have any appearances (in real life) scheduled at the moment. You can, however, always find me online on Facebook, Twitter, or my blog. Be sure to stop by and say, “Hi!”
You can also find me on my agent’s website, Henandink.com. I’m represented by the fantastic Erzsi Deak of Hen and Ink Literary.
To learn more about Melissa Buron, visit her blog at Melissaburon.com.