Episode 104: Melissa McKinstry

This episode is our four year anniversary of The Written Scene. Thank you to those that have been listening for a while. To those that are new here, welcome. You have a lot of great conversations about writing to catch up on. Speaking of great conversations... When it comes to making sure writers and non-writers alike feel comfortable and find joy in the arts community, author and community organizer Melissa McKinstry plays a significant part in making sure that happens. In this episode of The Written Scene, Melissa discusses being the first author in an inaugural author residency, why it's been so fulfilling to have a quarterly arts event, holding events at small spaces vs. large spaces, the influence her grandfather and his book collection had on her reading path, memories of Bookmobiles when we were kids, how her rural upbringing impacted her writing, getting her MFA later in life, the ways her son was her biggest inspiration, learning to write about emotionally laden experiences without sentimentality, imitation as a way to learn and understanding craft, always having music on in the house, the accountability of having weekly writing sessions with other writers, and more. The next Poet Tree Productions reading and music event is Sunday, February 22nd, from 1pm to 4pm at Meraki in the South Park neighboorhood. Poetry, prose, jazz, food, and local artisans. Expect a fantastic afternoon and if you see me there, say hi. Get your tickets here. Music: Addis Ababa by Eshi Era