A CONVERSATION WITH MELANIE JORDAN (Interviewed By The RBM)
The RBM: Your book "Open To The Elements" is described as one that will "...bring you to tears"
and that "...goose bumps might tingle up your arms." When you finished this book and read it, are
those the feelings that you got?
Melanie: Its funny you asked me this question. I wish I can give a yes or no answer however, I never read
the books I publish. I only read my work once and that is right after I write it. I never look back again at
anything I write.
.
The RBM: For those who aren't familiar with the book, can you provide the readers a description of
what "Open To The Elements" is about?
Melanie: I would be more then happy to Mike (smile)
"Open To The Elements" Is a book of poetry filled with crazy word play, vivid visuals and sound vibrations
that roll off the readers tongue. This book is filled with verses that stir emotions. Some may say as you get
older you get wiser. They speak the truth; my book expresses many obstacles that my soul has battled. I
share with the readers that they are not alone. This book expresses my wisdom and my light within that the
reader can't help but to feel my energy pouring into their souls. None of my writing is revised Many writers,
publishers, etc feel that everything a writer writes should be revised. I feel what I have is a gift from my
higher power. Why mess with perfection? Yes! I agree, periods and commas may be important however in
my poetry I write in my own form, my own set reality of how my poems should be read and represented.
Like a dear friend of mine once said," I'm looking out of the Box!"
The RBM: You've mentioned that you've been writing for over 25 years, how did you get started and
what motivates you to continue after all this time?
Melanie: A Musician has to play music, a painter has to paint and a writer has to write. We all must do this
to feel alive. It's who we are. So when you ask me how I got started the only way I can reply is," It's who I
am"
(Big smile) my motivation…..wow! I have motivation all around me. I consider myself blessed. Mike, you
giving me this interview is motivation *smile I receive over 100 e-mails along with messages from people
that enjoy reading my work. If that's not motivating, well………….I don't know what is.
The RBM: You have another book, "Literatim", can you tell those reading what this book is about?
Melanie: Literatim is another book of poetry. This book is the second part to,"Open To The Elements"
However I did add Haiku's and some of my popular poems. You will find "Vulva" in this book it's a feminist
piece that I have written two years ago. I have been told that many of my poems in this book are in the same
form that Nikki Giovanni writes. (Laugh) it wasn't done intentionally.
The RBM: Can you tell our Community Members how difficult publishing, promoting, and selling
your books has been? Was it easier or more difficult than what you thought it would be?
Melanie: Phew! Mike all I can say is, "I'm fried" (laugh) it's a hard job. It's a full time job. Getting the
books published was the easy part for me it's the work you have to do after wards. The secret is you have
to be passionate about what you love. Have faith. (smile)
The RBM: What are some of the other literary projects that you are currently working on and when
can we expect to be able to purchase and read them?
Melanie: I have a novel on the back burner (smile). Let's just say I'm a big fan of The Godfather written by
Author, the Late Mario Puzo. My novel is mafia based and jumps from Miami to New York City. It's a
mixture of fiction and nonfiction. I'm also working on Imaginative Artisans. Imaginative Artisans is a diverse
online magazine featuring candid opinions, savvy articles and interviews and never before seen art work by
artists all around the globe. We have expert writers committed to getting, grabbing and growing a readership.
Can you blame them? I.A mag has a network around 6000 (and growing). This magazine will be issued
twice a year. November 1, 2006 will be my first issue and with a little faith my second issue will be out in
print.
The RBM: "Looking Within" is your online writing Community, similar to what we have in Mecca.
Promote your site a lil bit and tell our Community and visitors what separates your site from the
other online writing sites and Communities?
Melanie: Looking Within is a poetry forum with many talented poets and famous authors. I have
networked with over 5000 poets and writers to make what L.W is today. This poetry forum isn't just what
you see at the surface there is a lot of back ground work evolving. What does every poet and writer want?
To be exposed to be published. L.W gives these artists that opportunity. As of now I offer to publish our
members in our L.W anthology. I also have a political poetry book.
Ok, ill let you in on a little secret, Looking Within Is on its way to becoming a publishing company. My silent
partner and I are speaking to lawyers and doing the finishing touches to this business. My goal for LW
Poetry forum is to help all poets get published. I have all my faith in this (smile).
The RBM: While reading your bio, I read that you were born in Tokyo, how long were you there and
how was that experience for you?
Melanie: I wish it was an experience (smile) I was not even one year old when I came back to the United
States. All I remember is the U.S.A. I would love to go to Japan especially because I was born there.
(Pause) If faith permits, I will be there.
The RBM: Tell the readers what else you have going on outside of writing.
Melanie: You know Mike, the first thing that crossed my mind when you asked me this question was,
"What famous writer do I enjoy to read?" You know what? Not one famous writers name jumped in my
head. My favorite writers are the poets on L.W and many writers here on Mecca. They are the writers that
inspire me.
The RBM: How would you describe your writing style and what separates you from maybe the
authors you mentioned as being your favorites?
Melanie: (Laugh) I guess there goes being humble (smile). I write with word play that scrambles the mind.
My words that I choose are explosive, meaning I have no boundaries. My words are a gift from God.
The power in this gift can be mind blowing to those that read it. I am no different from the other poets and
writers. However I have a soul instinct and a drive that comes from deep within. I'm not satisfied just
sharing my work on forums (which I still do) but I can taste the honey from the top of this tree and I wont
stop climbing till I get a taste. (smile)
The RBM: Finally, what advice would you give our Community Members who may be looking to
have their words published?
Melanie: Think; think about what you want for your writing. Are you happy just having a book published
for you and friends? Do you have a drive to take your work further? What kind of market are you looking
to sell to? Have a plan, network, stay humble yet fight like a tiger. Do your research and always be a step
ahead of the game. Have faith.
You can read more about Melanie by visiting her website: Looking Within
The RBM: Your book "Open To The Elements" is described as one that will "...bring you to tears"
and that "...goose bumps might tingle up your arms." When you finished this book and read it, are
those the feelings that you got?
Melanie: Its funny you asked me this question. I wish I can give a yes or no answer however, I never read
the books I publish. I only read my work once and that is right after I write it. I never look back again at
anything I write.
.
The RBM: For those who aren't familiar with the book, can you provide the readers a description of
what "Open To The Elements" is about?
Melanie: I would be more then happy to Mike (smile)
"Open To The Elements" Is a book of poetry filled with crazy word play, vivid visuals and sound vibrations
that roll off the readers tongue. This book is filled with verses that stir emotions. Some may say as you get
older you get wiser. They speak the truth; my book expresses many obstacles that my soul has battled. I
share with the readers that they are not alone. This book expresses my wisdom and my light within that the
reader can't help but to feel my energy pouring into their souls. None of my writing is revised Many writers,
publishers, etc feel that everything a writer writes should be revised. I feel what I have is a gift from my
higher power. Why mess with perfection? Yes! I agree, periods and commas may be important however in
my poetry I write in my own form, my own set reality of how my poems should be read and represented.
Like a dear friend of mine once said," I'm looking out of the Box!"
The RBM: You've mentioned that you've been writing for over 25 years, how did you get started and
what motivates you to continue after all this time?
Melanie: A Musician has to play music, a painter has to paint and a writer has to write. We all must do this
to feel alive. It's who we are. So when you ask me how I got started the only way I can reply is," It's who I
am"
(Big smile) my motivation…..wow! I have motivation all around me. I consider myself blessed. Mike, you
giving me this interview is motivation *smile I receive over 100 e-mails along with messages from people
that enjoy reading my work. If that's not motivating, well………….I don't know what is.
The RBM: You have another book, "Literatim", can you tell those reading what this book is about?
Melanie: Literatim is another book of poetry. This book is the second part to,"Open To The Elements"
However I did add Haiku's and some of my popular poems. You will find "Vulva" in this book it's a feminist
piece that I have written two years ago. I have been told that many of my poems in this book are in the same
form that Nikki Giovanni writes. (Laugh) it wasn't done intentionally.
The RBM: Can you tell our Community Members how difficult publishing, promoting, and selling
your books has been? Was it easier or more difficult than what you thought it would be?
Melanie: Phew! Mike all I can say is, "I'm fried" (laugh) it's a hard job. It's a full time job. Getting the
books published was the easy part for me it's the work you have to do after wards. The secret is you have
to be passionate about what you love. Have faith. (smile)
The RBM: What are some of the other literary projects that you are currently working on and when
can we expect to be able to purchase and read them?
Melanie: I have a novel on the back burner (smile). Let's just say I'm a big fan of The Godfather written by
Author, the Late Mario Puzo. My novel is mafia based and jumps from Miami to New York City. It's a
mixture of fiction and nonfiction. I'm also working on Imaginative Artisans. Imaginative Artisans is a diverse
online magazine featuring candid opinions, savvy articles and interviews and never before seen art work by
artists all around the globe. We have expert writers committed to getting, grabbing and growing a readership.
Can you blame them? I.A mag has a network around 6000 (and growing). This magazine will be issued
twice a year. November 1, 2006 will be my first issue and with a little faith my second issue will be out in
print.
The RBM: "Looking Within" is your online writing Community, similar to what we have in Mecca.
Promote your site a lil bit and tell our Community and visitors what separates your site from the
other online writing sites and Communities?
Melanie: Looking Within is a poetry forum with many talented poets and famous authors. I have
networked with over 5000 poets and writers to make what L.W is today. This poetry forum isn't just what
you see at the surface there is a lot of back ground work evolving. What does every poet and writer want?
To be exposed to be published. L.W gives these artists that opportunity. As of now I offer to publish our
members in our L.W anthology. I also have a political poetry book.
Ok, ill let you in on a little secret, Looking Within Is on its way to becoming a publishing company. My silent
partner and I are speaking to lawyers and doing the finishing touches to this business. My goal for LW
Poetry forum is to help all poets get published. I have all my faith in this (smile).
The RBM: While reading your bio, I read that you were born in Tokyo, how long were you there and
how was that experience for you?
Melanie: I wish it was an experience (smile) I was not even one year old when I came back to the United
States. All I remember is the U.S.A. I would love to go to Japan especially because I was born there.
(Pause) If faith permits, I will be there.
The RBM: Tell the readers what else you have going on outside of writing.
Melanie: You know Mike, the first thing that crossed my mind when you asked me this question was,
"What famous writer do I enjoy to read?" You know what? Not one famous writers name jumped in my
head. My favorite writers are the poets on L.W and many writers here on Mecca. They are the writers that
inspire me.
The RBM: How would you describe your writing style and what separates you from maybe the
authors you mentioned as being your favorites?
Melanie: (Laugh) I guess there goes being humble (smile). I write with word play that scrambles the mind.
My words that I choose are explosive, meaning I have no boundaries. My words are a gift from God.
The power in this gift can be mind blowing to those that read it. I am no different from the other poets and
writers. However I have a soul instinct and a drive that comes from deep within. I'm not satisfied just
sharing my work on forums (which I still do) but I can taste the honey from the top of this tree and I wont
stop climbing till I get a taste. (smile)
The RBM: Finally, what advice would you give our Community Members who may be looking to
have their words published?
Melanie: Think; think about what you want for your writing. Are you happy just having a book published
for you and friends? Do you have a drive to take your work further? What kind of market are you looking
to sell to? Have a plan, network, stay humble yet fight like a tiger. Do your research and always be a step
ahead of the game. Have faith.
You can read more about Melanie by visiting her website: Looking Within
Check out our other
exclusive Spotlighted
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June '06
Vincent Alexandria
July '06
Mary Monroe
August '06
Cold August
September '06
L.R. Hatcher
October '06
Various
November '06
Melanie C. Jordan
December '06
Mark Goggins
January '07
San Culberson
February '07
Rhyme Cypha
March '07
Lesley S Munyuki
April '07
Joseph Phillips
May '07
Hannah Drake
June '07
Kateb Nuri Shunnar
exclusive Spotlighted
Author interviews!!
June '06
Vincent Alexandria
July '06
Mary Monroe
August '06
Cold August
September '06
L.R. Hatcher
October '06
Various
November '06
Melanie C. Jordan
December '06
Mark Goggins
January '07
San Culberson
February '07
Rhyme Cypha
March '07
Lesley S Munyuki
April '07
Joseph Phillips
May '07
Hannah Drake
June '07
Kateb Nuri Shunnar
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