Melanie Stephens

Melanie Stephens was born and still lives in Cornwall with her family. As soon as she learnt it was possible for anyone to write a book if they had the imagination, the only thing she could ever imagine becoming was an author.

Melanie released her first publication in May 2020 after being inspired to use her passion for writing to help the NHS during the Coronavirus Epidemic. Isolation Tales was written in just 16 days, and Melanie donated all her royalties to the NHS Covid-19 appeal and will continue to do so with every copy bought. The book earnt 5- star reviews and media attention both locally and nationally.

Melanie has an increasingly strong presence online, where she uniquely publishes full-length short stories and poems free for readers to enjoy on her Facebook author page.

In December 2020, Melanie published a collection of works showcasing her journey as a writer. Again, earning 5-star reviews, this highly anticipated book 'The Collection' also became available in full colour as a special edition.

In 2022, as well as her books being introduced into public and school libraries, Isolation Tales became part of the largest archive of Cornish works worldwide when it was placed in the Kresen Kernow archive. Thus, making the author part of Cornish history.

After learning the extent of the problem concerning young mental health, Melanie released The attempted demise of Augusta Walsh age 15 years, 4 months and 6 days in August 2022 to rave reviews and national press. It took the unique approach of the novel being in the form of a diary, and Augusta's artwork throughout. An outpour of messages of support and thanks came to Melanie expressing gratitude for making readers of the book feel less alone and her understanding of the struggles when it comes to anxiety and depression.

The following December, as a media event, Melanie wrote the serial Murder at Black House. It was a homage to the writers that inspired her including Charles Dickens, Agatha Christie, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, as well as the board game Cluedo. Each installment was followed worldwide and proved so popular it was released digitally later that month.

In January 2023, Melanie went out of her comfort zone again and published her first ever picture book, Dudley the Dodo.

You can keep track of all the latest news on Melanie on her website: www.melaniestephensauthor.com