Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Melissa Pleckham. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Melissa, thank you so much for joining us. You are such a positive person and it’s something we really admire and so we wanted to start by asking you where you think your optimism comes from?
I think about all the people who stand to benefit from me feeling bad about myself or giving up on the things that are important to me. Capitalism is predicated upon creating and maintaining scarcity consciousness — don’t give in to it. The world is beautiful! Creation is divine! Abundance is yours! So basically, I’m optimistic out of spite. To borrow a phrase from the Addams Family, I gladly feast on those who would subdue me.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I write horror stories and poetry, play bass and drums, and act. I love anything that is morbid, flamboyant, atmospheric, and opulent. Currently, my main focus is on my forthcoming debut novel, LILY OF THE VALLEY: The Night Circus meets Bret Easton Ellis’ The Shards when a mute young woman discovers a real dead body among the ghoulish props in the year-round Halloween store she calls home. Look for it soon!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
1. A profound dearth of fucks to give when it came to doing what was expected of me, starting at a very early age.
2. Skepticism of authority and, as a result, an inherent trust in my own instincts.
3. Enthusiastic curiosity.
My advice? Stop comparing yourself. Be earnest. Fall in love with your city, your interests, and your life. And know that no one has it figured out, so just do what you sincerely feel is best.
Also, it is my personal belief that overdressed is better than underdressed. Bonus: People are more likely to remember you if you dress like a low-key lunatic.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
I have to shout out two people here: My husband and frequent creative collaborator, Ken Ramos, who is always so supportive of my wild dreams & schemes, and my literary mentor and friend, Francesca Lia Block, whose advice and guidance have been invaluable in my novel-writing journey. I can’t imagine I could have seen it all the way through without their constant encouragement.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.melissapleckham.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mpleckham/
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/blacklullabies
Image Credits
Hilary Jones Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
