About
A Creative Writing Blog
If creative writing is your thing, then you’ve come to the right place – this is a creative writing blog. But we’ve got the mechanics here too. Writing Forward is packed with articles on better writing for people who want to master the craft and shine brightly in all that they write. You’ll find posts on the practice of writing as well as fun writing exercises and prompts that offer inspiration and help build technique.
Mission
The Writing Forward mission is to share helpful and inspiring creative writing tips and ideas to benefit the greater writing community.
Who’s in Charge Around Here?
My name is Melissa Donovan. I was born and raised in California’s beautiful Bay Area. I inherited a love of literature from my mom, who taught me to read by the time I was four years old.
At age thirteen, I started writing poetry and song lyrics. Shortly thereafter, I began journaling, and a writer was born. I studied creative writing at Sonoma State University, where I earned a BA in English with a concentration in creative writing. Since then, I’ve worked as a technical writer, business writer, copywriter, and professional blogger.
I currently work as a self-employed website designer and copywriter. You can learn more about the online marketing services I offer by visiting scribizzy.com. I’ve got a blog there too, and if you need tips for doing business online, you might want to check it out.
Blogging has become one of my writing passions, along with fiction and poetry. I originally started Writing Forward in conjunction with my copywriting services, but eventually, it took on a life of its own as the focus shifted toward creative writing with an emphasis on developing better writing skills. I’ve also written guest posts for a number of other blogs.
In 2008, as a NaNoWriMo participant, I wrote my first novel. The working title is Wolves at the Door. Not coincidentally, I am especially interested in using my writing skills as an advocate for animal welfare with a focus on the No Kill movement, which seeks to end the practice of killing homeless animals in shelters. I also engage in anti-censorship activism because I feel that free speech is essential for writers and other artists, and I do not believe anyone has the right to tell anyone else what they can watch, read, or listen to.
Oh, and I love to dance. I suck at the guitar but I play it sometimes anyway. I also love cheese and chocolate (but not together) and I have a penchant for superhero and sci-fi movies. If I’m not blogging or building websites, I’m probably rewatching LOST for the millionth time.
You can also find me on Twitter: @melissadonovan. I love to tweet about writing and would love to meet you if you’re a writer.
