Melinda Grant received a Master of Arts in Professional Writing and a Graduate Certificate in Professional Writing for International Audiences from Kennesaw State University, where she previously completed a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, minor in Sociology. Her continued academic research interests focus on identifying and implementing pedagogical methods highlighting cultural and linguistic diversity in collegiate classrooms to foster and promote inclusivity. Additionally, one of Melinda's favorite pastimes is composing poetry, contemplating life's everyday idiosyncrasies and sharing her observations with readers. Above all, her primary focus is embracing the communal characteristics of living a purposeful life. Currently, Grant teaches analytical writing at the University of California, San Diego. Previously, she taught English Composition I (argumentative) and II (research methods) at Kennesaw State University.

Poetry Releases:

Mindfulness Life Hacks

Life is hard. While most people try to convince you that everything will work out for the best and there is no use in ‘crying over spilt milk,’ I urge you to reconsider these notions. Yes, life is messy; yes, sometimes, circumstances seem out of our control. However, there is significant power in how we respond not only to external forces but to internal forces, too.

Oftentimes, mindfulness is used to describe a deliberate act of being and living in the moment. In other words, it may be referred to as a process that seeks to ‘tune out’ the societal chaos slowly undermining your happiness and sense of identity (who you really are or who you are meant to be). Embracing your individuality may be the first step to more peaceful and fulfilling life experiences.

Mindfulness Life Hacks is an explorative book of poetry that contemplates some of life’s most difficult quandaries, such as understanding purpose, experiencing love and heartbreak, and finding and/or embracing faith. For some, this faith is an inner life force. For others, it is the vastness of the universe. For me, it is God. This poetry collection will provide self-reflective and personal growth opportunities regardless of your spiritual journey.

Seasons of Healing

Seasons of Healing is a poetry collection that acknowledges and explores the notion that life mimics the seasons found in nature, providing the reader with an organizational structure for life events—utilizing poetry as a metaphorical lens. The collection encourages readers to embrace the idea that every aspect of life requires learning, growth, and analysis while being kind to our inner-being because self-love and kindness will lead to more robust living.

Elephant Wisdom

Elephant Wisdom is a poetry collection that explores topics equivalent to “the elephant in the middle of the room.” In other words, through a variety of poetic forms, utilizing a combination of free-verse, narrative, and rhythmic components, the poems encourage readers to broaden their minds and consider connections between science and religion while introducing the paradox of collective consciousness and universal forces. Unfortunately, loss is a topic that humanity has difficulty addressing with their friends and loved ones, leaving a significant lack of support for those who have or are currently experiencing grief. Elephant Wisdom addresses this gap of communal support through taboo themes such as infant death.

Bluebirds and Faith

Bluebirds and Faith is a poetry collection that celebrates God’s gift of eternal grace by finding joy, humility, and comfort in our surroundings. Inspired by the death of a beloved father, Grant shares her journey of sorrow and healing in a world that seems so incredibly far away from heaven. Finding mercy in the wings of a bluebird, Grant discovers that the separation between heaven and earth may not be as vast as we think. Poetry, one of the world’s most treasured artistic expressions, is the vessel used to explore faith in a world stricken with fear and sin. Free verse and Haiku poetic forms are spread heavily throughout. Grant hopes sharing her spiritual evolution will bring solace and peace to others at a time in their life when they feel no one else is listening. He always listens. God bless.