“The great thing about this course was how it takes me from ‘I have a great idea,’ or ‘they should make a story about…’ to ‘I just finished my first draft about…’ The online format is great for keeping the right balance between working on my stuff alone so I can get good, solid story telling on the page, and working with others for motivation and getting the creative juices flowing. I can’t wait until the end of this series, when we are all at that spa for the weekend, comparing our finished manuscripts between mud baths and apple martinis. Like Hemingway and the lost generation, but with Miami style.”

– Sean Maguire, Miami resident

“I enjoyed our workshop and I definitely think it was a productive hour. Your knowledge and presentation were very effective in sparking my creative process, and I really enjoyed meeting you. I was pleasantly surprised by that little paragraph that came out of me during our writing exercise.”

– Julie Weaver, Miami

“I loved it! For me it works because Miami traffic is so HORRIBLE and to be able to connect and learn right from the comfortable surroundings of my home, it is much better. I probably would not do it if I had to drive somewhere. Besides, I teach and take classes on line at the college so it is very familiar for me.”

– Marlene Rauch on the virtual workshops, Miami resident since 1960

With so many colorful personalities in the class and so many opportunities to get sidetracked, Melanie did an amazing job at keeping the class on track. She also seemed to always make herself available for personal attention. The guest speaker was a great way to wrap up the series.”

— Frank Sammut, Miami

“Great class…I definitely felt the class provided me with discipline and haelped get the creative juices flowing. Definitely appreciated Melanie’s feedback on the novel-in-progress and I will take her thoughts as well as what was discussed in class and incorporate into my writing. I would’ve liked to hear more from published authors and the process of getting finished prose published/marketed, etc. That would be great for future classes. Biscayne Writers is a great support group.”

– Timothy Pyne, Miami

“This was my first experience in a writing workshop. It was fun, informative and helped me gain confidence as a writer. Melanie is an empathetic facilitator, who led the group in an open and relaxed atmosphere which encouraged participation. It was also so refreshing to experience such diverse writing styles and perspectives from the group participants. I would definitely recommend this workshop as a means to exploring your creative side.”

– Barb Connold, Miami

“A smart, highly skilled editor who generates cutting edge story ideas with ease. She is savvy at networking and thinking outside the box when it comes to vertical growth of publishing products. I wrote for her and the Angel Journal and I highly recommend her for any editorial position and any list looking to highlight ‘40 under 40′ accomplished people.”

– Sheree R. Curry, freelance business journalist

“Good stories, helped me generate new ideas, pushed me into to doing the weekly guide and kicking off the website. I think if you open yourself up more and put things out there more will come back to you. I am learning this myself. I wanted things right away and would get discouraged when things didn’t happen in a timely fashion but have come to realize those who sacrifice and stick through the ‘tough’ times reap the rewards they desire. You are going to be a great success and I am glad to have met you!”

– Tiffany Houser, on creating Balance Boost, a weekly E-Newsletter for 900 subscribers in Miami, New York and LA.

“I really appreciate your time and dedication in this project and your eye for perfection. The whole process was a pleasure from the interview to the completion. Your spirit shines through your work.”

– Sri Michael, a Kirtan singer, on writing his biography.

“I happened to read your article on the April 21, 2006 South Florida Business Journal. That was very impressive and really a well-written article. I even mentioned your article to my friend who writes articles (used to be an editor) for the Indian Express. Such articles do help stabilize our Indo-US business relations a lot, ultimately profiting both these countries, in perspective with the rest of the world.”

– Babith George, Business Analyst / Operations for Chetu Inc

“It is my pleasure to support you in all endeavors!!! When I look at you, I see a star. Who doesn’t want to catch a ride on a star while it’s rising?”

– Chris Morales, on Goa-style yoga

“I feel very close to you, my dear, and want to keep encouraging you to strive to grow to your fullest , highest-purpose self ! You are incredibly talented and committed.” -

- Hazel Henderson, on web programming, marketing and leveraging Ethical Markets Media.