Melanie Florence: Award-Winning Author and Doctor Who Fan

Melanie Florence is a celebrated writer with Cree and Scottish roots, residing in Toronto. Her upbringing and close relationship with her grandfather ignited her passion for writing stories that explore Indigenous themes and characters. She has garnered significant acclaim for her work, most notably for Missing Nimama, which earned the prestigious 2016 TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award, the 2017 Forest of Reading Golden Oak Award, and recognition as a finalist for the 2017 First Nation Communities READ award. Her diverse bibliography also includes Righting Canada’s Wrongs: Residential Schools and compelling teen novels such as He Who Dreams, The Missing, One Night, and Rez Runaway.

To delve deeper into Melanie’s world, visit her official website at MelanieFlorence.com and follow her on Twitter @mflowrites.

One of her impactful picture books, STOLEN WORDS, beautifully illustrated by Gabrielle Grimard and published by Second Story Press in October 2017, was distinguished by Kirkus as one of the Best Picture Books Of 2017 To Give Readers Strength (and received a starred Kirkus review here).

Stolen Words: Synopsis

STOLEN WORDS tells a poignant story of a young girl and her grandfather. When the girl seeks to learn Cree words from her grandfather, he reveals a painful truth: his language was taken from him during his childhood. This revelation inspires the young girl to embark on a journey to help her grandfather reclaim his stolen language. This tenderly illustrated picture book sensitively addresses the lasting impact of the residential school system, where Indigenous children were forcibly separated from their families and cultures. It acknowledges the deep wounds inflicted by cultural and linguistic theft, the intergenerational transmission of this pain, and the potential for shared healing.

A Glimpse into Melanie Florence’s Creative Space and Fandom

In a recent interview, Melanie Florence offered a personal glimpse into her workspace, revealing not only her creative environment but also her passion for a beloved science fiction series: Doctor Who.

When asked to share a photo of a meaningful object in her office, Melanie presented not one, but two framed shadow boxes hanging above her desk.

Two shadow boxes hanging above a desk, the bottom one featuring imagery related to the Tenth Doctor and the top one related to the Eleventh Doctor from Doctor Who.

“I’m a bit of a nerd (ok, a huge nerd) and I love Doctor Who,” Melanie confessed. This affection is evident in her studio, which even features a closet designed to resemble the TARDIS, the iconic time-traveling machine from the show.

A closet door decorated to look like the TARDIS from Doctor Who, complete with a police box sign and blue paint.

Elaborating on the shadow boxes, Melanie explained, “I made the bottom shadow box to reflect ‘my doctor’, the tenth doctor, David Tennant. But my daughter likes the eleventh. So the top shadow box is for her.” These handcrafted pieces are just a couple of the Doctor Who items that populate her studio, holding a special place among her favorites. This charming detail reveals a personal side of Melanie Florence, showcasing her as not only an accomplished author but also an enthusiastic fan. Her dedication to both her craft and her fandom paints a picture of a creative individual deeply engaged with storytelling in all its forms.

Advice for Aspiring Writers

Melanie Florence shared thoughtful advice for young writers, reflecting on her own journey and continuous growth as an author. “Oh man. That’s a tricky question because I never feel like a ‘real’ writer,” she admitted. This humble perspective, even after publishing ten books, underscores her commitment to lifelong learning. “Even after ten books, I still feel like I have so much to learn. Actually, maybe that’s the advice. Keep learning.”

Her advice is both simple and profound: continuous learning is key. “Write. Read. Take classes. Find a critique group,” she encouraged. Melanie emphasized that the pursuit of improvement is perpetual, regardless of skill level. “No matter how good of a writer you are, there will always be more to learn.” This encouragement to embrace ongoing development is invaluable for anyone starting out in the field of writing.

Excitement for the Future: Doctor Who and Beyond

Looking ahead, Melanie Florence expressed excitement for upcoming cultural events that resonate with her interests. “Hmmm…I’m excited about seeing the new Doctor being introduced on Christmas Day! The first woman Doctor on Doctor Who. I’ll be watching with my daughter for sure.” Her anticipation for the new Doctor Who episodes, particularly the introduction of the first female Doctor, highlights her continued engagement with the series and its evolving narratives.

Adding to her list of eagerly awaited releases, Melanie mentioned, “And I’m also excited to see the new Star Wars movie when it comes out. (I told you I was a nerd.)” This blend of enthusiasm for both Doctor Who and Star Wars further reinforces her self-proclaimed “nerd” identity, showcasing a vibrant and multifaceted personality that extends beyond her literary accomplishments. Her eagerness to experience new stories in these beloved franchises connects her with a broad audience of fans, demonstrating a shared passion for imaginative worlds and compelling characters.

Explore more insights from book creators in the Inkygirl Interview Archives and find valuable Advice For Young Writers And Illustrators From Book Creators.