On the run up to the blog tour for The Flowerpot Witch, here’s another first reader for you to meet, Melanie Jackson Bridge. If I was married, she’d be my sister-in-law, so she’s married to my partner’s brother, but I’m lucky to call her friend as well as family.

I’m Mel and currently I don’t really do very much at the moment. I’m an older parent to a 7 year old who keeps me on my toes. In the absence of employment, I’m a wannabe polymath. I feel that you’re never to old to learn something new, and over the last year I’ve participated in a number of short courses on a variety of subjects including creative writing, critical thinking, eminent Victorians, Jane Austen, and understanding autism. At the time of writing this, I’m 2/3 through an evening adult education course, and I’m about to sign up for some online learning. If I’m not filling my time with my evening class, you may find me at my local ecology group, at yoga, bellydancing, doing school governor things, doing parents association things, or reading. Occasionally I make cards, or jewellery. From time to time I help my husband out with the admin side of his photography business.

I’ve known Wendy for many years and its her resolute spirit and ability to apply herself 100% to what she does that really inspires me. Therefore, it was a great honour to be asked to be one of Wendy’s first readers, as I greatly admire Wendy’s ability to tell a good story. Lizzie Martin is a wonderful character; wise, measured, compassionate, warm and a genuine friend. Just the sort of person we all aspire to be. What marks Lizzie as different is her connection to the natural world and the unseen, and her magic always strikes me as beautiful and practical in equal measures.

Like others in Wendy’s circle, I see myself as an author, but as yet, my story is unfinished and so unpublished. At least once a week I remind myself I’m trying to write a novel, but I spend so much time researching the WW2 period I get sidetracked by reading different accounts from the Mass Observation. Because of my propensity to procrastination I’m in awe of Wendy’s determination and focus as an author.

 

And, like all of my Wonderful Wendy Woo Witch Lit Team, Mel has failed to mention her degrees! She has a BSc and MSc in Conservation (management) and studied while pregnant and managing a new baby. She’s a stickler for grammar and a stern critique of my work but I love her for it. She knows she’s lazy and incredibly pedantic, but she’s a feminist, a pagan, an LGBTQ ally and a great charity supporter. My most remembered magical moments are with Mel, sharing magic in my circle beneath the moon. I’m blessed to have her on my side.

Check out her writer page on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KMacDonaldAuthor/

and on twitter: https://twitter.com/tooftalf

 

You’ve met Sarah, Eve and Mel so pop back tomorrow and meet another Mel, Melanie Collier, to complete The Wonderful Wendy Woo Witch Lit Team first readers.

Keep your eyes peeled for The Flowerpot Witch blog tour coming soon to a website near you!