Meet Melody Trowell, author and poet

A literary meet-'n'-greet in 10 pictures or less

Welcome back!

If you can’t resist a story that begins with “Once upon a time,” then you’ll love Melody Trowell. Her debut novel channels all the charm and whimsey that make fairy tales fun without sacrificing the grounding moral force that makes them endure.

And, now, Melody will pull back the curtain and share a little bit about herself with us, including her interests, hobbies, writing process, and even a few photos…

All About Melody

I hold a BA in English with teaching certification (6-12) from Abilene Christian University (‘04) and an MA in Linguistics from University of North Texas (‘07). I’ve taught middle school, high school, and college English at both public and private institutions since 2004, and when staying home with my children from 2012 to 2016, I started a photography and children’s goods small business. Currently, I teach writing full-time as Associate Professor of English at Dallas Christian College, where I also serve as a member of the college’s arts and sciences committee and founder/editor-in-chief of the college’s literary journal.

My first children’s book, The Girl Whose Frown Shook the Ground, will be published in 2024 by Calla Press Publishing. I also have a poem, “The Gardener,” featured in the Calla Press Spring 2024 Literary Journal and a poem, “To Give You Mere Hope,” in An Unexpected Journal.

I enjoy Bible studies with my sisters in Christ, tending my cottage garden, DIY-ing home projects, and loving on my husband and three children. I have been writing stories and poetry since childhood and believe language is one of God’s most beautiful gifts.

Q: Where and when do you write?

Whenever and wherever I can. (I always have a notebook & pen with me.)

All About Melody’s Book

The Girl Whose Frown Shook the Ground

Release Date: October 16, 2024

Available for preorder from Calla Press Publishing on Sept. 12.

Once upon a time, there lived a little girl who got everything she wanted. Even so, she was not happy. Many tried in vain to appease her, but their failed attempts only fueled her anger. And when she got angry, which was often, she frowned. This frown was no ordinary frown – it carried with it such power that it shook the world around her. Destruction followed her everywhere she went. Still, amidst such hopelessness lies Help. The question here remains would the girl accept it?

Books that Melody read and loved

• The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi

• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

• The Lost Princess by George MacDonald

• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

• Thread of Dreams by Emily Barnett (Read my review.)

• The Paradise King by Blaine Eldredge (Read my review.)

Here’s how you can connect with Melody

Be sure to subscribe to Melody’s Substack,

Under the Bridge

, where she shares writerly updates and personal reflections.

Stop by Melody’s website to stay up to date on book news and where you can also snag a free coloring page that goes along with her new release.

🎁 Gift alert: If you preorder The Girl Whose Frown Shook the Ground, send a screenshot of your receipt to melodytrowell@gmail.com, and she’ll send you some goodies to say thank you!

And here’s where you can find her on Facebook, Instagram, and Goodreads.

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Thank you, Melody, for chatting books today!

And thank you for being here, readers.

Catch you next time,

Michelle