Mel Menzies, Author & Keynote Speaker: A Short Biography

Having received her first rejection slip at the age of 14, Mel Menzies – pronounced Ming-iss – went on to write copious amounts of magazine articles, and received book commissions from various major publishers, one of which, published by Hodder & Stoughton, became a Sunday Times No. 4 Bestseller.  A multi-published author, under various pen names, her novel, Time to Shine – the first of a series – became an Amazon No 1 Bestseller in its category.  Followed by Chosen? these gentle psychological mysteries set in Exeter and Dartmouth are solved, not by police procedures, but by a quirky  counsellor named Evie Adams, and are available from her Book Page or any good bookshop.

LATEST BOOK AVAILABLE NOW

Picked for a Purpose: Bearing Fruit Through Times of Hardship is testimony with teaching and tells the story of the way in which God, the Gardener, can sow seeds, and bring forth blossom and fruitfulness, using the 'poohy' circumstances that life thrusts upon you as manure for growth.  Dealing with mental health issues, ALL proceeds from sales will be donated to The Prince's Trust, a charity that empowered nearly 60,000 young people last year.

Mel Menzies has an impressive track record with her books.  Look in the mirror of ‘Picked for a Purpose’ and it may prove life changing!   David Coffey OBE, BMS Global Ambassador, Retired

This book is not only a personal testimony but also an inspiration for the readers to discover similar blessing. 
Michael Cole, Editor of Living Light 

Read this book and find hope rather than cliches, substance rather than slogans.  Highly recommended. Jeff Lucas, Author, Speaker, Broadcaster 

A compelling read.  Marjorie Broadhead, OFSTED Reporting Inspector, Retired 

This is a book which most people will resonate with in some way or other.   Dr Tessa Barton

A Painful Post Mortem, meanwhile, may be purchased as an ebook from Amazon.  A novel, it is based on Mel's personal knowledge and understanding of what it is like to lose a child: first to drugs and, ultimately - after the joy of seeing the habit overcome - to death in suspicious circumstances.  Proceeds from sales of her novels have raised large sums for the charity, Tearfund.

PUBLIC SPEAKING

An inspirational keynote speaker, Mel’s background includes live events of up to 1,500+, plus radio and TV appearances.  She likes nothing better than interacting with an audience, or running workshops, and has a passion to help others achieve their potential.  Take a look at her speaking experience and book her for your event.

BLOG

Mel blogs regularly on, among other things, creative writing, writing and publishing, personality profiling, personal growth and self-help, relationships, stepfamilies, bereavement and debt.  Take a look at the bottom of her Home Page, or the drop-down menu on Mel’s Muse to negotiate your way.  She loves to hear from visitors and always responds to genuine comments and e-mails.

FAITH, FAMILY & FUN

Family life is a priority and Mel and her husband like nothing better than spending time with any of their seven grandchildren, playing board games or taking trips to Dartmoor.  Both are active members of a large and lively Anglican Church and, while Paul excels at photography, Mel leads a Book Club and Writers’ Group.  In the past, she and her husband have led Family Forums, Marriage Enrichment Courses and residential Creative Writing Courses.  In conjunction with an artist friend, she has produced a Poetry Booklet titled Faith, Family & Fun, proceeds from which will be for the reordering of their church.

You may read more about Mel’s journey as an author here, and perhaps recognise something of your own experience in the process.