Sometimes the hardest part of faith isn't believing. It's waiting. In this episode of Writers With Purpose, Melvese interviews author and Christian mental health coach Camille T. Burgin about her debut book, In the Grey. Together, they discuss trusting God through uncertainty, emotional healing, forgiveness, waiting with purpose, and learning to grow through life's most difficult seasons.

Whether you're navigating unanswered prayers or searching for hope, this conversation offers practical encouragement rooted in faith.

In this episode of Writers With Purpose, Melvese interviews author and literary scholar W. Lawrence Hogue about his book, Struggle, Resistance, and Decolonization in African American Literature After 1960.

Drawing on decades of scholarship and research, Hogue examines how African American writers challenged dominant narratives, reclaimed cultural identity, and reshaped literary history through stories rooted in resistance, community, and self-determination.

The discussion explores decolonization, African influences on Black literature, banned books, cultural memory, and why becoming the subject of your own history remains a powerful act of liberation.

If you're passionate about books, history, education, and the transformative power of storytelling, this episode is for you.

In this heartfelt episode of Writers With Purpose, Melvese welcomes Dr. Carolyn Coleman and several contributing authors from the anthology We Write the Letters That Heal: Vibrations of Healing.

Together, they discuss the transformative power of storytelling, the role writing plays in personal healing, and the lessons they've learned through experiences involving grief, rejection, forgiveness, faith, self-love, and restoration.

Their candid testimonies offer encouragement for anyone navigating life's challenges and serve as a reminder that healing often begins when we find the courage to share our stories.

Whether you're a reader, writer, or someone searching for hope, this conversation will leave you inspired to embrace your journey and move forward with purpose.

In this episode of Writers With Purpose, Melvese interviews Dr. Lady Papillon, author of The Adventures of Papillon children's book series.

Dr. Lady Papillon shares the inspiration behind her educational series, the importance of literacy and communication skills, and how storytelling can help children develop confidence, character, accountability, and purpose.

The conversation also explores the role of grandparents in shaping future generations and highlights Granny Chats Magazine, a publication dedicated to preserving family wisdom while supporting scholarships and educational initiatives.

If you're passionate about children's literature, education, parenting, or helping young people discover their potential, this episode is filled with practical wisdom and inspiration.

Can forgiveness truly set you free? In this episode of Writers With Purpose, Melvese welcomes author Cecilia M. Columbus to discuss her inspiring book, Breaking the Chains: Finding Healing, Forgiveness, and Freedom in God.

Cecilia shares her personal journey through church hurt, broken relationships, self-forgiveness, and spiritual healing. Together, they explore what it means to release emotional burdens, embrace God's grace, and walk boldly in freedom.

Whether you're navigating past wounds, seeking healing, or striving to deepen your faith, this conversation offers encouragement, wisdom, and practical insights for your journey.

In this powerful episode of Writers With Purpose, host Melvese welcomes author and poet Natasha R. Minier-Robinson to discuss her book My Heart Is Home.

Natasha shares the deeply personal experiences that inspired her collection of poetry and reflections, including miscarriage, grief, chronic health challenges, faith, and emotional healing. Together, they explore what it means to find hope in suffering, trust God through loss, and discover where the heart truly finds its home.

This conversation is honest, inspiring, and filled with encouragement for anyone navigating grief, disappointment, or life's unexpected challenges.

In this episode of Writers With Purpose, Melvese interviews Devon Kimbro, author of The Chronicles of the Magus Bloodlines. Together, they explore fantasy worldbuilding, shaping believable magic systems, rewriting a published novel, recovering from creative setbacks, and building stories readers can disappear into.

Whether you’re a fantasy reader, an aspiring author, or someone creating something bigger than yourself, this conversation offers insight, imagination, and practical lessons for the journey.

Can faith and feelings exist together? In this episode of Writers With Purpose, Melvese interviews T.R. Monroe about her Healing & Freedom Series and the journey from survival to healing.

Together, they explore people-pleasing, grief, emotional exhaustion, boundaries, anxiety, journaling, and how honesty can become the first step toward freedom.

If you’ve been carrying too much for too long, press play.

In this episode of Writers With Purpose, Melvese interviews author Mandie Dufour about her debut sci-fi thriller, Devour.

What begins as a mission to recover life-saving technology quickly becomes a terrifying fight for survival in deep space. Mandie discusses existential dread, horror, worldbuilding, Norse mythology, character development, and the challenges of turning a novella into a full-length novel.

This episode is perfect for fans of sci-fi thrillers, horror, suspense, and stories that explore fear, fate, and survival against the unknown.

In this powerful episode of Writers With Purpose, Melvese interviews author Gina DiMarco about her memoir Laurel’s Diary, a deeply personal exploration of trauma, healing, intimacy, and emotional survival after sexual assault.

Built from real diary entries, emails, and messages written over nearly a decade, Laurel’s Diary offers an unfiltered look into the psychological realities many survivors face in silence.

Gina discusses:

• The emotional aftermath of trauma
• Survivor misconceptions
• Relationships and healing
• Why storytelling matters
• How her writing became a tool for advocacy and recovery

This is an honest and compassionate conversation about pain, resilience, and reclaiming your voice.