The Community Center is our neighborhood hub
This is the heart of our online home. It's where you'll find announcements, events, and general chit-chat.
Come inside, grab your favorite drink, and pull up a chair.
Hate has no home here
Books are a form of political action. Books are knowledge. Books are reflection. Books change your mind.
—Toni Morrison
Just a reminder: you are welcome here.
Rhetoric that treats people as less than based on their skin color, their country of origin, their gender identity or expression, their sexual orientation, their religion, their economic standing, their ability or disability (physical or mental) is not welcome—and will get a person evicted from The Neighborhood with a swiftness.
If you believe in stories that shine light, in community rooted in authentic kindness, care, and courage, and in the power of words to connect us—you belong here.
The Bulletin Board
May 23 is 143 Day!
Here in Pennsylvania, it’s an official Day of Kindness in honor of Fred Rogers. I think most of you know I'm the original Mr. Rogers fan girl, and my family always celebrates 143 Day.
1-4-3 was Mr. Rogers' code for “I love you.” So on the 143rd day of the year, we share acts of kindness and good deeds. You can read more about it and check out some ideas for spreading kindness at this site.
Especially now, we can all use some kindness and light. So, please, if you're so inclined, post here if you participate! I'd love to see what you're all up to. I'll check back this weekend and will give my own update, too.
143,
Melissa
Bookmarks!
If you'd like me to send you a bookmark, submit your mailing address here: Bookmark Signup Form
It's an anniversary celebration!
On April 18, 2011, Irreparable Harm first appeared on ereaders and book shelves!
Fourteen years ago, I couldn't have imagined where Sasha McCandless would lead me. Now, almost a decade and a half and fifty-some novels later, I am deeply, deeply grateful for this journey and everyone who's come along on it with me. ❤️
I have so many more books floating around in my head (and in the many, many notebooks that I scatter around my house like confetti), and I also realized belatedly that, at some point, I stopped celebrating each release.
I want to return to the days when sending a new book out into the world was an event, a party, or at least an opportunity to pause and sit in gratitude and joy.
So, for the rest of the month watch this space for the Irreparable Harm anniversary celebration! 🎉
A digital welcome basket for you
To welcome you to the neighborhood, I've put together a little basket of digital goodies! You'll find a screensaver/wallpaper for your mobile phone, one for your computer screen, and a printable sticker sheet.
Get Your Welcome Basket
If you'd like a physical sticker and a bookmark, message me with your street address and I'll pop one in the mail to you!
Let's grow together
The Neighborhood is brand new. I'd say it's a work in progress, but that implies that a structured, planned growth. Instead, I'd love if we grew the community organically, together.
If you have ideas for features, events, content, you name it—post them here! I'm all ears!