: About Me

My name is Melanie Burgess and I'm 27 years old. I have three beautiful children (Courtney is 5, William is 4, and Mikey is 1) and a husband that loves me as much as I love him. Since I write for a living already (freelance), I decided to have fun with it in addition!

I won awards when I was in my teens for poetry and short stories, and earned top grades in English wherever I had to take English classes-even college level. I have loved writing since I first started school. I am about 8 months short of getting my first degree, and have taken a sabbatical from school in order to get my children through their first few years. I can't wait for the chance to go back to school and finish my degree in Medical Transcription.

I'm from Alabama, a small town right outside of Auburn, and love it here. War Eagle, hey! I've lived in many places throughout my life, however, and am used to moving around when the occasion calls for it due to divorce and other family issues. I have lived in Washington, Florida, Ohio (born there in 1980), Virginia, Texas, and Alabama. I was raised here in Bama and it has always felt the most like home to me. Having moved so much really gave me a different perspective on how important it is to have the feeling of "roots."

Writing has always been about expressing what is inside for me. It has long been an outlet for preventing insanity, and I enjoy researching and studying new things in order to keep my mind sharp and focused. I was always a nerd, and probably always will be. No matter what I'm reading about, I've always been able to focus in on the subject at hand and have very high reading/comprehension levels. At last test, I read 1300 wpm with 100% comprehension, so that gives me an edge in learning things and picking things up fairly quickly.

I also love cross stitching (my other big hobby that I hope to get paid for), fishing, boating, hiking, reading (of course) and spending time with my family. I especially love anything to do with travel or the outdoors, and have travelled to Mexico several times and hiked up mountains and in caves.

If you have any questions or just want to talk, you can e-mail me at mikemelburgess@yahoo.com. Add me to your favorite list, and feel free to drop hints about any articles you read of mine. I welcome constructive criticism! I look forward to getting to know everyone, and learning the ins and outs of writing at Helium-where knowledge rules. :)

My passion is ...

writing and seeing new places

I know too much about ...

disappointment

My parents always told me ...

"If you can't be the best, give it your best."

My childhood ambition ...

to grow up and be just like my Mom

My favorite memory ...

Sam and Leon

Why I write ...

because if I don't I'll go nuts

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

Bible/TLC/Christian Rock or Rap

My first job ...

working at my dad's hardware

My best moment ...

graduating with Advanced Honors

My inspiration ...

my mom/kids