Melissa Llanes Brownlee
@lumchanmfa.bsky.social
Native Hawaiian writer living in Japan
https://www.melissallanesbrownlee.com/
Bitter over Sweet https://tinyurl.com/5hd7u63r
Hard Skin http://tinyurl.com/yc53
Kahi&Lua http://tinyurl.com/3ryfzvwh
https://www.melissallanesbrownlee.com/
Bitter over Sweet https://tinyurl.com/5hd7u63r
Hard Skin http://tinyurl.com/yc53
Kahi&Lua http://tinyurl.com/3ryfzvwh
Pinned
TONIGHT at 7pm EST, @lumchanmfa.bsky.social will be in conversation with @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social to celebrate the launch of BITTER OVER SWEET, hosted by @avitusbcarle.bsky.social! buff.ly/CtKtA0k
Can't make it? Get BITTER OVER SWEET right here! buff.ly/3pPOviA
@susanschulman.bsky.social
Can't make it? Get BITTER OVER SWEET right here! buff.ly/3pPOviA
@susanschulman.bsky.social
I’m still buzzing from my awesome book launch!! Thank you Deesha Philyaw for being a part of it and for your wonderful questions and @avitusbcarle.bsky.social for being an amazing host. Thank you to everyone who came and thank you to my friends who helped and supported me ❤️❤️❤️
little windsocks that don’t sock so much as sing songs about nothing, nothing when it’s this side of something, nothing when they hoped it’d seem like light but feels more like hurt, the hurt in the heart the heart won’t hold, as if enough were something lit
I'd quote it all @pdforan.bsky.social
I'd quote it all @pdforan.bsky.social
I have a tiny thing in Issue 4 of Poems for Tomorrow (scrolling required). Thanks, editors, for giving it a place to live.
poems4tomorrow.wixsite.com/poems-for-to...
poems4tomorrow.wixsite.com/poems-for-to...
February 4, 2026 at 12:30 AM
little windsocks that don’t sock so much as sing songs about nothing, nothing when it’s this side of something, nothing when they hoped it’d seem like light but feels more like hurt, the hurt in the heart the heart won’t hold, as if enough were something lit
I'd quote it all @pdforan.bsky.social
I'd quote it all @pdforan.bsky.social
Reposted by Melissa Llanes Brownlee
Starting in April, I’m teaching a six-week writing workshop at the wonderful Writers & Books in Rochester, NY. If you live in the area, please join me.📚💚
wab.org/event/bright...
wab.org/event/bright...
Bright Beginnings: Writing Your YA Novel - Writers & Books
A 6-week workshop with Melissa Ostrom Location: Writers & Books, 740 University Ave, Rochester NY Price: Members $320 | General Public $360 One need-based scholarship available Minimum Enrollment: 7...
wab.org
February 3, 2026 at 3:13 PM
Starting in April, I’m teaching a six-week writing workshop at the wonderful Writers & Books in Rochester, NY. If you live in the area, please join me.📚💚
wab.org/event/bright...
wab.org/event/bright...
The wound feels like orange rind – thick, succulent. She pushes a finger into the pink, fresh cut margin. It stings, sour acid. She does it again.
@pleomorphic2.bsky.social in Ghost Parachute (@brettpribble.bsky.social)
ghostparachute.com/issue/februa...
@pleomorphic2.bsky.social in Ghost Parachute (@brettpribble.bsky.social)
ghostparachute.com/issue/februa...
Subdermal — Ghost Parachute
“The British knew how to run a country,” the girl’s father says to the doctor. “Our railways are because of them, you know?” The doctor has put in two neat stitches, black nylon bunny ears sticking ou...
ghostparachute.com
February 4, 2026 at 12:26 AM
The wound feels like orange rind – thick, succulent. She pushes a finger into the pink, fresh cut margin. It stings, sour acid. She does it again.
@pleomorphic2.bsky.social in Ghost Parachute (@brettpribble.bsky.social)
ghostparachute.com/issue/februa...
@pleomorphic2.bsky.social in Ghost Parachute (@brettpribble.bsky.social)
ghostparachute.com/issue/februa...
February 4, 2026 at 12:16 AM
Reposted by Melissa Llanes Brownlee
Read "Subdermal" written by @pleomorphic2.bsky.social and illustrated by @courtneyb77.bsky.social.
"The doctor has put in two neat stitches, black nylon bunny ears sticking out as if the girl has been wrapped up."
tinyurl.com/79zvfbfm
"The doctor has put in two neat stitches, black nylon bunny ears sticking out as if the girl has been wrapped up."
tinyurl.com/79zvfbfm
Subdermal — Ghost Parachute
“The British knew how to run a country,” the girl’s father says to the doctor. “Our railways are because of them, you know?” The doctor has put in two neat stitches, black nylon bunny ears sticking ou...
tinyurl.com
February 2, 2026 at 12:55 PM
Read "Subdermal" written by @pleomorphic2.bsky.social and illustrated by @courtneyb77.bsky.social.
"The doctor has put in two neat stitches, black nylon bunny ears sticking out as if the girl has been wrapped up."
tinyurl.com/79zvfbfm
"The doctor has put in two neat stitches, black nylon bunny ears sticking out as if the girl has been wrapped up."
tinyurl.com/79zvfbfm
Reposted by Melissa Llanes Brownlee
Flight 3 takes off tomorrow! Right now, our editors are working on preparing a very cool interview with Brewer's Choice feature artists @pleomorphic2.bsky.social and @kathrynreese.bsky.social all about their collaborative process
January 31, 2026 at 5:31 AM
Flight 3 takes off tomorrow! Right now, our editors are working on preparing a very cool interview with Brewer's Choice feature artists @pleomorphic2.bsky.social and @kathrynreese.bsky.social all about their collaborative process
Reposted by Melissa Llanes Brownlee
MY BOOK! MY BOOK! MY BOOK!!
February 3, 2026 at 1:43 AM
MY BOOK! MY BOOK! MY BOOK!!
Reposted by Melissa Llanes Brownlee
We've hit the first goal milestone and I just want to deeply thank everyone who has donated or shared! I am hoping to keep this going to truly help my parents rebuild, but this is so incredibly kind!
On January 24th, my parents home burned down. They and my disabled brother escaped with only minor burns but they lost everything they've ever had.
I'm running a GoFundMe to help them recover and rebuild. I would be deeply grateful for any donations but also for any shares!
I'm running a GoFundMe to help them recover and rebuild. I would be deeply grateful for any donations but also for any shares!
Donate to We Lost Everything to a Fire. Help My Family Rebuild., organized by Chloe Clark
On January 24th, our childhood home burned down. Our parents lost 50… Chloe Clark needs your support for We Lost Everything to a Fire. Help My Family Rebuild.
gofund.me
February 3, 2026 at 8:56 PM
We've hit the first goal milestone and I just want to deeply thank everyone who has donated or shared! I am hoping to keep this going to truly help my parents rebuild, but this is so incredibly kind!
Reposted by Melissa Llanes Brownlee
Today is the publication date of my first novel. What an honor to work with the amazing @stanchion.bsky.social. Please consider ordering a copy and, if you’re in San Diego, come celebrate with me this Sat!
www.stanchionzine.com/product-page...
www.stanchionzine.com/product-page...
February 3, 2026 at 5:52 PM
Today is the publication date of my first novel. What an honor to work with the amazing @stanchion.bsky.social. Please consider ordering a copy and, if you’re in San Diego, come celebrate with me this Sat!
www.stanchionzine.com/product-page...
www.stanchionzine.com/product-page...
February 2, 2026 at 12:55 AM
Reposted by Melissa Llanes Brownlee
Excited to have a flash in @soflopojo.bsky.social today--along with so many greats, including @swethaamit.bsky.social, @lumchanmfa.bsky.social, @chelseastickle.bsky.social, @ckrich.bsky.social
www.southfloridapoetryjournal.com/flash-40-feb...
www.southfloridapoetryjournal.com/flash-40-feb...
FLASH #40-FEB '26
SoFloPoJo Content: HOME ● ESSAYS ● INTERVIEWS ● REVIEWS ● SPECIAL ● VIDEO ● VISUAL-ARTS ● ARCHIVES ● CALENDAR ● MASTHEAD ●...
www.southfloridapoetryjournal.com
February 1, 2026 at 6:37 PM
Excited to have a flash in @soflopojo.bsky.social today--along with so many greats, including @swethaamit.bsky.social, @lumchanmfa.bsky.social, @chelseastickle.bsky.social, @ckrich.bsky.social
www.southfloridapoetryjournal.com/flash-40-feb...
www.southfloridapoetryjournal.com/flash-40-feb...
weekly ukulele video 🥰❤️ (February 2, 2026)
YouTube video by Melissa Llanes Brownlee
youtu.be
February 1, 2026 at 9:46 PM
Reposted by Melissa Llanes Brownlee
Like weirdness? Fairy tales and fabulism? Voids in the backyard? Gila monsters with uplifted intelligence? Oblations to the ocean? Bakers who speak toads and snakes? Beautiful things that fall apart?
I have a short story collection with that & much more coming soon: www.uapress.com/product/bedt...
I have a short story collection with that & much more coming soon: www.uapress.com/product/bedt...
The Bedtime Emptying of Our World
Short Stories
Joel Hans
978-0-913785-69-0 Paper
February 2026
www.uapress.com
January 29, 2026 at 12:59 AM
Like weirdness? Fairy tales and fabulism? Voids in the backyard? Gila monsters with uplifted intelligence? Oblations to the ocean? Bakers who speak toads and snakes? Beautiful things that fall apart?
I have a short story collection with that & much more coming soon: www.uapress.com/product/bedt...
I have a short story collection with that & much more coming soon: www.uapress.com/product/bedt...
Reposted by Melissa Llanes Brownlee
This guy is so good.
Like weirdness? Fairy tales and fabulism? Voids in the backyard? Gila monsters with uplifted intelligence? Oblations to the ocean? Bakers who speak toads and snakes? Beautiful things that fall apart?
I have a short story collection with that & much more coming soon: www.uapress.com/product/bedt...
I have a short story collection with that & much more coming soon: www.uapress.com/product/bedt...
The Bedtime Emptying of Our World
Short Stories
Joel Hans
978-0-913785-69-0 Paper
February 2026
www.uapress.com
January 29, 2026 at 4:40 PM
This guy is so good.
Reposted by Melissa Llanes Brownlee
Free micro submissions at The Offing, open until March 1, 10 to 560 character (not word) micros:
@heyflashvillage.bsky.social
#LitMags #WritingCommunity
theoffingmag.submittable.com/submit
@heyflashvillage.bsky.social
#LitMags #WritingCommunity
theoffingmag.submittable.com/submit
The Offing Submission Manager
Thanks so much for your interest, and we look forward to reading your work. Please be familiar with the magazine and our mission before you submit.For 2026, there will be no submission fees thanks to ...
theoffingmag.submittable.com
January 29, 2026 at 8:50 PM
Free micro submissions at The Offing, open until March 1, 10 to 560 character (not word) micros:
@heyflashvillage.bsky.social
#LitMags #WritingCommunity
theoffingmag.submittable.com/submit
@heyflashvillage.bsky.social
#LitMags #WritingCommunity
theoffingmag.submittable.com/submit
Reposted by Melissa Llanes Brownlee
Free micro submissions at The Offing, open until March 1, 10 to 560 character (not word) micros:
@heyflashvillage.bsky.social
#LitMags #WritingCommunity
theoffingmag.submittable.com/submit
@heyflashvillage.bsky.social
#LitMags #WritingCommunity
theoffingmag.submittable.com/submit
The Offing Submission Manager
Thanks so much for your interest, and we look forward to reading your work. Please be familiar with the magazine and our mission before you submit.For 2026, there will be no submission fees thanks to ...
theoffingmag.submittable.com
January 30, 2026 at 3:40 AM
weekly talk story about GhostParachute (@brettpribble.bsky.social) anthology and hugs...
www.melissallanesbrownlee.com/talk-story/2...
www.melissallanesbrownlee.com/talk-story/2...
Ghost Parachute Anthology and Sending Hugs — Melissa Llanes Brownlee
Looks like everyone is celebrating their Ghost Parachute Anthology inclusion, so I will join in! Thanks Brett for including “ bitches be crazy, ain’t no thing as a free lunch, the man is out to get yo...
www.melissallanesbrownlee.com
January 30, 2026 at 12:28 AM
weekly talk story about GhostParachute (@brettpribble.bsky.social) anthology and hugs...
www.melissallanesbrownlee.com/talk-story/2...
www.melissallanesbrownlee.com/talk-story/2...
January 28, 2026 at 12:32 AM
🥰🥰🥰
ICYMI, BITTER OVER SWEET by @lumchanmfa.bsky.social was featured in @electricliterature.com's list of "15 Small Press Books You Don’t Want to Miss This Winter!" buff.ly/2MV0xvC
Get BITTER OVER SWEET right here: buff.ly/JdBXDs8
@susanschulman.bsky.social
Get BITTER OVER SWEET right here: buff.ly/JdBXDs8
@susanschulman.bsky.social
15 Small Press Books You Don’t Want to Miss This Winter - Electric Literature
Grab a warm drink and cozy up with these great new indie titles
buff.ly
January 27, 2026 at 9:48 PM
🥰🥰🥰
Reposted by Melissa Llanes Brownlee
ICYMI, BITTER OVER SWEET by @lumchanmfa.bsky.social was featured in @electricliterature.com's list of "15 Small Press Books You Don’t Want to Miss This Winter!" buff.ly/2MV0xvC
Get BITTER OVER SWEET right here: buff.ly/JdBXDs8
@susanschulman.bsky.social
Get BITTER OVER SWEET right here: buff.ly/JdBXDs8
@susanschulman.bsky.social
15 Small Press Books You Don’t Want to Miss This Winter - Electric Literature
Grab a warm drink and cozy up with these great new indie titles
buff.ly
January 27, 2026 at 7:51 PM
ICYMI, BITTER OVER SWEET by @lumchanmfa.bsky.social was featured in @electricliterature.com's list of "15 Small Press Books You Don’t Want to Miss This Winter!" buff.ly/2MV0xvC
Get BITTER OVER SWEET right here: buff.ly/JdBXDs8
@susanschulman.bsky.social
Get BITTER OVER SWEET right here: buff.ly/JdBXDs8
@susanschulman.bsky.social
weekly ukulele video 🥰❤️
I was considering not posting a new video this week but maybe this wil give you a little joy. Hugs to you all.
youtu.be/A9WIRKfEvaU
I was considering not posting a new video this week but maybe this wil give you a little joy. Hugs to you all.
youtu.be/A9WIRKfEvaU
weekly ukulele video 🥰❤️
YouTube video by Melissa Llanes Brownlee
youtu.be
January 25, 2026 at 9:42 PM
weekly ukulele video 🥰❤️
I was considering not posting a new video this week but maybe this wil give you a little joy. Hugs to you all.
youtu.be/A9WIRKfEvaU
I was considering not posting a new video this week but maybe this wil give you a little joy. Hugs to you all.
youtu.be/A9WIRKfEvaU
🥰🥰🥰
The weekend is the perfect time to curl up with @lumchanmfa.bsky.social's collection, BITTER OVER SWEET! buff.ly/NNjm8aL
@susanschulman.bsky.social
@susanschulman.bsky.social
January 24, 2026 at 9:25 PM
🥰🥰🥰
Reposted by Melissa Llanes Brownlee
The weekend is the perfect time to curl up with @lumchanmfa.bsky.social's collection, BITTER OVER SWEET! buff.ly/NNjm8aL
@susanschulman.bsky.social
@susanschulman.bsky.social
January 24, 2026 at 5:40 PM
The weekend is the perfect time to curl up with @lumchanmfa.bsky.social's collection, BITTER OVER SWEET! buff.ly/NNjm8aL
@susanschulman.bsky.social
@susanschulman.bsky.social
Reposted by Melissa Llanes Brownlee
I have a tiny thing in Issue 4 of Poems for Tomorrow (scrolling required). Thanks, editors, for giving it a place to live.
poems4tomorrow.wixsite.com/poems-for-to...
poems4tomorrow.wixsite.com/poems-for-to...
January 24, 2026 at 5:15 PM
I have a tiny thing in Issue 4 of Poems for Tomorrow (scrolling required). Thanks, editors, for giving it a place to live.
poems4tomorrow.wixsite.com/poems-for-to...
poems4tomorrow.wixsite.com/poems-for-to...
Reposted by Melissa Llanes Brownlee
The SmokeLong Workshop Prize Long List just went live. It has been a mountain of great work. We received just over 400 entries from our workshop participants in 2025. Congratulations to all! www.smokelong.com/the-smokelon...
The SmokeLong Workshop Prize — The Long List - SmokeLong Quarterly
Each year, SmokeLong hosts The SmokeLong Workshop Prize competition, a free-to-enter competition for anyone who’s participated in a SmokeLong workshop. To date, our workshop participants (past and cur...
www.smokelong.com
January 24, 2026 at 1:50 AM
The SmokeLong Workshop Prize Long List just went live. It has been a mountain of great work. We received just over 400 entries from our workshop participants in 2025. Congratulations to all! www.smokelong.com/the-smokelon...