Melissa Harkin, CT
@melharkin.bsky.social
Author, certified translator, and second-chance storyteller fluent in coffee, cats, and romance. Domestic violence survivor with a fantastic happy ending.
Some of the most powerful moments in fiction happen in the strange spaces between.
Here’s how to use liminal spaces to make your writing more immersive and emotionally charged. #writingtips
Head to melissaharkin.com to read the post and watch the video.
Here’s how to use liminal spaces to make your writing more immersive and emotionally charged. #writingtips
Head to melissaharkin.com to read the post and watch the video.
Using liminal spaces in fiction: Creating unsettling magic in the in-between
In fiction, liminal spaces are powerful tools. They are often eerie or surreal, but also fertile ground for rebirth, revelation, or emotional shift.
melissaharkin.com
May 27, 2025 at 12:56 PM
Some of the most powerful moments in fiction happen in the strange spaces between.
Here’s how to use liminal spaces to make your writing more immersive and emotionally charged. #writingtips
Head to melissaharkin.com to read the post and watch the video.
Here’s how to use liminal spaces to make your writing more immersive and emotionally charged. #writingtips
Head to melissaharkin.com to read the post and watch the video.
Are you dreaming of writing your first romance novel but unsure where to begin? Don’t miss “So You Want to Write Romance”—a one-day virtual workshop hosted by the Romance Writers of America on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Head to melissaharkin.com for more information.
“So You Want to Write Romance” – May 17 virtual event
Are you dreaming of writing your first romance novel but unsure where to begin? Don’t miss “So You Want to Write Romance”—a one-day virtual workshop hosted by the Romance Writers of America on Saturday, May 17, 2025.
melissaharkin.com
May 14, 2025 at 2:00 AM
Are you dreaming of writing your first romance novel but unsure where to begin? Don’t miss “So You Want to Write Romance”—a one-day virtual workshop hosted by the Romance Writers of America on Saturday, May 17, 2025. Head to melissaharkin.com for more information.
Ever wonder why we can’t stop reading “just one more chapter”?
It’s not self-control. It’s psychology. The Zeigarnik Effect makes our brains obsessed with unfinished stories. Here’s how to use it to make your book impossible to put down.
#AmWriting #WritingTips #ZeigarnikEffect #PageTurners #Fictio
It’s not self-control. It’s psychology. The Zeigarnik Effect makes our brains obsessed with unfinished stories. Here’s how to use it to make your book impossible to put down.
#AmWriting #WritingTips #ZeigarnikEffect #PageTurners #Fictio
The Zeigarnik Effect: The psychology trick behind addictive page-turners
Ever wonder why we can’t stop reading “just one more chapter”? It’s not self-control. It’s psychology. The Zeigarnik Effect makes our brains obsessed with unfinished stories. Here’s how to use it to make your book impossible to put down. #AmWriting #WritingTips #ZeigarnikEffect #PageTurners #FictionWriters #CliffhangerPower
melissaharkin.com
April 23, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Ever wonder why we can’t stop reading “just one more chapter”?
It’s not self-control. It’s psychology. The Zeigarnik Effect makes our brains obsessed with unfinished stories. Here’s how to use it to make your book impossible to put down.
#AmWriting #WritingTips #ZeigarnikEffect #PageTurners #Fictio
It’s not self-control. It’s psychology. The Zeigarnik Effect makes our brains obsessed with unfinished stories. Here’s how to use it to make your book impossible to put down.
#AmWriting #WritingTips #ZeigarnikEffect #PageTurners #Fictio
If you’re looking to publish your #book with a traditional publisher—without needing an agent or prior experience—this is the resource you’ve been waiting for.
The 2025 Guide to Manuscript Publishers is here – and it’s free!
If you’ve been holding back from submitting your manuscript because the process feels overwhelming, this guide can change that.
melissaharkin.com
April 10, 2025 at 11:54 AM
If you’re looking to publish your #book with a traditional publisher—without needing an agent or prior experience—this is the resource you’ve been waiting for.
What do you get when you ask hundreds of teenagers around the world to invent words for feelings and situations that English doesn’t quite capture? A goldmine of creativity—and inspiration for #authors.
Invented by teenagers: 24 words every author should know
What do you get when you ask hundreds of teenagers around the world to invent words for feelings and situations that English doesn’t quite capture? A goldmine of creativity—and inspiration for authors.
melissaharkin.com
April 7, 2025 at 11:15 AM
What do you get when you ask hundreds of teenagers around the world to invent words for feelings and situations that English doesn’t quite capture? A goldmine of creativity—and inspiration for #authors.
Calling all #booklovers! 📚 Whether you're into romance, thrillers, historical fiction, or women’s fiction, Simon & Schuster has a limited-time ebook giveaway you won’t want to miss.
Free ebook alert!
Calling all book lovers! 📚 Whether you're into romance, thrillers, historical fiction, or women’s fiction, Simon & Schuster has a limited-time ebook giveaway you won’t want to miss.
melissaharkin.com
April 3, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Calling all #booklovers! 📚 Whether you're into romance, thrillers, historical fiction, or women’s fiction, Simon & Schuster has a limited-time ebook giveaway you won’t want to miss.
Sharpen your writing with this Story Lab video and a book I love
If you're looking for a simple, inspiring way to improve your writing craft, I have a recommendation that comes with a personal connection.
If you're looking for a simple, inspiring way to improve your writing craft, I have a recommendation that comes with a personal connection.
Sharpen your writing with this Story Lab video and a book I love
If you're looking for a simple, inspiring way to improve your writing craft, I have a recommendation that comes with a personal connection.
melissaharkin.com
April 1, 2025 at 9:41 AM
Sharpen your writing with this Story Lab video and a book I love
If you're looking for a simple, inspiring way to improve your writing craft, I have a recommendation that comes with a personal connection.
If you're looking for a simple, inspiring way to improve your writing craft, I have a recommendation that comes with a personal connection.
Want readers to remember your book? Use consistent branding in every ad. Same cover, tagline, and tone across platforms taps into frequency illusion — making your book seem more popular and visible. Familiarity builds trust, and trust drives sales.
Frequency illusion and branding for authors
Use frequency illusion to sell more books — Want readers to remember your book? Use consistent branding in every ad. Same cover, tagline, and tone across platforms taps into frequency illusion — making your book seem more popular and visible. Familiarity builds trust, and trust drives sales.
melissaharkin.com
March 27, 2025 at 1:14 AM
Want readers to remember your book? Use consistent branding in every ad. Same cover, tagline, and tone across platforms taps into frequency illusion — making your book seem more popular and visible. Familiarity builds trust, and trust drives sales.
Ever notice something constantly after learning about it? That’s frequency illusion — your brain’s way of spotlighting what feels newly important. For writers, it can skew how you view trends or originality. Recognizing it helps you stay grounded and make smarter creative decisions.
The frequency illusion
Ever notice something constantly after learning about it? That’s frequency illusion — your brain’s way of spotlighting what feels newly important. For writers, it can skew how you view trends or originality. Recognizing it helps you stay grounded and make smarter creative decisions.
melissaharkin.com
March 27, 2025 at 1:13 AM
Ever notice something constantly after learning about it? That’s frequency illusion — your brain’s way of spotlighting what feels newly important. For writers, it can skew how you view trends or originality. Recognizing it helps you stay grounded and make smarter creative decisions.
Orwell’s fiction was meant as a warning, not a blueprint—Make Orwell Fiction Again.
#GeorgeOrwell
#GeorgeOrwell
March 15, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Orwell’s fiction was meant as a warning, not a blueprint—Make Orwell Fiction Again.
#GeorgeOrwell
#GeorgeOrwell
Join me in video 3 of 4 as we examine the driving forces behind book bans in America, with a focus on the politics of book banning. #BookBans
March 14, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Join me in video 3 of 4 as we examine the driving forces behind book bans in America, with a focus on the politics of book banning. #BookBans
📚 #BookBans aren’t just increasing—they’re skyrocketing. In 2023, 4,240 titles were challenged, a 92% jump in public libraries. In #2 of this series, we break down the numbers that prove #censorship isn’t about protecting kids—it’s about controlling narratives.
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February 17, 2025 at 6:55 PM
📚 #BookBans aren’t just increasing—they’re skyrocketing. In 2023, 4,240 titles were challenged, a 92% jump in public libraries. In #2 of this series, we break down the numbers that prove #censorship isn’t about protecting kids—it’s about controlling narratives.
www.instagram.com/share/reel/B...
www.instagram.com/share/reel/B...
#BannedBooks are on the rise in the US—this isn’t about concerned parents. It’s a coordinated, political movement to control what we read. In Part 1 of this series, I break down how #censorship has escalated and who’s behind it. Watch my 90-second video on Insta.
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February 16, 2025 at 10:50 PM
#BannedBooks are on the rise in the US—this isn’t about concerned parents. It’s a coordinated, political movement to control what we read. In Part 1 of this series, I break down how #censorship has escalated and who’s behind it. Watch my 90-second video on Insta.
www.instagram.com/share/reel/B...
www.instagram.com/share/reel/B...
#BannedBooks The Bluest Eye, by Toni Morrison
#ToniMorrison #TheBluestEye 🔵💙 Let’s stop banning books and start reading them. Because stories like Pecola’s deserve to be heard, not erased. Watch my 90-second video on Instagram and other platforms.
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#ToniMorrison #TheBluestEye 🔵💙 Let’s stop banning books and start reading them. Because stories like Pecola’s deserve to be heard, not erased. Watch my 90-second video on Instagram and other platforms.
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February 16, 2025 at 10:47 PM
#BannedBooks The Bluest Eye, by Toni Morrison
#ToniMorrison #TheBluestEye 🔵💙 Let’s stop banning books and start reading them. Because stories like Pecola’s deserve to be heard, not erased. Watch my 90-second video on Instagram and other platforms.
www.instagram.com/share/reel/_...
#ToniMorrison #TheBluestEye 🔵💙 Let’s stop banning books and start reading them. Because stories like Pecola’s deserve to be heard, not erased. Watch my 90-second video on Instagram and other platforms.
www.instagram.com/share/reel/_...
I submitted a super #shortstory to a competition @ReedsyHQ. It’s told from the perspective of a now-retired piece of technology—a mix tape reminiscing with Spotify about the good old days. 🥹 Enjoy!
#writer #books #fictions #eighties #nostalgia
blog.reedsy.com/short-story/...
#writer #books #fictions #eighties #nostalgia
blog.reedsy.com/short-story/...
January 18, 2025 at 6:33 PM
I submitted a super #shortstory to a competition @ReedsyHQ. It’s told from the perspective of a now-retired piece of technology—a mix tape reminiscing with Spotify about the good old days. 🥹 Enjoy!
#writer #books #fictions #eighties #nostalgia
blog.reedsy.com/short-story/...
#writer #books #fictions #eighties #nostalgia
blog.reedsy.com/short-story/...
How often do you #write, #authors?
I'm one of those who writes basically every day, but I do try to listen to my body when it begs for time off. How about you?
#bookwriting #authorsofinstagram #facebookauthors #novel #fiction #writing
I'm one of those who writes basically every day, but I do try to listen to my body when it begs for time off. How about you?
#bookwriting #authorsofinstagram #facebookauthors #novel #fiction #writing
January 13, 2025 at 10:15 PM
How often do you #write, #authors?
I'm one of those who writes basically every day, but I do try to listen to my body when it begs for time off. How about you?
#bookwriting #authorsofinstagram #facebookauthors #novel #fiction #writing
I'm one of those who writes basically every day, but I do try to listen to my body when it begs for time off. How about you?
#bookwriting #authorsofinstagram #facebookauthors #novel #fiction #writing
Great #writing doesn’t shout, “Look at me!” It quietly invites #readers into the #story, connecting them with #characters and emotions. The best writing feels invisible—but it’s far from simple. #Writers #Books #Novels
melissaharkin.com/2025/01/13/t...
melissaharkin.com/2025/01/13/t...
The invisible art of writing: Why simple isn’t easy
Great writing doesn’t call attention to itself. It doesn’t shout, “Look at me!” or flaunt its cleverness.
melissaharkin.com
January 13, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Great #writing doesn’t shout, “Look at me!” It quietly invites #readers into the #story, connecting them with #characters and emotions. The best writing feels invisible—but it’s far from simple. #Writers #Books #Novels
melissaharkin.com/2025/01/13/t...
melissaharkin.com/2025/01/13/t...
📚 And Tango Makes Three is a true story about love, family, and two penguins raising their chick. Banned in places like Missouri for being "inappropriate." Love is love—stop banning books, start celebrating them. 🐧❤️ #BannedBooks #LoveIsLove #LGBTQ Full video at www.instagram.com/share/reel/B...
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January 5, 2025 at 7:47 PM
📚 And Tango Makes Three is a true story about love, family, and two penguins raising their chick. Banned in places like Missouri for being "inappropriate." Love is love—stop banning books, start celebrating them. 🐧❤️ #BannedBooks #LoveIsLove #LGBTQ Full video at www.instagram.com/share/reel/B...
📚 The Lorax wasn’t anti-business—it was pro-future. Stop banning books, start learning from them. 🌳✨ Watch the video at:
vm.tiktok.com/ZMkUykQVX/
#BannedBooks #TheLorax #DrSeuss #ReadFreely #FreedomToRead #EnvironmentalAwareness #BookTok #BannedBooksWeek #bookstagram
vm.tiktok.com/ZMkUykQVX/
#BannedBooks #TheLorax #DrSeuss #ReadFreely #FreedomToRead #EnvironmentalAwareness #BookTok #BannedBooksWeek #bookstagram
TikTok - Make Your Day
vm.tiktok.com
January 5, 2025 at 1:46 AM
📚 The Lorax wasn’t anti-business—it was pro-future. Stop banning books, start learning from them. 🌳✨ Watch the video at:
vm.tiktok.com/ZMkUykQVX/
#BannedBooks #TheLorax #DrSeuss #ReadFreely #FreedomToRead #EnvironmentalAwareness #BookTok #BannedBooksWeek #bookstagram
vm.tiktok.com/ZMkUykQVX/
#BannedBooks #TheLorax #DrSeuss #ReadFreely #FreedomToRead #EnvironmentalAwareness #BookTok #BannedBooksWeek #bookstagram
Sharing short videos about banned #books on IG & TikTok—cause-driven content tied to my upcoming book, inspired by my journey as a #DomesticViolenceSurvivor.
Shares & recommendations mean so much!
✨ IG: www.instagram.com/melsharkin/p...
✨ TikTok: vm.tiktok.com/ZMkDCY
yt6/
Shares & recommendations mean so much!
✨ IG: www.instagram.com/melsharkin/p...
✨ TikTok: vm.tiktok.com/ZMkDCY
yt6/
Melissa S. Harkin (@melsharkin) • Instagram photos and videos
757 Followers, 2,202 Following, 1,566 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Melissa S. Harkin (@melsharkin)
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January 3, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Sharing short videos about banned #books on IG & TikTok—cause-driven content tied to my upcoming book, inspired by my journey as a #DomesticViolenceSurvivor.
Shares & recommendations mean so much!
✨ IG: www.instagram.com/melsharkin/p...
✨ TikTok: vm.tiktok.com/ZMkDCY
yt6/
Shares & recommendations mean so much!
✨ IG: www.instagram.com/melsharkin/p...
✨ TikTok: vm.tiktok.com/ZMkDCY
yt6/
Banning books isn’t about protecting people—it’s about controlling narratives. History has shown us where that road leads. Read widely. Think critically. Stay vigilant. 📚✨
#BannedBooks #FreedomToRead #IntellectualFreedom #ReadDangerously #ThinkFreely #BooksNotBans
#BannedBooks #FreedomToRead #IntellectualFreedom #ReadDangerously #ThinkFreely #BooksNotBans
January 2, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Banning books isn’t about protecting people—it’s about controlling narratives. History has shown us where that road leads. Read widely. Think critically. Stay vigilant. 📚✨
#BannedBooks #FreedomToRead #IntellectualFreedom #ReadDangerously #ThinkFreely #BooksNotBans
#BannedBooks #FreedomToRead #IntellectualFreedom #ReadDangerously #ThinkFreely #BooksNotBans
Stop banning books and start reading them. Video available on Insta @melsharkin
#1984georgeorwell #bannedbooks #freedom #truth
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#1984georgeorwell #bannedbooks #freedom #truth
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December 28, 2024 at 4:28 PM
Stop banning books and start reading them. Video available on Insta @melsharkin
#1984georgeorwell #bannedbooks #freedom #truth
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#1984georgeorwell #bannedbooks #freedom #truth
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Banning knowledge doesn’t erase history—it just keeps us ignorant of it. 📚 #BannedBooks #ToKillAMockingbird #ReadFreely” #BookLovers
December 27, 2024 at 7:56 PM
Banning knowledge doesn’t erase history—it just keeps us ignorant of it. 📚 #BannedBooks #ToKillAMockingbird #ReadFreely” #BookLovers
Reposted by Melissa Harkin, CT
Happy National Native American Heritage Month! As our collective celebration ends this month, here are some of my favorite, recommended books to keep the party going all year.
Happy Holiday Weekend! I'm thankful for this space to talk about books & reading 🖤
Happy Holiday Weekend! I'm thankful for this space to talk about books & reading 🖤
November 28, 2024 at 2:56 PM
Happy National Native American Heritage Month! As our collective celebration ends this month, here are some of my favorite, recommended books to keep the party going all year.
Happy Holiday Weekend! I'm thankful for this space to talk about books & reading 🖤
Happy Holiday Weekend! I'm thankful for this space to talk about books & reading 🖤
November 27, 2024 at 9:00 PM