In this episode award-winning mystery and thriller writer Melodie Johnson Howe talks about finding your voice, embracing rewriting, and developing the discipline it takes to become a writer.
Melodie shares her journey from a successful acting career, including roles in films like Coogan’s Bluff, to becoming a published novelist and Edgar Award–nominated author.
Her story explores equal parts inspiring and refreshingly honest: writing is hard, rejection is inevitable, and the only way forward is through persistence, discipline, and a willingness to rewrite…again and again.
✍️ In this episode
Lisa and Melodie discuss:
• transitioning from acting to writing, and why creative instincts don’t always translate immediately
• how Melodie used her acting background to develop dialogue and pacing
• writing her first play, and why starting with what you know matters
• how her first novel The Mother Shadow got rejected multiple times before publication and nominated for an Edgar Award
• handling rejection and why you shouldn’t let it stop you
• the importance of developing a strong writing voice
• how long it takes to “hear” your narrator clearly
• why rewriting is the real writing process
• the difference between writing short stories and novels
• how to know when a character doesn’t belong in a story
• why discipline, not inspiration, makes a writer
🌟 Key Takeaways
Writing starts with discipline—not inspiration
Melodie emphasizes that becoming a writer requires:
“Putting your tush in the chair.”
Don’t wait for inspiration, you need to show up and do the work.
Rewriting is where the magic happens
First drafts are the beginning. Real writing happens when you:
- step away
- come back with fresh eyes
- discover what you actually tried to say
Finding your voice takes time
It took Melodie nine drafts to fully hear her narrator’s voice in her first novel, proof that voice isn’t something you “decide,” it’s something you uncover.
Rejection is part of the process
Melodie’s first novel got rejected widely before publication and then received a nomination for a major award.
Persistence beats perfection.
Write what you know—but with your own twist
Melodie blended her knowledge of Hollywood with her love of mystery to create unique stories and characters.
🧠 Practical Advice for Writers
1. Start with what you know
Melodie began by writing a play because:
- she understood dialogue
- she understood performance
- she built on familiar ground
2. Let your characters guide the story
If a character doesn’t fit, don’t force it.
Sometimes you have to set aside your favorite characters to serve the story.
3. Take breaks between drafts
Stepping away allows you to:
- see your work more clearly
- recognize what’s working
- identify what needs to change
4. Be selective with feedback
Not all criticism is helpful. Seek feedback from people who:
- understand your goals
- respect your voice
- know the craft
5. Embrace the messy first draft
Your first draft might feel terrible, and that’s normal.
“This is stuff I can work with.”
That’s the mindset that keeps writers moving forward.
🎭 From Actress to Author
Melodie’s acting career shaped her writing in powerful ways:
- a strong ear for dialogue
- an understanding of pacing and rhythm
- the ability to recognize unnatural or forced language
She also gained something equally important:
👉 Thick skin
In both acting and writing, rejection is constant, and survival depends on resilience.
🕵️♀️ Creating Memorable Characters
Melodie discusses her recurring character Diana Poole, a middle-aged actress navigating Hollywood and life.
Key insight:
- characters are not autobiographical
- but they often carry your perspective and worldview
That “tilted” or unique way of seeing the world creates a distinctive voice.
✨ Short Stories vs. Novels
Melodie’s preference:
👉 Short stories
Why?
- they’re faster to complete
- they allow experimentation
- they deliver creative satisfaction more quickly
But she also emphasizes that both forms require the same commitment to craft.
🎵 Creativity & Inspiration
Melodie draws inspiration from music, using songs as storytelling frameworks.
She found inspiration for an upcoming short story in a June anthology in:
🎶 “One Less Bell to Answer”
A reminder that:
Inspiration comes from anywhere—if you’re paying attention.
✨ Final Advice for Writers
Melodie’s most powerful advice:
- Be patient
- Stay disciplined
- Keep rewriting
And most importantly:
Allow yourself to write badly so you eventually write well.
👤 About Melodie Johnson Howe
Melodie Johnson Howe is an award-winning mystery and thriller writer and former actress. Her debut novel The Mother Shadow received a nomination for an Edgar Award. She is also the creator of the Diana Poole mystery series.
Her books are available wherever books are sold, including the Santa Barbara Writers Conference happening in June 2026.
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