Ardain Isma
CSMS Magazine
The art of writing possesses a transformative force capable of stirring souls, making it a highly coveted skill. It serves as an inspirational force, triggering revolutions, and shedding light on societal taboos. Melisa Quigley, an author I’ve had the privilege to appreciate, stands among many writers dedicating their craft to the betterment of humanity. My assertion doesn’t rely on existing accolades but stems from my perspective as a fellow writer who has grown to recognize and cherish refined literary oeuvres.
Within Melisa’s repertoire, I’ve immersed myself in two of her novels: “The Complexities of Love” and “Bereft: A Story about Love, Loss, and Family.” The former unravels the narrative of Mark, a young gay man navigating 1960s Australia, as he grapples with societal expectations and his own identity. In “Bereft,” I delve into the compelling story of a young woman defying racial biases to follow her heart, standing firm against her parents’ insistence on marrying a farmer.
Both novels confront uncomfortable societal realities and struggles for acceptance, addressing issues often avoided in conversation. “Bereft” captivates readers from the start with its unique freestyle poetry, showcasing Melisa’s ability to wield her pen with a keen eye for society’s intricacies and complexities.
The art of writing plays a fundamental and multifaceted role in society, acting as both a mirror and a catalyst for human expression and understanding. Through the written word, individuals preserve and transmit their thoughts, emotions, and experiences across time and space. Beyond personal expression, writing serves as a powerful tool for communication, fostering connections, empathy, and essential dialogue in a thriving and open-minded society. It is the foundation for education, facilitating the exploration of new ideas, the development of critical thinking, and the cultivation of creativity. Ultimately, the art of writing acts as a bridge connecting the past and the future, allowing the collective voice of humanity to resonate and shape our shared cultural, intellectual, and social landscapes.
In acknowledging Melisa’s works, it becomes evident that they have found a significant place in the ongoing struggle for human dignity. While societal attitudes have made strides towards acceptance, instances of prejudices and microaggressions persist, underscoring the complexity of the human heart.
Melisa Quigley, born and raised in Victoria, Australia, holds an Associate Degree in Professional Writing and Editing from RMIT University in Melbourne. Her work, published in anthologies across America, Australia, India, and the Philippines, received acclaim with her debut novel, “The Complexities of Love,” winning the 2023 New York City Big Book Award.
To learn more about author Melisa’s works, you can visit her website: https://melisaquigley.wordpress.com/
Follow her on Twitter: www.twitter.com/mquigley1963
To order Melisa’s new book, click here: Bereft
Note: Ardain Isma is the Chief-Editor of CSMS Magazine. He is a prolific writer and author of several books, including Midnight at Noon, Bittersweet Memories of Last Spring, and Last Spring was Bittersweet. You can order the books by clicking on the links above.
Below, watch this video of a conversation I had with the author.
