-
Continue reading →: What the “intriguing young lady” scene in Pretty Woman teaches writers about emotional impactIn this post, we’ll look at why the “intriguing young lady” moment between Barney and Edward is a masterclass in character development, subtle transformation, and economical storytelling—and how you can apply its power to your own work.
-
Continue reading →: The Zeigarnik Effect: The psychology trick behind addictive page-turnersEver 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
-
Continue reading →: Why readers love flawed characters (thanks to the “Pratfall Effect”)Let’s be honest: perfect characters are boring. Think about the last time you fell hard for a fictional character. Did they glide through life like a flawless angel? Or did they screw up, get called out, fumble through feelings, and win your heart anyway?
Hello,
I’m Melissa
Latina, domestic violence and abuse survivor, cat lover, and I take my coffee black. I write contemporary romance rooted in emotional depth, cultural nuance, and second chances.
#AmWriting: a story about healing, courage, and what it really means to choose love without losing yourself.
Real love honors who we are, not just the roles we’ve been told to play.
Get the newsletter!
Get advanced teaser copy from new releases plus other fun stuff, including short stories.
Melissa Harkin 