Author Interview - Melissa Karibian

What inspires you to write?

Representation. Though there is a beautiful, ever-growing list of queer books out there, I’d love to add to the Armenian subcategory. I remember the joy when I first heard about SORRY, BRO by Taleen Voskuni, a sapphic Armenian rom-com and what it was like to read about foods I grew up eating.

Writing is also a means of catharsis for me. Sometimes I’ll jot down random scenes just to get the words out of my head.

How do you develop your plot and characters?

I’m a huge fan of outlining both the storyline and chapter summaries. My characters will have their own template table where I fill in basic information about them as I write and learn more about them.

Could you share some of your challenges as a writer?

Visualization! I struggle to visualize my characters and settings, which is oftentimes why I underwrite my drafts. Any descriptors are usually the last thing I add in.

How does your antagonist create conflict?

Sometimes an antagonist does not inherently have to appear on page to create conflict, as with my story REMNANTS OF THE STARS. Even the ghost of an antagonist could haunt protagonists and drive the story forward.

Do you have a routine you follow when writing?

Nope, especially if I’m not on deadline. I tend to write when the creative motivation hits. Otherwise I will definitely feel the effects of burnout if I try to force myself to write.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Keep writing! If that first draft is giving you grief, power through it even if it seems horrible. The best thing about first drafts is no one else has to read it! My mantra is: “Writing is rewriting is rewriting is rewriting.” You have endless drafts to work on your story and truly make it shine.

What is your preferred method for readers to get in touch with you?

My socials are the best way for readers to get in touch with me! Across Instagram, Twitter/X, and TikTok, my username is @Mel_Karibian