Melissa R. Martin's upcoming release, Trapped in My Pen, is a powerful journey through the life of a battered woman.

Melissa R. Martin was born in Wise, Virginia, the fifth of six children to Albert and Christene Mullins. Many people were amazed whenever she would tell them that she truly was a "coal miner's daughter".

Melissa attended Pound High School, formerly known as Christopher Gist High School, where she graduated in 1987 at the top of her class.

One of the greatest influences on her writing was her high school English teacher, Betty Carter. She taught every student to be the best he/she could be and stirred up a desire in her heart for writing, reading, and expressive poetry like she had never known before.

After high school Melissa was married and had two wonderful children, Brad and David. They taught her so much about living and loving and became her greatest inspirations in life. Brad is almost 18 now and David will soon be 15.

She was divorced in 2007 and moved to Dodge City, Kansas where she now resides with her new husband Kenneth. Together they own and operate The Martin Family Daycare.

Melissa likes to think that they are making a difference in the lives of the children they take care of....and in return, feels they have helped heal her heart of some pretty deep wounds.

As for her writing.... she feels as if she has been doing it her whole life.

She literally keeps a pen and pad by her bedside every night because she finds that inspiration can come at very odd hours.

Writing from the heart and from past experiences, she feels that her writing is a gift from God and that He has given her the strength to keep faith in the face of hardship.

Melissa has lived through many wonderful times, met countless precious people, and has seen some absolutely beautiful places - and thus, she writes to share, to uplift, to heal, and to express her gratitude to those who have touched her life in positive ways.

To the ones who struggle with the trials of life, Melissa's hope is that they can find comfort within the lines she so carefully penned with love....

Are You Searching?

Human beings are constantly in search of - something.

Many of us are unaware what we are searching for until we actually find it. It is at this time that the proverbial bright light bulb goes off in our heads and we say "That's it!"

Most of our lives, we are in search of inner peace, contentment, happiness, tranquility and joy.

Yet sadly, for many individuals, the search for serenity and peace is as elusive as catching a rabbit in a fox hunt....

To find peace and contentment, joy and happiness check out the inspiring and uplifting poetry in EMBRACING SELF: Inspiration on the go by Miriam L. Jacobs better known as Inspirational_Mimi.

www.EmbracingSelf.faithweb.com