Melanie Smith
Melanie Smith has worked in the field of heartbreak, grief, trauma, transition, loss, change, reinvention, and all things Unfinished Business for over two decades and has helped thousands of people change their lives profoundly. She started her career as a platinum-selling international songwriter and award-winning actress, starring and co- starring in shows such as: As the World Turns, Melrose Place, Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Deep Space Nine, and The Division, to name a few. As an entrepreneur, her award-winning lifestyle, wellness, and yoga center was considered to be one of the most well-respected in the country by sources such as Vogue, Yoga Journal, Philadelphia Magazine, and others. Now a powerful motivational speaker, writer, and leader, Melanie has been a contributing writer for many national health and wellness magazines and holds the distinction of being an PCC-level ICF certified coach and an ICI-master-level coach. She is the proud mother of one grown son, Gideon. Born and raised in Scranton, Pennsylvania, she presently splits her time between New Hope, Pennsylvania, and Naples, Florida.
Facebook: @ welllitlife
Instagram: @ melaniesmithofficial
Favorite non-reading activity?
I’m a songwriter and jazz singer. I love the genre, and my first jazz album, The Broken and The Breaker will be released at the beginning of 2024. In the past two years, I’ve spent much time working on that when not writing my book. It’s good for my soul. It’s a form of meditation for me. Oh, yes…I’m a meditator as well!
Is your go to comfort food sweet or savory? Is it something you make yourself? Does food inspire your writing?
I’m a savory girl. I have no defenses against chips, dip, or great bread with olive oil and spices. I suppose you could say I make it myself. Well, ok, I put it on the plate. Food inspires everything I do. My son and I consider going to great restaurants one of our favorite activities. Nothing quite like bonding over a plate of sashimi, an order of garlic naan, a board of charcuterie, or a gourmet take on a grilled cheese sandwich. Great food is a joyous art form.
Not all books are for all readers… when you start a book, and you just don’t like it, how long do you read until you bail?
Sometimes only a chapter in, as I can tell the quality of the writing from the onset. But there have been times I’ve gone against that, finished the book, and regretted it, knowing I would never get that time back. The latter doesn't happen very often.
Is there a work of art that you love. Why? Have you ever visited it in person?
I am deeply moved by any work of art created by Vincent Van Gogh or Claude Monet. They have such depth of beauty and sorrow in their work. They honor and balance both of those human emotions so remarkably well. Starry Night By van Gogh is one of my favorite pieces, and yes, I have seen it at the MOMA. I have also seen his collection at the Musee d’Orsay. My favorite Monet is Water Lilies, and I have also seen that. I went to his home in Giverny, which was an emotional experience. To stand on that bridge, see through his windows, and sit in the room where all the great artists gathered as friends. It made me cry. It was very moving. I spend much of my time with art and at museums.
What do you worry about?
Humanity. We are moving far from our needs, desperately searching to satisfy insatiable wants. Connection and loving service bring our soul peace and joy, yet we are more disconnected than ever. More isolated and self-involved. I mostly worry for our children and grandchildren. I want them to have as beautiful a life as I have experienced. I want them to have the same resources and opportunities afforded to my generation. Technology, though amazing, has also made life more complicated, and I sometimes pray for the return of simpler times. For our children's sake.
