Melissa E. Johnson

I’ve been writing my whole life—letters, poems, stories, journal entries, articles, research papers, exam essay questions, legal documents, books—and reading, too.  New ideas excite me.  The mysteries of life and death fascinate me.  And I’ve always been a sucker for an open mind and a good possibility.

But there’s something about putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) . . . finding just the right word, or the simplest way to explain something . . . that touches my depth of purpose.  There, I connect with myself and the common thread of humanity.  And it is there that my fondest memories and most difficult journeys find expression.  Like so many others passionate about their craft, I write because I have to.  It’s a condition of my soul.

I always knew that I would write for fun and profit.  But my draw to the non-fiction genre surprised even me.  Early inspiration came while teaching university classes.  Standing before a room full of searching, bored or confused faces, I challenged myself to reach them all.  Some were there because they had to be, others because they wanted to be; but in the end, most days, I left feeling exhilarated, with the taste of purpose on my lips.  I knew that helping others to open their minds and explore the greater world was one step forward on my path. 

Garden of Possibility  © 2007 by Melissa Johnson.

As the seed of inspiration grew, I found every new experience--personal and professional--food for thought and learning, which led me to begin writing my Heart Law series.  Check out my blog by that name, Heart Law, and get a glimpse of my path as a universal heart lawyer and non-fiction writer. 

I also write a monthly wisdom column for the Highlander, a local Colorado magazine reaching mountain communities in the Denver-Metro Area east of the Continental Divide.  (Click on a title below to read that month's article.)

Anything is Possible (Highlander Wisdom, January 2010)

A Horse with No Name (Highlander Wisdom, December 2009)

Awakening to Peace (Highlander Wisdom, November 2009)

Animal Speak (Highlander Animals & People Together, November 2009)

With the Heart of a Lion (Highlander Wisdom, October 2009)

The Face of Love (Highlander Wisdom, September 2009)

Seeds of Doubt (Highlander Wisdom, August 2009)

Behind the Mask (Highlander Wisdom, July 2009)

Like Peas & Carrots (Highlander Animals & People Together, July 2009) 

Emerging From the Chrysalis (Highlander Wisdom, June 2009)

Be the Bear (Highlander Wisdom, May 2009)

Calling All Bears (Highlander Wildlife, May 2009)

Secrets of the Land (Highlander Wisdom, April 2009)

What Are You Committed To? (Highlander Wisdom, March 2009)

Only Love Remains (Highlander Wisdom, February 2009)

A Camel in the Desert (Highlander Wisdom, January 2009)

The Wheels Keep on Turning (Highlander Wisdom, December, 2008)

In the summer of my 7th year, I read more than 200 books as part of my school's summer reading program.  I recall sitting on a blanket in my grandfather's front yard, reading book after book; determined to break all reading records.  Occasionally my grandfather would sit and talk with me about my books, challenging me to read--not just so I could say that I read the book, but to understand--with an eye toward the characters' motivations and life lessons.  And so began my love affair with books and learning.

When my love of reading and writing met my passion for story telling, naturally, I was compelled to create books that engage the minds and imaginations of our littlest friends.  Picture books and short stories are part of my portfolio, drawing from true childhood experiences.

Working with renowned artist, Jessica Glover, currently we have three children's books underway.  Details of publication and release dates will be posted when available.

(Click on an image below to see an enlarged version of the artwork and artist information.) 

As a lawyer and business advisor, I find an open road for creativity when working with my clients.  People are bored with monotone meetings and one-size-fits-all project planning.  And it is here that I find a welcome home for creative writing.

Whether drafting legal documents and business proposals, writing web content or putting together unique marketing materials for my clients' visionary ideas, I love to find the clear and easy way to say what needs to be said.  Legalese is not my style . . . and my clients thank me for it.

Now I help clients with proposal writing, and I create project-specific marketing material and special event packages, including customized brochures and fundraising materials.  And by special order, I design and create unique gift books--with the touch of an artisan's hand--for corporate clients to give to their investors and employees (see my Artistry page).  Projects include real estate and community developments, where we honor the land and give back to the environment, and non-profit literature used in educating the community about charitable services (visit my Philanthropy page).

I love to work with like minded others.  Let me know how I can help your group.

(Click here to contact Melissa for project planning.)