This piece is based on a prompt from the BookTok Writers Group. The instructions were to write something in the second person voice.  Curious By Melissa Geissinger  Do you have any idea what you’ve done? That stunt you pulled last night downtown? That shit can’t be undone. Or unseen. Dear God—the drama. The pageantry. The…

The unexpected path to science-fiction I never set out to be a writer. When I started writing my first novel, a historical fiction, I thought I could handle it because the bones of the world were already there—I just had to uncover them through research. The prospect of writing anything speculative in nature (sci-fi, fantasy,…

Come meet Melissa Geissinger, author of Nothing Left But Dust, to commemorate the 118th anniversary of the great 1906 earthquake, in her home town of Santa Rosa. Nothing Left But Dust is a powerful tale of love, loss, and hope set against the backdrop of the 1906 San Francisco earthquake. Follow Jo, a young woman…

Compliance Setting is an excerpt from the first chapter of a working science fiction manuscript. It was a finalist in the 2023 San Francisco Writers Conference writing contest. It was published in the 2023 Anthology, What We’ve Believed. AI image generated by DALL-E Compliance Setting Lilly takes a last sip of wine and puts the…

I just returned from spending four days at the 2024 San Francisco Writers Conference, my fourth attendance in six years and my inaugural year as the new Director of Technology. The experience, though always transformative, compelled me to confront a silent battle I’ve waged within myself: creative burnout. Writing my first novel, Nothing Left But…

Hi, friends! I have a few exciting announcements this week. NEWS: A premature book release (hey, it happens…) EVENT: Anniversary for the 1906 earthquake, San Francisco EVENT: Book launch and signing on May 19, Copperfield’s, Santa Rosa SNEAK PEAK: Maps! Melissa’s shiny side quests NEWS Announcing the EARLY RELEASE of Nothing Left But Dust I’m excited (and a little embarrassed)…

Calling all reviewers! Nothing Left But Dust is nearly ready for release, and I could use your help. In order for the book to be successful, let’s work together to get it to the top of its category lists on Amazon! Here’s how it works: Sign up using this form to join the ARC list…

Cover reveal I’m beyond thrilled to release the cover art for my debut novel, Nothing Left But Dust. It features a photograph of Market Street and the Ferry Building after the earthquake. I don’t have a record of who the photographer was, but I can only imagine the fear and fascination of wandering those streets…

This space has been a bit too quiet. I’ve been pretty active lately getting ready for the release of my first novel, Nothing Left But Dust. In a few days I will be revealing the cover art. I’m dying to know what people think! Watch this space or subscribe to the email list for updates.