Melissa Gass is a first-time children’s book author who is inspired by the curiosity of children and time spent outdoors, especially with her family’s golden retrievers by her side. For over twenty years, she and her family have escaped from their busy life in Charlotte, North Carolina, to Bald Head Island, where the natural beauty inspired her book, Where Do You Find a Belief? Swimming and writing have both been passions of hers from a young age, and she finds that in those quiet moments, her best ideas begin to surface. Melissa’s belief is that some of life’s most gratifying discoveries happen when we slow down, step outside, and let our imaginations wander.
Q: What inspired the idea behind your book?
A: When my youngest child graduated from college, it made me reflect on my kids’ childhoods. The one constant theme was their friend choices. These choices were pivotal in shaping who they are today. I think we quietly reveal ourselves and our beliefs in the friends we choose.
Q: As an author, what tips would you give anyone who wants to get into writing?
A: Don’t overthink it. If you have something that excites you, let that inspire your writing.
Q: What is your favorite book?
A: My favorite genre is historical fiction. My favorite children’s book is Owl Babies by Martin Waddell. Both of my kids loved to read and reread this book. It is such a sweet story about coping with fear and the strength of a family bond.
Q: Was your main character modeled after anyone in your life?
A: Yes. Scout is ALL our lovable and selfless golden retrievers that brought and continue to bring constant joy to our lives and laughter when we need it the most. The other animals in the story and “their beliefs” are inspired by family members who have impacted my life.
Q: What is your favorite part of the writing process?
A: I like the rewriting process. Once I’ve created a rough draft, I enjoy the never-ending process of rewriting. It is like a puzzle that has more than one solution, and the challenge is finding what works best and knowing when to stop.
Q: Do you believe that being a “good writer” is a developed skill or a natural talent?
A: For me, I must work at it. There are days I can’t write anything, and there are other days when everything comes together. The more consistent I am with my writing, the easier the process.
Q: Do you have a favorite book, poem, TV, or movie quote?
A: Yes, from The Book Thief by Markus Zusak: “I like that every page in every book can have a gem on it. It’s probably what I love most about writing—that words can be used in a way that’s like a child playing in the sandpit, rearranging things, swapping them around. They are the best moments in a day of writing—when an image appears that you didn’t know would be there when you started work in the morning.” This is another way to explain the fun of rewriting.
Q: Would you write another book (or are you already writing another book)?
A: Yes, I’m working on another book related to Where Do You Find a Belief? My goal is to make it into a series.
Q: Is there an author you look up to, and why?
A: Yes, Judy Bloom. She inspired my love for reading.
Q: If there were an apocalypse and you could only take five books into your doomsday bunker, what would they be?
A:
- Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume (reminds me of my childhood)
- Owl Babies by Martin Waddell (reminds me of my kids)
- Paradise Lost by John Milton (I will need a challenge)
- The Book Thief by Markus Zusak (an all-time favorite)
- One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez (I read it in Spanish, and I’ve always wanted to read it in English)
Learn more about Melissa Gass and her new children's book, Where Do You Find a Belief?, here. Coming soon October 13th, 2026!