Today we’d like to introduce you to Melissa Rousu.
Hi Melissa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Grandpa Loved the North Shore is a snapshot of one summer I spent with my Grandpa Bill in Grand Marais. My family has been vacationing in Grand Marais for over 60 years. When my grandpa passed in 2017, I knew I wanted to find a way to honor his legacy and commitment to nature and conservation, so I published my debut children’s book Grandpa Loved Wild Things in 2024. This story explores his years being a raptor rehabilitator in Winona County and what he taught us about the birds and animals native to Minnesota. This book has become a Reader’s Choice Finalist, Chanticleer Little Peeps finalist, and Wishing Star Book Awards Red Ribbon Winner.
For my second story, Grandpa Loved the North Shore, I knew I wanted to share his love of the North Shore. He spent years teaching us about the Grand Marais area, the nature surrounding it, and loved spending summers in the campground after retirement. I wanted to share our families love of this special area with those who also love it and with those who have yet to visit. I am so proud that this story has already become a Story Monster Award Winner and a finalist at the Great Midwest Book Festival.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has and it hasn’t. Writing the stories has been easy because they are my stories and my memories of my grandpa. What was hard was all the other pieces the come with becoming an author. Finding an illustrator, learning how to format and edit a book, how to self-publish, how to market a book, how to apply for book awards, how to create a webpage and crowdfunding. It seems each day I learned something new and grew. I am a naturally introverted person so putting myself out there in this type of way really pushed me to move outside of my comfort zone but in the best possible way!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I currently work for the Minneapolis Police Department as their Grant Coordinator. Prior to that I spent 20 years in higher education. I love serving my community and hope to leave it a better place. I hold a doctorate degree in Educational Leadership and Management from Capella University and love that I was able to achieve that goal while working full time and having a family.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
My dad always told me “There is nothing stopping you, but fear and air” and I have lived that motto throughout my life. Whether it was pursing higher education, pushing myself in my career, or writing my first book, I knew there was nothing stopping me but me. Whether I succeed or failed. I was always able to learn something and grow and that is where the true growth and journey lies. I am planning on writing a children’s book about this motto in hopes of inspiring other children to take risks and seek their best selves.
Pricing:
- $15.00 for signed hardcover copy through my website www.invisiblestringstories.com
- $13.00 for signed paperback through my website www.invisiblestringstories.com
- $10.99 on Amazon
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.invisiblestringstories.com
- Instagram: invisible_string_stories
- Other: TikTok: @melissarauthor
