Melinda Blau has been an active contributor on Medium since 2020, sharing her narrative in a variety of forms. Among her notable posts is "Second Bio: What I Could Never Have Imagined Twenty Years Ago." Her presence in the writing community is felt through her engaging participation in the Illumination Slack group, where she collaborates with fellow writers.

With over 55 years of experience in editing and writing, Melinda’s career has been a journey filled with growth and unexpected lessons.

In a noteworthy instance, Dr. Mehmet Yildiz, the chief editor and owner of Illumination Integrated Publications on Medium, showcased one of her earlier works titled Has Anyone Seen A Medium Article Dated 1996?

Melinda commenced her writing career in educational publishing during the mid-1960s, a period she refers to as her “basic training.” These formative years provided her with a solid understanding of structure, pacing, and the power of language.

However, her experience in educational writing did not teach her the art of brevity; she humorously recalls being encouraged to elaborate unnecessarily. Reflecting on her initial foray into journalism, she describes her first piece for New York as “overwritten and dull.”

Fortunately, the legendary editor T. George Harris mentored her through four rewrites, guiding her with his insightful feedback: “Blau, you skip through life! Why are you lumbering on paper?”

Melinda continues to evolve as a writer. Her earlier magazine pieces are available on her website, and she describes revisiting them as “peeking into an earlier psyche,” revealing her past interests and discoveries.

She reminisces about the challenges of research and interviews, alongside the fulfillment that comes from “breaking the code” to create a compelling narrative.

In addition to her extensive collection of articles, Melinda has authored 15 books, some in collaboration with others. Her speaking engagements span across the United States and several other nations, including appearances on various talk shows and podcasts.

Currently, she is drafting a proposal for a book focused on her “old ladies”—dynamic women aged ninety and above. This endeavor is a significant challenge, which she likens to the “triumph of hope over experience,” a quote attributed to Samuel Johnson regarding remarriage.

To date, Melinda has written approximately 100 pieces for Medium, ranging from deep explorations of complex ideas to lighthearted reflections. Her topics include relationships, life in Paris, canine companions, technological frustrations, writing, aging, mental health, family dynamics, and a myriad of other thoughts that come to mind.

Melinda emphasizes the importance of connections, stating, “Loved ones anchor you at home; consequential strangers convey a sense of belonging in the world.” She has even written about these “loose ties,” highlighting the significance of neighbors, colleagues, and friends from various walks of life.

Here are some highlights from her work:

Consequential Strangers When We Need Them Most

Yesterday, Jane Brody featured “The Benefit of Talking To Strangers” in her “Personal Health” column on Medium.

The Surprising Benefits of Collecting Consequential Strangers

Want to enhance your daily life? Here’s how to reach out to someone you’ve never met and cultivate a connection.

Consequential Strangers Offer Something a Soulmate Can’t

Discover how to gain a surprising and healthful connection with someone you barely know.

A Forever-After Valentine’s Reminder

Engage with others by asking questions and gathering insights.

How to Embrace Your Partner’s Differences for a More Fulfilling Relationship

Understand that change is often unrealistic.

The Therapist Who Taught Me How to Have a Healthy Relationship

Learn a simple technique that can transform your relationship.

Shock and Awe! I Survived Long Enough to Become Someone Else’s “Old Lady”

Strategies for involving courageous, productive elders who embody an active lifestyle.

Roof Days With Marge

Celebrating the gift of friendship with a 103-year-old companion.

The Miracle of Living Joyfully to 104: 12 Compelling, Counter-Intuitive Tips

Marge serves as an inspiring example of joyful aging.

Note to Emily: Ditch Mindy for a French Friend!

A light-hearted reflection on friendship.

Someone Stole My Caddy and No One Believed Me!

An adventure in Paris, embracing the challenges of language barriers.

Easter: A Brief Ecumenical Contemplation on Religion, Spirituality, and Interfaith Marriage

Exploring the importance of honoring a partner’s roots.

Melinda cherishes her career, which aligns perfectly with her constantly active mind—a mix of dyslexia and A.D.D. She compares writing to tournament tennis, stating, “I feel blessed to be having so much fun!”

If you enjoyed her stories, consider subscribing to her content on Medium.

# Other Featured Writers We have also highlighted several other writers below:

Meet Carla Woody on Illumination YouTube Channel - Carla Woody

Meet Bill Abbate on Illumination YouTube Channel - Bill Abbate

Meet Dr. Gabriella K?rösi on Medium - Lady Dr. Gabriella Korosi

Meet Julius L. Evans on YouTube - Julius Evans.

Meet Karen Madej on YouTube - Karen Madej

Meet Dr. Preeti Singh on YouTube - Dr. Preeti Singh

Meet Dr. Michael Heng on YouTube - Dr. Michael Heng

Meet Shashi Sastry - Shashi Sastry

Meet Joe Luca on Illumination YouTube Channel - Joe Luca

Meet Lawson Wallace on Illumination YouTube Channel - Lawson Wallace

Meet Arlo Hennings, PhD on Illumination YouTube Channel - Arlo Hennings, Ph.D.

Explore the biographies of our writers through their narratives.