Kelly Blackwood has been an avid reader and writer since childhood, writing many short stories and poems over the years. As the mother of three grown children, she spent many nights reading children's stories. It was during that time Kelly began to develop ideas for stories of her own. These stories were inspired by what she read, as well as by her children and nephews and nieces. Melanie's Magic is the first of Kelly's stories to be brought to life. Kelly has worked as a journalist, in both print and radio, as well as a social worker and doula. She is passionate about nature and spends as much time as possible outside, running, biking and swimming on the shores of Lake Huron. Kelly resides in Kincardine, Ontario with her husband.