Melanie Owen is a comedian, presenter and writer originally from Aberystwyth. She now lives in Cardiff.
She published her first book, Oedolyn (ish), in 2024 which is a light autobiography. She looks at the lessons she’s learned before turning 30. The book is funny and easy to read, although Mel discusses various difficult experiences.
We had a chat with Mel to get to know her better…
Did you like to write at school?
I loved writing when I was at school. I went to a writing club after school to learn how to improve my work, and in year six, I won a prose competition at the Urdd Eisteddfod.
What inspires you to write?
Everything that happens around me. I prefer to look at the small things and consider how they affect our lives. I like to write about the important people in our lives - our friends, our family, our lovers. Everyone can relate somehow, because they greatly influence how we see the world.
What time of day do you write?
After my first coffee in the morning. If the weather is not bad, I like to go for a walk after waking up, return to the house, put the kettle on and then sit down to write with a clear mind for the rest of the day.
Where do you like to write?
I can write anywhere (if there is coffee to drink while I type). I must have complete silence - or very quiet classical music. Sometimes, when I have an idea or even just a line, I have to write it down in the notes app on my phone, before I forget it!
Every car journey takes me a lifetime, because I have to stop often to write down my ideas.
What would be your advice to anyone who wants to start writing?
Keep a daily diary. There is no need to write page upon page, but that habit of stopping to consider and writing every day is going to be a good way to save yourself from writer's block. It's also fun to look back at what has happened in your life to inspire creative ideas.
Would you like to write another book?
Definitely! I've got the bug now and I've got loads of ideas, so I need to map them all out and commit to the one I'd like to write next. I also need to write an hour of new stand-up… I have a lot to typing to do!
