Writing the things that don’t come up in conversation
An honest, funny, faith-filled conversation with DBP writer Melissa Summers
Welcome back to Behind the Mic — raw reflections from a writing coach, author, and event producer who believes everyone has something worth sharing.
Well, hi! It’s been a minute since I’ve done a Q&A in this space. (Remember the Not Til Now Series?)
So, every so often, I’ll now be sharing stories from inside The DBP Society — the writing group I lead that’s full of bold, brave, just-get-it-out-there voices. Think of these as cozy conversations with people who are discovering and owning the power of their words in real time.
First up is Melissa Summers!
She’s a newer DBP member who jumped into the group with her whole heart.
Before joining, Melissa was already in my life. In fact, our moms set me and my husband up on a blind date. (!!!) We also went to high school together, and I’ve been lucky to call her family for over a decade. What a joy it’s been to welcome her into The DBP Society and watch her absolutely shine as a writer.
Melissa has a rare gift. She tells stories that are equal parts honest, hilarious, and deeply healing. In this Q&A, she opens up about why she started writing, what surprised her, and how the simple act of sharing her stories has helped her reclaim her voice. Oh, and yes! We get to find out her Hogwarts house and where she stands on the great toilet paper debate.
Ready? Here we gooooo!
What inspired you to say yes to joining the DBP Society?
I have to give you all the credit for why I joined DBP. I’ve never had such a big cheerleader — someone who truly believed in my voice and story the way you do. From the very beginning, you encouraged me and made me feel proud of the pieces I’ve written.
You jumped in with so much heart — completing all four prompts in your very first month. What was that experience like for you? How did you make the time?
The timing worked out perfectly — it happened to be the one month of the school year that slows down significantly. With more administrative time at my desk and long stretches spent proctoring state testing, I had the space to really reflect on each prompt. After writing my piece about my name, I realized how much I enjoyed exploring stories and thoughts that don’t typically come up in daily conversations with friends or family. It was a refreshing and unexpectedly fun experience and kept me motivated to continue with the prompts each week.
You’ve said the process has felt really cathartic. Can you tell us more about that? What has writing helped you release or reclaim?
I think we all carry a mix of happy memories and difficult experiences from our past. The DBP prompts have unearthed pieces of my story in a way that feels almost therapeutic — pulling out moments that have shaped my mental health and emotional maturity. Some are joyful little memories that make me smile, while others are hardships that bring tears. Taking the time to apply a writing prompt to something I’ve lived through has been profoundly healing. Saying things out loud, like “secondary infertility,” or memorializing my special relationship with my grandparents, has been both cathartic and deeply meaningful.
Has anything surprised you about yourself as a writer since joining the group? Or have any myths or messages in your head been debunked since joining?
I’ve always felt like I had things to say, but I guess I was hindered by the “myth” I believed that no one would care to hear them. The feedback I’ve received from you and other DBP members has shown me otherwise — encouraging me to embrace vulnerability and be real about what’s on my mind. Knowing that my words resonate has been incredibly affirming.
Your stories are honest, powerful, and often really funny. How do you approach storytelling? Do you write for yourself, your future readers, or someone else? What's your process?
My writing process starts long before I sit down at a computer — I spend days mentally composing what I want to say, letting the prompt linger in my mind and exploring how it connects to my experiences. I made a promise to myself to be real, not polished or performative, in what I share. Humor has always been my way of finding the comedy in life rather than getting lost in the dramatics. The world can feel heavy sometimes, so framing my experiences through the lens of “so this just happened” has helped me navigate moments of hurt or embarrassment.
As I grow older, I’m also discovering the power of gratitude. Some of my pieces naturally went in that direction, and writing them felt like an “aha” moment — seeing my life’s journey, the valleys and the mountains, with fresh appreciation. My faith plays a big role in my honesty too, guiding me to share my truths with openness and heart.
What's been your favorite prompt so far and why?
Every prompt has been so unique, allowing me to explore what my most authentic “voice” truly is.
Researching the meaning of “Melissa” was eye-opening — I realized how well it reflects the life I’ve chosen in volunteering and working with kids with special needs. Then, when I wrote about my grandma’s house, the tone naturally shifted to one of reverence. I balanced that depth with the unexpected joy of Haiti entering my life, where humor mixed with authenticity felt like my sweet spot.
I’ve discovered that writing in a way that is honest yet approachable — without trying to sound too "full of myself" — captures my most genuine voice. The wide range of prompts has guided me through so many emotions and experiences, helping me arrive at a place of confidence in my storytelling.
What would you say to someone who’s been sitting on their stories, unsure if they’re “good enough” to share?
Find an encouraging group of people who provide a safe space to “dip your toe” into sharing your writing. I honestly didn’t know how people would react to my work at first, and I vividly remember refreshing my phone, waiting for “likes” and comments after my first prompt about names.
If I’m being honest, it did feel good to receive them — but more than that, I discovered a newfound confidence simply by putting myself out there. Now, I’m proud of what I write, regardless of the feedback.
Is there anything else you want me to include in this? Any questions you wish I woulda asked?
Didn’t you want to know what Harry Potter house I was sorted into? (Ravenclaw.) Or if I think toilet paper should be replaced hanging over or under? (Over, obviously.) I also am really proud of the way I can say and spell the Hawaiian state fish… Humuhumunukunukuapua’a.
That seems like a really solid way to tie this all together…
More about Melissa
She’s a Colorado girl through and through, but not the kind who wakes up at dawn to summit a fourteener. No, she prefers her adventures with a little more predictability — like knowing exactly where to grab her favorite iced caramel latte, or the best day to visit the Railroad Museum, and how to snag reservations to Casa Bonita.
She’s a mom, a wife, a pediatric occupational therapy practitioner, and somehow still finds time to read. She loves the adventures she finds at home and how every day is unique with the ever-changing Colorado weather, but also loves the comfort of returning to places that feel like home — like her grandfather's ranch in Wyoming, or her family's favorite place, Disney (Land or World... they don't discriminate).
When life throws curveballs, she handles them with humor, a perfectly timed GIF, and just enough quiet moments to recharge. She’s surrounded by her big family, keeping life full, noisy, and wonderfully balanced between predictable and spontaneous. And since her dogs ensure she’s never truly alone, she’s got everything she needs to appreciate her good life.
Wow. What a read, right?
I loved how Melissa said, "I made a promise to myself to be real, not polished or performative." I also appreciated her reminder that sharing your story can be both cathartic and confidence-building. (And YES — when it comes to TP, it’s beard-mode over mullet-mode EVERY time.)
So, are ya curious about joining The DBP Society?
If you’ve been sitting on your stories or wondering if your words are “good enough,” come sit with us at the digital table — where we write bravely, imperfectly, and, well, together.
You can always give it a try for a month for free if you wish! Just email me and I’ll get you set up. In the meantime, browse the weekly prompts or check out the about page to see how it all works.
Thanks for being here!
Til the next one,
P.S. Moms! Mark your cal for November 14.
The first “Open Mic Edition” of Moms on the Mic will be gracing Mint & Serif in Lakewood.
As you might have seen, the 3rd annual “Dinner Party Edition” is ALREADY SOLD OUT (But we’re still locking in sponsors!), so I wanted to create a space for voices to still be shared and heard. Plus, every time I step foot into this magical, woman-owned coffee shop, I see that mini stage over there and envision a night like this.
So…stay tuned for more info and the official ticket link!
P.P.S. Save the date for January 28.
I’m starting to plan the debut of Not Til Now — a storytelling and comedy event that honors courage, innovation, and all things “firsts.” This one will take place in a 320-seat auditorium in Lakewood on this stage:
Does that curtain give you goosebumps or does it give you goosebumps?
Baaaaaaaaahhhhhhh! (More to come.)