On Writing Essays as Self-Love, with Melissa Fraterrigo

Melissa Fraterrigo talks about journaling as a judgement-free zone, about writing never being static, and how writing about ourselves can be the finest kind of self-care. Melissa Fraterrigo’s memoir, The Perils of Girlhood was published by the University of Nebraska Press in Fall 2025, and named by Literary Hub as one of “100 Notable Small Press Books of 2025.” She is also the author of the novel Glory Days (University of Nebraska Press), which was named one of “The Best Fiction Books of 2017” by the Chicago Review of Books as well as the short story collection The Longest Pregnancy (Livingston Press). Her fiction and nonfiction have appeared in numerous literary journals and anthologies from storySouth and Shenandoah to Notre Dame Review, Sou’wester and The Millions. She teaches creative writing at Purdue University, in the Butler University MFA in Creative Writing program, and is also the founder and executive director of the Lafayette Writers’ Studio in Lafayette, Indiana, where she offers classes on the art and craft of writing. She lives with her husband and two daughters in West Lafayette, Indiana and can be found at melissafraterrigo.com. \ ⏰ DEVELOPMENTAL EDITING SLOTS AVAILABLE (limited): http://rachaelherron.com/edit 📚 Patreon Exclusive Secret podcast! http://patreon.com/rachael 👽 Worldshift SpecFic Conference: Free! http://rachaelherron.com/worldshift 🏠 Ink Village! Check it out here: http://rachaelherron.com/inkvillage (New perks, like editing! And quarterly online writing retreats included!) Ink In Your Veins: How Writers Actually Write (and how you can, too) Writing doesn't have to be so hard. With internationally bestselling author Rachael Herron, learn how to embrace ease, reject perfectionism, and finally create your perfect writing process. (Formerly known as How Do You Write) Come for inspiration, stay for lots more. 📙 Publish Your Book! https://rachaelherron.com/publish EXCLUSIVELY FOR WRITERS (join my writer's list): ➡️ How to Know If You’re Writing the Right Book - https://rachaelherron.com/therightbook Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.