Mel Darbon
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Mel Darbon spent a large part of her childhood inventing stories to keep her autistic brother happy on car journeys. She won’t mention the time spent with him standing by level crossings waiting for the InterCity 125 to go past as she wouldn’t want to be labelled a train spotter.
Life took her in many different directions working as a theatre designer, a freelance artist, teaching young adults with learning disabilities and running creative workshops for teenage mums, young offenders and toddlers (though not all together). Mel now writes young adult novels and is a recent graduate of Bath Spa’s MA in Writing For Young People, where she found a channel to give voice to young people who otherwise might not be heard. Her first novel, ROSIE LOVES JACK will be published by Usborne in the Autumn of 2018. Twitter - @DarbonMel |
Mel moved to Bath in 2014 with her husband, son and their dog, Alfie. All her other children claim to have left home but she doesn’t believe them. Neither does her fridge. But she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Pre-publication praise for Rosie Loves Jack:
“A pure joy from start to finish, Rosie Loves Jack is a dazzling and dizzying narrative that remains with you long after reading it. Mel Darbon has created a character in Rosie who you will undoubtedly adore and written a book that you will undoubtedly love.”
Brian Conaghan, Carnegie Medal and Costa Book Award shortlisted author of When Mr Dog Bites and The Bombs That Brought Us Together
"A beautiful story about love in the face of adversity. Rosie's journey to find Jack is as unforgettable as her extraordinary character and courage. Brave, unique and optimistic, it’s like nothing I've read before. A wonderful debut novel from a hugely talented writer.”
Liz Flanagan, critically-acclaimed author of Eden Summer
“Finished Rosie Loves Jack and all my heart has gone. I couldn't read anything else for quite some time afterwards, as I just knew nothing else could be as good. Rosie Loves Jack is the best thing I've read this year and Rosie is right up there in my top 10 heroines of all time.”
Lu Hersey, MsLexia award-wining author of Deep Water
"Mel has written a brave and uncompromising novel. At its heart it is a simple and touching love story, but what makes it unique and special is the voice and character of Rosie, a girl with Down syndrome. She is a wonderful character, beautifully drawn, engaging the teen/young adult reader at a deep emotional level. Read this book! You will love it."
Julia Green, author of This Northern Sky, The Wilderness War,
Course Director, MA Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University
“An ambitious and powerful love story, which deserves to be read by a wider audience.”
Steve Voake, author of The Dreamwalker’s Child and Bloodhunters
Course Tutor, MA Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University
Pre-publication praise for Rosie Loves Jack:
“A pure joy from start to finish, Rosie Loves Jack is a dazzling and dizzying narrative that remains with you long after reading it. Mel Darbon has created a character in Rosie who you will undoubtedly adore and written a book that you will undoubtedly love.”
Brian Conaghan, Carnegie Medal and Costa Book Award shortlisted author of When Mr Dog Bites and The Bombs That Brought Us Together
"A beautiful story about love in the face of adversity. Rosie's journey to find Jack is as unforgettable as her extraordinary character and courage. Brave, unique and optimistic, it’s like nothing I've read before. A wonderful debut novel from a hugely talented writer.”
Liz Flanagan, critically-acclaimed author of Eden Summer
“Finished Rosie Loves Jack and all my heart has gone. I couldn't read anything else for quite some time afterwards, as I just knew nothing else could be as good. Rosie Loves Jack is the best thing I've read this year and Rosie is right up there in my top 10 heroines of all time.”
Lu Hersey, MsLexia award-wining author of Deep Water
"Mel has written a brave and uncompromising novel. At its heart it is a simple and touching love story, but what makes it unique and special is the voice and character of Rosie, a girl with Down syndrome. She is a wonderful character, beautifully drawn, engaging the teen/young adult reader at a deep emotional level. Read this book! You will love it."
Julia Green, author of This Northern Sky, The Wilderness War,
Course Director, MA Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University
“An ambitious and powerful love story, which deserves to be read by a wider audience.”
Steve Voake, author of The Dreamwalker’s Child and Bloodhunters
Course Tutor, MA Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University
