Melanie Blue's book is all about glamour.
It’s a hot, summer day in New York when 8-year-old Madison is told that her family members are too busy to spend time with her. Bursting with energy and ready for some fun, the spunky girl takes to the streets of the Big Apple with her dog, Coco Chanel.
The rest of the adventure plays out on the pages of “Glamorous Madison,” a debut novel from Plant City resident Melanie Blue.
Many of Blue’s ideas for the book, which is set to hit shelves Jan. 16, came out of “girly gab” chat sessions with her daughters, Melania, 8, and Melia, 5.
“Really, my girls are the inspiration for the book,” Blue, a former model, said. “I’ve always wanted to write a book. Writing was my favorite subject in school. It’s so much fun. I love creating through writing.”
Through her book, Blue encourages girls to follow their dreams and passions. The title character, appropriately named after Madison Avenue, is focused on fun, fashion and finding adventure.
The girl-power sentiment is one that Blue maintains in her own life too. The mother of five runs Glam Girls for God, a ministry for girls ages four to 19. The ministry started at the beginning of 2015, with the goal of helping young girls match their dreams to God’s purpose. Since its inception, Blue has reached out to members of New Beginnings, Plant City Church of God by Faith. Her husband, Derrick, is the church’s pastor.
“It’s so important to let (girls) know that they can be anything they want to be,” Blue said.
Blue plans to remain focused on her writing in 2016. She’s working on a second book, which follows Madison and Coco Chanel’s adventures through Paris. She is also developing spin-off stories about Madison’s brother and sister, which will be chapter books. While “Glamorous Madison” is geared toward young female readers, the chapter books will target teens.
“I’ve had that idea pretty much (as long) as I had Madison,” Blue said.
Her daughters, she said, are excited for the debut of her book. As she continues to share her ideas with them for Madison’s future adventures, she also has shared her ideas for the chapter books with her sons: Derrick Jr., Darian and Daylin.
“It’s magical, whimsical,” Blue said of her series.
The book, illustrated by Isis Fenner, is available for pre-order on Melanie Blue’s website. Once the book is released, it will be sold at Books-A-Million and on Amazon. Blue, who will schedule a launch party at a later date, hopes to sell the books at local boutiques and shops in Plant City.
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.
BUY IT
For a copy of “Glamorous Madison” visit MelanieBlue.com.
Glam Girls for God
Facebook: Facebook.com/GlamGirlsForGod
