Published Works
I am delighted to share that I completed student teaching 11th-grade English at Fountain Valley High School. During my time as a student teacher, I curated a class poetry anthology, A Moment in the Mind, and published it on Amazon (with both student and parent permission). For this class poetry anthology, every student composed two original poems, thus contributing their own unique voices to our class poetry anthology. Additionally, every student also created corresponding visuals for their poems, adding another layer of meaning through their artistic interpretations. For both the poems and the corresponding visuals, students were given the creative freedom to tap into their passions, talents, and interests. Driven by student voices, the students also contributed title suggestions and cover art submissions. Across all of my CP3 English classes, we voted on the title and cover for our poetry anthology. A Moment in the Mind honors the poets and artists who made up our extraordinary classroom communities. If you would like to support my students’ work, the link is in my bio to purchase A Moment in the Mind.
In reflection of my student teaching experience as a whole, I can honestly say that I have learned and grown the most, both personally and professionally, in this brief period of time. After finishing my bachelor’s in English Education within three years and finishing my credential program within a year and a half, graduating both times with a 4.0 GPA, I am happy to share that I earned my teaching credentials. After recording a total of 8 videos of myself teaching and writing over 130 pages, I am happy to share that I passed all of the teacher performance assessments. And after balancing a loaded schedule with teaching 40-hour weeks with no pay, going to school full-time for my credentials, and working part-time just to survive, I am happy to say that I made it through student teaching. Needless to say, it was a challenge at times, but nothing that is worth doing is ever easy…
I am taking away so much from my student teaching experience, but the one thing that stands out to me the most are the connections that I’ve made with students. From talking about our weekends every Monday and Friday, facilitating both personal and academic discussions, and thoroughly reading and giving students in-depth feedback on every writing assignment, it has been an honor to get to know students and honor their voices. What they write matters and what they share is impactful—never failing to move, enlighten, and inspire others, most especially me. I may be a teacher, but I take on the biggest role as a student through how much I learn from students each day. And for that, I am infinitely grateful to know, learn, and grow alongside them too. It has been such an honor to embark on this journey as a teacher, and I am humbled to know that this is only the beginning…
I am so thankful to contribute to The Luna Collective's issue 18, "Coin". This issue also includes COIN, Alexander23, Dora Jar, Crystal Murray, The BLSSM, Day Wave, Anna of the North, WizTheMc, Manchado, and more! I am both humbled and honored to write about Dora Jar—the rising artist who exudes depth, creativity and eccentricity that exceeds age.
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Discovering her stunning vocals early on, Jar set forth with high ambitions. She reveres a deeper appreciation for her vocal abilities and musical aptitude: “My sister couldn’t use her voice to speak or sing, and from a young age, I was very aware that we had different gifts that we could use together to communicate and tell stories.”
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Valuing her gifts and putting them to use, Jar tells her story through her mesmerizing voice, profound lyrics, and unforgettable melodies. For Jar, her voice is not something that she takes for granted, and nor should you. “To have a voice is definitely a gift,” she says. “And anyone who can make sound possesses that gift… even if you don’t think of yourself as a musical being.”
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From music that lends to introspection to music that serves as pleasant background noise, Jar has found that she listens to different music for various purposes. “My favorite music helps me feel connected to myself, it frees my imagination, and it helps me feel gratitude for even my uncomfortable emotions,” Jar says. “It helps me complete simple tasks like hanging up laundry.” In reflection to what she gains from her favorite music, Jar also hopes that listeners can take away any of those feelings from the music that she makes with her friends. Her music is something to uplift, enlighten, and inspire her listeners.
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I highly encourage you to learn more about Doja Jar and all of our talented features by reading either the digital version ($7.00 to purchase) or the print version ($22.00 to purchase) of issue 18! I hope you enjoy!
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Painting Pictures with Words is a collective work from Ms. Miller's English class. Over the 2022 summer program at Connect Learning Center, every student composed two original poems, thus contributing their own unique voices to our class poetry anthology. Additionally, every student also created corresponding visuals for their poems, adding another layer of meaning through their artistic interpretations.
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Painting Pictures with Words celebrates students' creativity, literacy, and higher-order thinking skills. This book honors the poets and artists that make up our extraordinary classroom.
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Instead of merely having students submit an assignment for a grade, I wanted to give them an opportunity to produce work for a REAL audience in a REAL publication. It took a lot of hard work and dedication scanning every student's work, creating and editing it into a book, publishing our book on Amazon, and writing each student a personalized and sentimental letter in the copy that I gifted them— but it was all so worth it for THEM!
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Disclaimer: This book is listest at the cheapest price that Amazon allows for the printing and Amazon royalty costs; I do not make a penny off any copy. I wanted to make it as affordable as possible for students and their families to purchase additional copies.
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If you would like to support my students' work, the link is at the top of this page to purchase Painting Pictures with Words.
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It was truly a pleasure to interview the iconic duo, CAPYAC, and photograph their Horror Disco show at the Goldfish in Los Angeles. Composed of P. Sugz (Eric Peana) and Potion (Delwin Campbell), with their fun, lively, and eccentric characters, CAPYAC is unique beyond measure. Their music blends elements of disco, house, and funk, producing a universal sound that’s magnetic to all listeners. CAPYAC’s musical prowess is marked by their “cutting-edge sound design and serious attention to the technical details of what makes dance music so extraordinary.” In addition to their musical aptitude, CAPYAC showcases their creativity and originality as performers. CAPYAC’s performances incorporate both planned and spontaneous dance troupes, collaborations, and on-the-nose tomfoolery. Taking a theatrical approach, CAPYAC’s on-stage presence is sensational and unforgettable. Check out the photo gallery of CAPYAC's Horror Disco show to see a glimpse of their spectacular performance. Also, dive into the interview with CAPYAC to learn more about their remix of "Take Me Closer" by CLUBZ.
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Lovely and limitless — Faouzia’s new single, “Hero,” showcases her self-expressive songwriting skills and impressive vocal range. Radiating with confidence, Faouzia’s track dives into the reciprocity in relationships, enhancing the foundation of self-love before transcending into love for others. “I wrote ‘Hero’ late one night while taking a break from studying for my exams,” Faouzia shares. “Thematically, the song discusses having fair and reasonable expectations from the love you give and receive in a relationship or a friendship. It's a two-way street and any healthy relationship needs both sides to be supportive of each other.” Faouzia hopes that “Hero” can help listeners hold true to their self-worth. This track is both uplifting and empowering, asking listeners to choose to be their own hero. For more, continue reading on about Faouzia, the rising artist who was born for stardom!
Dreamy and enchanting — Sydney Ross Mitchell’s lead single, “Altitude,” for her debut EP reflects her passion and truth as an artist. “Altitude” not only highlights her mesmerizing vocals, but also showcases her vulnerability. With pureness of heart, Mitchell wrote “Altitude” as “a means of catharsis; it is an attempt for me to cope not only with heartbreak, but with fear as well.” After many tears and studio frustrations, Mitchell abandoned her ideal for perfection and focused her energy on translating the feeling behind “Altitude.” Mitchell does an amazing job capturing this feeling of release, as she frees herself of tender emotions through the power of music. This track is both moving and evocative — a song that speaks a thousand words. With wisdom beyond her age, Mitchell acknowledges the power of music as it exudes such an intimate, subjective experience with the listener. Mitchell shares her insights: “Something I find really beautiful about releasing music is that, once it’s out, it doesn’t really matter what it means to me anymore. The listening experience is so unique to each individual, and every song will resonate differently with each person who hears it; what’s important to me isn’t that it makes the listener feel a specific type of emotion — I just hope it makes them feel something.” Most assuredly, “Altitude” will make listeners feel something, if not everything at once. Her angelic voice truly breaks through barriers. Mitchell’s music is raw, pure, and beautiful — just like her. Her authenticity and vulnerability will not be diminished, and she is a light for us all to look up to. Continue reading more in the article above about the beautiful and vulnerable Sydney Ross Mitchell.
Sensual and soulful — DejaVilla’s single featuring Shanique Marie, “In The Morning,” showcases their Jamacian “riddim-tinged electronica.” “In the Morning” is DejaVilla’s lead single to their forthcoming album Castle With a View. Born and raised in Jamaica, DejaVilla is made up of David Marston, their producer, and Sarah Couch, their vocalist. They are heavily influenced by their upbringing as “Jamaica has a very robust and rich culture, especially when it comes to music.” Remarkably, David and Sarah work together so organically as music runs through their blood and pours out without restraint. Even more profound, DejaVilla is a living model of the unifying force of music — they transcend together in harmony. “In The Morning” is rich with diverse musical elements — a track that can reach all listeners of all genres. Stay tuned with DejaVilla and their “mix of many worlds colliding.”
A special thank you to Voyage LA Magazine for interviewing me— I am so humbled and honored to be featured in South LA's Hidden Gems. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my story in "Life & Work with Melissa Rose Miller." In this interview, I share my story as a writer, artist, and film photographer. This details where I started from and where I am today in my creative avenues. In this interview, I also share my personal struggles with perfectionism and self-doubt in relation to being creative. Through my own struggle, I hope that others will gain the ambition to begin and the grace to be kind on themselves too. I dive into my value for learning and humility as they both bring fruits of abundance. Whenever I'm writing, making art, or shooting photos, that’s when I feel most alive— I hope that my passion shines through to you too. Again, my sincerest appreciation goes out to Voyage LA Magazine, and to anyone who is kind enough to read this interview too.
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Powerful and ethereal— Aziya’s EP We Speak of Tides reflects the pushes and pulls of human relationships and the complexities that lie within it. She explores various dynamics between people as represented in the versatility of her tracks. Aziya’s lyrics are authentic and relatable, reaching a widespread audience. In Aziya’s five-track EP, she takes alternative music to a whole new level as she blends pop, rock, and soul into her unique sound. Not only is Aziya gifted musically and instrumentally, but she also showcases her talent through the creative direction in her visuals. In reflection of what she has gained from releasing We Speak of Tides, Aziya shares her insights upon timing and diligence: “Don’t rush something. Release it when you’re completely satisfied with the tracks.” All in all, Aziya is satisfied with the music that she has shared with us, and we are so proud of her!
As a singer, songwriter, and director, Nathan Day’s creativity is boundless. At an early age, the UK-based artist dreamed about launching a band with a group of imaginary friends, and today, he has brought this vision to life. As of today, Day shares with us his pop-rock alternative sound. Taking a unique approach to his music, Day introduces a cast of imaginary friends to represent the mental illnesses that are reflective in his songs. For instance, “She Came Down Like the Stars” introduces Day’s alien character to symbolize alienation and isolation, while “Fade Like You” introduces Day’s skeleton character to signify the fear of death and existential defeat. Like all of his visuals, Day directed and produced the music video for “Friends.” This newest single introduces Day’s rabbit character as the 6 '2” musician is dressed in a pink rabbit costume. This costume choice creates a contrast with the dark topics in “Friends,” thus representing the highs and lows of bipolar disorder morphing into one shared experience. Undeniably, Day’s passion and creativity shine through both his music and his music videos. He is eccentric and extraordinary, drawing you in with his distinct sound and visuals. Click the full interview above to dive into the magical world of Nathan Day!
Full of sweetness and charm— Alix Page is creating tunes that represent her long-lasting love for music. From as young as she could remember, music has always been Page’s calling in life, and her passion shines through her soothing, dreamlike sound. Page understands the beauty of vulnerability and hopes that her listeners can feel the authenticity and humanity in her music. She wants listeners to deepen their understanding of who she is — not just as a musician, but as a real person.
With a deep fascination for people, Page gains inspiration for her lyrics through studying people from all times and walks of life. From the perspectives of Ramona Flowers to Daisy from The Great Gatsby, Page takes a unique approach to songwriting, letting her curiosity for people lead her to eccentric perspectives, forming her original and unforgettable songs. Read on more in the article above to learn about Alix Page, the girl that we adore, with a sound that speaks to the soul.
Drawn by the vitality of human connection, Courier Club brings us together with their new single, "Foreign Ground." This track hooks listeners with its pounding drums, sweeping synth backdrops, winding guitars, and pulsing bass — together, the energy is electric. Courier Club wrote and recorded the track last summer, as the urgency of the pandemic drove the band to create music that was both uplifting and unifying. During the pandemic, the stakes were higher and the world had more unknowns to grapple with, however; Courier Club’s lyrics represent how they are trying to make sense of the strange reality through honesty and authenticity. In reflection of the “Block by Blockwest” Minecraft music festival and the past year as a whole, Courier Club has discovered a new revelation: the value of creating genuine human connections. Courier Club has also taken on a whole new understanding of what it means to be a band. Just like creating a virtual event or having a call with an old friend, Courier Club believes that a band is a vessel to bring people together. What I find so inspiring about Courier Club, setting them apart from all other bands and musicians, is the wholesome values that lie within their music. I hope you check out their newest single, "Foreign Ground" and read more about Courier Club in the article above!
Full of sass, sensuality, and soulfulness— Jordyn Simone brings the heat with her new single, "Drown." Simone writes from the heart, expressing the vulnerable depths of herself and self-discovery, in hopes of empowering women and uplifting their confidence. In her 21 years, Simone has competed as a finalist on both The Voice and American Idol and she continues to share her unique sound with the world. Simone is truly admirable. As reflected in the track, the LA-based artist radiates with confidence, serving as an inspiration for us all to look up to. I've been listening to "Drown" on repeat— Simone's smooth vocals and mesmerizing lyrics are unparalleled. I highly encourage you to give "Drown" a listen and to check out the article I wrote about the queen herself.
Such a pleasure to be a part of The Luna Collective's issue 14, "Raveena." This issue includes features on Raveena, JAWNY, Claud, Coco & Clair Clair, Jadu Heart, TAYO Sound, Unusual Demont, Fraiche, the work of Billie Black, our audience & more! It was truly an honor to write about the Wisconsin-based musician, Unusual Demont. Demont made a powerful debut with "Amber" last summer— at the track that is sweet-sounding to the ear and richly-pleasing to the heart. This debut captures the essence of summer through its lively and feel-good nature. Demont creates music as a positive outlet that brings people together. While making music is something he is deeply passionate about, it isn’t the only thing that he wants to pursue. Demont wants to be both on and off the camera, thus also letting “his art be his part”. I highly encourage you to learn more about Demont and all of our talented features by reading either the digital version ($7.00 to purchase) or the print version ($22.00 to purchase) of issue 14! I hope you enjoy!
I am so humbled to be a part of The Luna Collective's "Fall" issue of 2020. It is such a dream to have my photograph featured as the front cover of this issue. When I first picked up my camera, shooting film was challenging and experimental, thus consisting of multiple rolls that were out of focus and shot in the wrong aperture. I never would've imagined that my photograph would be on the cover of a magazine! It has deeply moved me and amazed me, to say the least. In addition to having my work featured on the front cover of "Fall", I also have a poem along with two other film photos in this issue. This two-page spread, on pages 58-59, includes my poem "Mid October". This poem, written in abab form, employs a tasteful and romantic narrative that brings forth the warmth of the autumn. The two film photos feature one of my dearest friends, Nikki Passerello (Instagram: @novanicolette), with red, neon lights. I highly recommend viewing a digital issue (free to view) and/or purchasing a print copy of The Luna Collective's "Fall" issue (for $12.00)— and I can assure you you won't regret it!
It is such an honor to interview the crowned winner of The Voice in 2013, Danielle Bradbery. Danielle has captured the hearts of America with her pure and authentic voice and soul. This interview dives into who Danielle is on and off of the stage along with her newest single, "Never Have I Ever", which expresses the transformative nature of being in love. What makes Danielle unique is her ability to stay true to herself and the people who have made up who she is today. It was so humbling to interview this country queen, and I know you will adore her too. Linked above is the full interview along which also includes her music video for "Never Have I Ever".
I'm so delighted to be featured in The Luna Collective's "Summer" of 2020 issue. This issue enhances the warmth and liveliness of the season, thus bringing forth beauty and bliss on every page. Featured on pages 88-89 are two of my film photos of my beautiful best friend, Shannen Robinson (Instagram: freck.le) along with my poem "A Fruit for Two", written with an aabb rhyme scheme. This poem is very charming and whimsical, thus mirroring the mood of the season. The Luna Collective's "Summer" issue is full of lively photographs and poems that you can view through the digital issue (free to view) or through purchasing a print copy (for $12.00) which are both linked above!
I am so thankful to contribute to The Luna Collective's issue 12, "Carianne Older and Miranda Harrison". This issue also includes Felice Trinidad, Simrah Farrukh, Kamilla Varga, Isabella Preisz, The LateBloomer Project, Jenny Desrosiers, Michael Decristo, Chippie Carcamo, Salim Garcia, work from Athena Merry, and more! It was such a delight to write about the analog photographer, Felice Trinidad (Instagram: felice.c0m). Felice aims to authentically capture her subjects in their element. She not only wants to highlight “just their beauty, but their personality, their quirks, and all the little things that make them them to be represented in the photos.” Furthermore, Felice's style of photography is timeless and cinematic— an unforgettable scene. This article can be found on pages 40-43 that can be accessed through the digital issue (free to view) or through purchasing a print copy (for $28.00).
I am so delighted to be a part of The Luna Collective's season issue of "Spring" (2020). This issue is even lovelier than ever: fruitful poems, ripe portraits, and flourishing film photos. I am so excited to have three of my poems and two film photos in "Spring". This issue features my poems of "The Sweetest Embrace" (page 5) and "The Honey Bee and the Flower" (page 35) which are both love poems. I also have a two-page spread (pages 40-41) including my poem "A Stranger's Touch" and a film photo I shot of my angelic gal, Nikki Passerello (Instagram: @novanicolette) in the Laguna Canyon at sunset. Lastly, I have a shot of another one of my beautiful friends, Nikita Eves (Instagram: @nikita_eves) with the reflection of her feet and legs (page 44). I am so thankful to have my work presented in "Spring" and I hope you check it out the digital issue (free to view) and/or buy yourself a print copy (for $10.99).
I am very grateful to contribute to The Luna Collective's issue 11, "Inner Wave". Along with Inner Wave, this issue features Tennis, Jelani Aryeh, AUDREY NUNA, Danny Cole, Kate Bollinger, Kibi James, and much more! I was delighted to write about the New York-based artist, Danny Cole (Instagram: @dannyycoleee). Danny's art reflects an evocative and personalized experience as he employs a fluidness in its interpretation. His creative process consists of making sense of his abstract mind by producing ideas out of a blank, imaginary room, thus immersing his art from a state of nothingness. I truly admire his artistic approach and divine connectivity with the universe, and I hope you will too. I'd like to encourage you to read my article on Danny Cole (pages 26-29) through the digital issue (free to view) and/or the print copy of issue 11 (for $22.00). And as always, thank you kindly.
I am very pleased to be featured in The Luna Collective's "Winter" of 2019 issue. This issue includes collaborative works that enhance the spirit of winter and the lush of the season. I am very humbled to have three poems, two film photos, and one graphic included in "Winter". My poem, "A Love Letter to My Bed", is dedicated to my dearest grandmother and featured on page 7. "A Cafe in December" is another poem I wrote that is featured on page 12. As follows, page 23 includes a graphic I drew through Photoshop of a skeleton hand holding a cigarette. Lastly, I have a two page spread that is very near and dear to my heart. My poem, "He Took Me To a Place", is featured with two film photos I shot. This poem is dedicated to my boyfriend, Cody Smith, who took me to his home town of Cincinnati, Ohio for the first time. We stayed in Ohio from the last week of November til the first week of December, and I had the opportunity to capture the city in its fullness of the season. From someone that is born and raised in California, the transitions of seasons are quite moderate, as year round it stays relatively the same. However, the seasons in Ohio are drastic, and although I was very much not adapted, I was very blessed to experience the winter in Ohio. The following film photos I shot in this issue were during our trip as well, and they most definitely illuminate to the beauty of the season. This two page spread will be found on pages 24-25. Linked above is a digital issue (that is free to view) and a print copy (for only $10.00).
So humbled to have been apart of Stoke Much's issue 4, "Skate is Art", and honored to have some of my film and an article I wrote featured in it as well. Stoke Much Magazine enhances the creative culture of skateboarding and enriches a deeper understanding of skateboarding too. The creator, Zach Moldof, owns and operates Stoke Much Magazine and contributes to sustaining the medium of print. I am immensely appreciative for Zach's kind and thoughtful words that dive into the role that skateboarding plays in relationships and share his insight on how that correlates with Cody and me. Furthermore, I am also grateful for the photos that Zach shot of us for this issue in which he captured Cody and I in our elements. I am very pleased to have an article I wrote featured in this issue that reflects on translating one's self through the art of skateboarding and film photography and how these aspects have enriched me personally and relationally. I am also very thankful to have some of my film photos incorporated into this issue which include a shot of the night sky in Los Angeles and Jimmy Larson's street sweeper. I highly recommend purchasing a copy (which is linked above and full of notable content for an affordable price of $8.00) and also checking out a sneak peak of the issue (also linked above and free to view).
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I am proud to present The Luna Collective's 10th issue, "Sage Adams". This issue includes the special features of Sage Adams, Joan, Dizzy Fae, Kyle Lux, BAUM, Kanya Iwana, and more! It was my greatest pleasure to write an article about Dizzy Fae (instagram: @dizzyfae) and to dive into the nature of her "angelic voice and dreamlike, dance incentivizing music" that "projects the feeling of a 'soundtrack to an unforgettable day" (Miller 77). Throughout my writing process, my admiration for Dizzy grew as I got the learn the depths of her unique individualism and her remarkable wisdom that lies far beyond her age. This article will be found on pages 76-78. Thank you my beloved reader, for reading my article, I hope you adore Dizzy just as much as I do. There is also a link the the digital copy (free to view) and to purchase a print copy (for $22.00) above.
The Luna Collective's seasonal issue, "Fall" (2019) is a collaboration of art, film, poetry, and other creative works. Every page elicits the beauty and appreciation for the season of fall, thus uplifting it in its natural essence. I'm very grateful to present my first work to be published in a digital and print magazine. I have a two-page spread with three film photos I shot of the loveliest Siera Rei, followed by my poem, "Oh How I Wonder", which is dedicated to my beloved boyfriend, Cody Smith. These works will be found on pages 46 and 47. Thank you, my beloved reader, for viewing and/or appreciating my work. There is a link to the digital copy (free to view) and to purchase a print copy (for $11.00) above — which further enriches the depths and colors of the fall.
"Devilish Imperfections" is my first self published and self-illustrated work. This grotesque short story captivates a treacherous revenge, a fatal attraction, and a discovery of the distorted psyche of Sam Cindery. From childhood to adulthood, this enthralling work reveals not only a terrifying story but an in-depth revelation about the core of humanity and the psyche of insanity.
The idea of becoming an author has always resonated with me. It seemed so incredulous and so impossible to me until I simply started writing. Writing truly is an art — you can add and revise and delete as much as you please, but you will never attain a “perfected work”. There comes an extent in a writer’s process in which they must abandon their art, and let the art speak for itself. Although the writing comes from the mind of the author, the work does not define the author — they are separate from their art.
It is to my greatest esteem to share my work, and I am humbly honored in you who will read my work too. I wanted to ensure that my book would be affordable and accessible to all, therefore, "Devilish Imperfections" is published on Amazon for $5.99 (plus shipping) which was the minimum price I could set it at. I don't desire profit — my greatest hope to you is to provide you with an enjoyable read that adds another layer of meaning to your life. I am so grateful to my revisers Rosanna Harshman and Nic Hondel for proofreading my work. And I'd like to thank you kindly, my gratitude for you, my dear reader, is immeasurable.