About The Author

Melba Burns, Ph.D. has been writing for forty years: books of poetry, film scripts, her own TV show, novels, songs, essays and non-fiction books. Her love of creativity has inspired her to express this passion in everything she does – she even wrote her doctoral dissertaion on creative thinking.

“Everyone is creative,” she reminds those in her writing groups, which she has been leading for 20 years, and believes it is crucial to open up to your Writer Within – to persevere with whatever form of creative expression you choose.

Melba enjoys painting, singing, putting on literary cabarets, telling funny stories, lunching with friends, swimming, meditating and spending quiet time walking on the beach.

She has two sons and a daughter, and three grandchildren. Born in Toronto, she has lived in Calgary, Montreal, Denver, Santa Monica, California, and for the past 22 years has called Vancouver home.

Testimonials…

"She cracked open the door to my writing -- and it was nailed shut!" Joe Paithouski.

"Her warm, humorous style dispels self-doubt & guides each writer to discover the gifts of their soul." Beryle Chambers, poet

“She liberated me!!” Patricia Baldwin, artist

“Melba Burns’ writing class was an enriching experience. The guidance and positive suggestions opened me up to being more creative and joyous with my writing.” Dawn Nathan, RSI Practitioner

"She provides constructive, unbiased feedback in a 'family environment.'" Alan Scott, architect

“Melba, herself a powerful writer, takes care of writers taking new steps into their creativity so that they become filled with confidence enough to fly. She is a master at what she does.” Deb Cameron Fawkes, MA Theological Studies

“Melba’s Writer’s Workshop brought me an unexpected perspective on my writing: my motivation, my process and my potential. She also gave me much needed practicalities on getting my work out there. A great group in a beautiful setting was icing on the cake.” David Buckland, Writer & Consultant

“I’ve taken many workshops with Melba and I have found her to be a wonderful writing facilitator. She creates an atmosphere of support, safety and positive feedback for any aspiring writer – novice or experienced. Largely due to her positive influence I published a book of my poetry and art prints two years ago,” Betsy Randel, Artist

“Working with Melba really gave my creativity a boost and kicked my writing skills up a notch. Everyone I work with noticed the enhanced creativity and clarity in my writing. Melba helped me to get out of my own way in order to allow the process of writing to unfold.” Deborah Alden, Communications/Media Relations Consultant

“Not only did Melba support me in writing out my stories, the group environment she created provided a safe space for me to finally find my voice and step into my own power.” Mary Toth, Personal Coach

“Melba creates a warm, encouraging and inspiring environment that gave me a space and a framework to revitalize my writing process… I left feeling heard, encouraged and re-awakened to my writing! Melba rocks!” Doris Montgomery, Director of Human Resources

"I have taken Melba’s courses many times and they always stimulate amazing creativity! Poems and short stories emerge spontaneously and blossom under her guidance. And Melba is great at getting us to actually write, and not just talk about it. Things that have been on the back burner for years – like my languishing novel—suddenly come to life again. Melba creates a fun, joyful and caring atmosphere in her classes and I have made some wonderful friends there. Highly recommended. ” Gail Behrend, Business Writer, healer, and recent author of Energy is Real.