Melissa Sharman writes creative non-fiction and contemporary fiction that explores the beautiful complexity of being human. Winner of the QWC Hachette Manuscript Development Awards, Melissa has written for several online publications including Kidspot, bringing her deep understanding of life's most profound moments to the page, whether she's examining fertility journeys, women's causes, or the intricate ways we navigate love and loss.
By day, Melissa works as a Domestic and Family Violence Specialist, supporting people through their most challenging times. By night, she writes. As the Founder of Egg Donation Australia, Melissa has helped 22 children come into the world through egg donation and surrogacy—a journey that has infused her work with empathy, hope, and an unwavering belief in the power of human connection.
Living on the Gold Coast with her husband, children, and a growing collection of rescue dogs, Melissa can usually be found chasing the perfect photograph on her travels, discovering new restaurants (she's an unabashed foodie), or asking the hard questions that make for the best stories. She writes to understand, to connect, and to celebrate all the messy, magnificent ways we put ourselves back together.
Melissa's debut novel, The Beauty of Broken Things, is set to be released in May 2026.
What inspired you to be a writer?
I've always loved to write and storytelling—the power to make people feel and understand. But I came back to writing as a cathartic form of therapy, a way to explore the beautiful complexity of being human. Writing allows me to express and explore my own self, and to communicate and connect about issues that matter. I write to understand, to connect, to make people feel and understand, and to celebrate all the messy, magnificent ways we put ourselves back together.
What prompted you to write 'The Beauty of Broken Things'?
After I experienced family and domestic violence, I wrote the book I wished I could have read at the time. But this isn't just a book about family violence—it's for anyone going through darkness, anyone who needs to know that there is hope.
Working in suicide prevention and domestic violence, I've witnessed the beauty and hope that can emerge from brokenness and pain. I've seen people rebuild their lives in the most extraordinary ways. I wanted to share that hope—to show that there is a path forward, that broken things can still be beautiful, and that we are strong enough to heal. This book is for anyone who needs to know they're not alone and that there is light ahead.
Do you have any more books in the pipeline?
I am currently working on a non-fiction project on Infertility and Donor Conception.
What is your professional background?
I have worked in community services, health, mental health, and family and domestic violence. I'm a Domestic and Family Violence Specialist, have worked in suicide prevention, and am the Founder of Egg Donation Australia.
Any advice you’d like to give to aspiring writers?
Don't be afraid to write rubbish—just get the words on the page. Read widely in your genre. Attend events with other writers to stay focused and inspired. And schedule regular time to write. Consistency is what turns aspiration into reality.
Who/what inspires you?
The resilience I see in people inspires me endlessly. I'm moved by those who are unashamedly brave enough to be themselves—people who have faced darkness and still choose to show up authentically in the world. That kind of courage is what drives my writing and reminds me why these stories matter.
What are your hobbies, interests and favourite books?
I love to travel and explore new places—there's nothing like immersing yourself in different cultures and landscapes for inspiration. I'm passionate about photography, capturing moments and beauty wherever I find them. And I'm an unashamed foodie—discovering new restaurants and cuisines is one of life's great pleasures.
As for books, I love The Language of Limbs by Dylin Hardcastle, and I'm a big fan of Rachael Johns and Maggie Smith. I'm drawn to writers who explore the complexity of human experience with honesty and heart.
How can readers contact you?
My website is www.melissasharman.com.au
My Instagram is @melissa.sharman.writer
