Melissa Llanes Brownlee
@lumchanmfa.bsky.social
Native Hawaiian writer living in Japan
https://www.melissallanesbrownlee.com/
Bitter over Sweet https://tinyurl.com/5hd7u63r
Hard Skin http://tinyurl.com/yc53
Kahi&Lua http://tinyurl.com/3ryfzvwh
https://www.melissallanesbrownlee.com/
Bitter over Sweet https://tinyurl.com/5hd7u63r
Hard Skin http://tinyurl.com/yc53
Kahi&Lua http://tinyurl.com/3ryfzvwh
Pinned
TONIGHT at 7pm EST, @lumchanmfa.bsky.social will be in conversation with @deeshaphilyaw.bsky.social to celebrate the launch of BITTER OVER SWEET, hosted by @avitusbcarle.bsky.social! buff.ly/CtKtA0k
Can't make it? Get BITTER OVER SWEET right here! buff.ly/3pPOviA
@susanschulman.bsky.social
Can't make it? Get BITTER OVER SWEET right here! buff.ly/3pPOviA
@susanschulman.bsky.social
I’m still buzzing from my awesome book launch!! Thank you Deesha Philyaw for being a part of it and for your wonderful questions and @avitusbcarle.bsky.social for being an amazing host. Thank you to everyone who came and thank you to my friends who helped and supported me ❤️❤️❤️
Just in case you missed it! My interview by @mynachang.bsky.social!!
ICYMI, Myna Chang recently sat down with Melissa Llanes Brownlee to discuss her latest collection, BITTER OVER SWEET! buff.ly/teB3epy
Get BITTER OVER SWEET here: buff.ly/uaVHtkD
@lumchanmfa.bsky.social
Get BITTER OVER SWEET here: buff.ly/uaVHtkD
@lumchanmfa.bsky.social
November 26, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Just in case you missed it! My interview by @mynachang.bsky.social!!
Reposted by Melissa Llanes Brownlee
ICYMI, Myna Chang recently sat down with Melissa Llanes Brownlee to discuss her latest collection, BITTER OVER SWEET! buff.ly/teB3epy
Get BITTER OVER SWEET here: buff.ly/uaVHtkD
@lumchanmfa.bsky.social
Get BITTER OVER SWEET here: buff.ly/uaVHtkD
@lumchanmfa.bsky.social
November 26, 2025 at 3:40 PM
ICYMI, Myna Chang recently sat down with Melissa Llanes Brownlee to discuss her latest collection, BITTER OVER SWEET! buff.ly/teB3epy
Get BITTER OVER SWEET here: buff.ly/uaVHtkD
@lumchanmfa.bsky.social
Get BITTER OVER SWEET here: buff.ly/uaVHtkD
@lumchanmfa.bsky.social
Reposted by Melissa Llanes Brownlee
Lovely book mail today from @lumchanmfa.bsky.social and @sfwp.bsky.social!
November 26, 2025 at 2:59 AM
Lovely book mail today from @lumchanmfa.bsky.social and @sfwp.bsky.social!
weekly ukulele video 🥰❤️ (November 24, 2025)
YouTube video by Melissa Llanes Brownlee
youtu.be
November 23, 2025 at 11:55 PM
Reposted by Melissa Llanes Brownlee
Massive thanks @gooseberrypielit.bsky.social for this mom! And thanks @lumchanmfa.bsky.social for picking this crazy queer arthropod piece for the comp! Co breaths fellow nominees 🧡. Here’s my weird-ass story: gooseberry-pie.com/the-undulati...
November 21, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Massive thanks @gooseberrypielit.bsky.social for this mom! And thanks @lumchanmfa.bsky.social for picking this crazy queer arthropod piece for the comp! Co breaths fellow nominees 🧡. Here’s my weird-ass story: gooseberry-pie.com/the-undulati...
Reposted by Melissa Llanes Brownlee
I am over the moon! SO grateful to @lit-namjooning.bsky.social for the nomination! 🌟 Congratulations to everyone 🌟
📢 Please join us in congratulating our 2026 Best MicroFiction nominees! Congratulations, @miriamgershow.bsky.social, @happilander.bsky.social, @belindarowe.bsky.social , @kathrynreese.bsky.social , and @mizukiyamagen.bsky.social! Read their micros here: literarynamjooning.wixsite.com/litnam/proje...
November 20, 2025 at 9:44 PM
I am over the moon! SO grateful to @lit-namjooning.bsky.social for the nomination! 🌟 Congratulations to everyone 🌟
weekly talk story about @claudineliterary.bsky.social and @pitheadchapel.bsky.social...
www.melissallanesbrownlee.com/talk-story/2...
www.melissallanesbrownlee.com/talk-story/2...
Celebrating My Pushcart Prize and Best Microfiction Noms and Not Writing — Melissa Llanes Brownlee
I am so happy to have received a Pushcart Prize Nomination from Claudine, A Literary Magazine ! If you missed it, I hope you read “ The day auntie makes you sort the pakalolo into baggies before...
www.melissallanesbrownlee.com
November 20, 2025 at 11:36 PM
weekly talk story about @claudineliterary.bsky.social and @pitheadchapel.bsky.social...
www.melissallanesbrownlee.com/talk-story/2...
www.melissallanesbrownlee.com/talk-story/2...
Reposted by Melissa Llanes Brownlee
ICYMI, BITTER OVER SWEET by @lumchanmfa.bsky.social was included in @clmporg.bsky.social's Reading List for Native American Heritage Month 2025! buff.ly/TCDByuE
Treat yourself - or a loved one - to BITTER OVER SWEET right here: bit.ly/3PuHbEn
@susanschulman.bsky.social
Treat yourself - or a loved one - to BITTER OVER SWEET right here: bit.ly/3PuHbEn
@susanschulman.bsky.social
A Reading List for Native American Heritage Month 2025 - Community of Literary Magazines and Presses
For Native American Heritage Month, observed annually during the month of November, we asked our member presses and literary magazines to share with us some of the books and magazines they recommend…
buff.ly
November 20, 2025 at 7:51 PM
ICYMI, BITTER OVER SWEET by @lumchanmfa.bsky.social was included in @clmporg.bsky.social's Reading List for Native American Heritage Month 2025! buff.ly/TCDByuE
Treat yourself - or a loved one - to BITTER OVER SWEET right here: bit.ly/3PuHbEn
@susanschulman.bsky.social
Treat yourself - or a loved one - to BITTER OVER SWEET right here: bit.ly/3PuHbEn
@susanschulman.bsky.social
Reposted by Melissa Llanes Brownlee
With the upcoming holidays, there's holiday shopping to be done! If you have someone who loves traveling to Hawaii, consider gifting them a copy of BITTER OVER SWEET by @lumchanmfa.bsky.social! buff.ly/0TMZh4p
@susanschulman.bsky.social
@susanschulman.bsky.social
November 19, 2025 at 3:40 PM
With the upcoming holidays, there's holiday shopping to be done! If you have someone who loves traveling to Hawaii, consider gifting them a copy of BITTER OVER SWEET by @lumchanmfa.bsky.social! buff.ly/0TMZh4p
@susanschulman.bsky.social
@susanschulman.bsky.social
Reposted by Melissa Llanes Brownlee
My interview with @lumchanmfa.bsky.social came out in the WOW Markets newsletter in support of MLB's new book, Bitter Over Sweet!
In Conversation with Melissa Llanes Brownlee - Author of Bitter Over Sweet
Melissa Llanes Brownlee is well known in the flash community as a consummate writer and an unflagging supporter of her peers. Her upcoming collection, <em>Bitter Over Sweet</em>, explores the lives of...
www.wow-womenonwriting.com
November 19, 2025 at 3:33 PM
My interview with @lumchanmfa.bsky.social came out in the WOW Markets newsletter in support of MLB's new book, Bitter Over Sweet!
Reposted by Melissa Llanes Brownlee
❤️
You all!! I have the BEST PEOPLE in my life!! Thank you @gilloshaughnessy.bsky.social for your insightful and wonderful words!!
(@mynachang.bsky.social she mentions your amazing interview too 🥰)
@sfwp.bsky.social
@susanschulman.bsky.social
(@mynachang.bsky.social she mentions your amazing interview too 🥰)
@sfwp.bsky.social
@susanschulman.bsky.social
⚡️Fast Flash Review: Bitter Over Sweet by Melissa Llanes Brownlee. A stunning read. Plus, Melissa writes in Hawaiian Pidgin Creole & English, this book is a masterclass on authentic own voice writing. Unmissable.
@lumchanmfa.bsky.social @smokelong.bsky.social @sfwp.bsky.social
@lumchanmfa.bsky.social @smokelong.bsky.social @sfwp.bsky.social
November 19, 2025 at 12:58 PM
❤️
Reposted by Melissa Llanes Brownlee
I've always admired the story selections I've read in #Mondettes.
What a special feeling to find my story from @lit-namjooning.bsky.social in it this month! Thank you so much Shome Dasgupta and @mattkendrick.bsky.social 💚
What a special feeling to find my story from @lit-namjooning.bsky.social in it this month! Thank you so much Shome Dasgupta and @mattkendrick.bsky.social 💚
This month's #Mondettes picked by
Shome Dasgupta
⚡Ten wonderful flash fictions
🔍Ten splashes of analysis as to why Shome made these brilliant picks
🪴Three fantastic prompts to get you writing
mondettes.substack.com/p/november-2...
Shome Dasgupta
⚡Ten wonderful flash fictions
🔍Ten splashes of analysis as to why Shome made these brilliant picks
🪴Three fantastic prompts to get you writing
mondettes.substack.com/p/november-2...
November 2025
Ten stories picked by Shome Dasgupta
mondettes.substack.com
November 18, 2025 at 10:13 PM
I've always admired the story selections I've read in #Mondettes.
What a special feeling to find my story from @lit-namjooning.bsky.social in it this month! Thank you so much Shome Dasgupta and @mattkendrick.bsky.social 💚
What a special feeling to find my story from @lit-namjooning.bsky.social in it this month! Thank you so much Shome Dasgupta and @mattkendrick.bsky.social 💚
You all!! I have the BEST PEOPLE in my life!! Thank you @gilloshaughnessy.bsky.social for your insightful and wonderful words!!
(@mynachang.bsky.social she mentions your amazing interview too 🥰)
@sfwp.bsky.social
@susanschulman.bsky.social
(@mynachang.bsky.social she mentions your amazing interview too 🥰)
@sfwp.bsky.social
@susanschulman.bsky.social
⚡️Fast Flash Review: Bitter Over Sweet by Melissa Llanes Brownlee. A stunning read. Plus, Melissa writes in Hawaiian Pidgin Creole & English, this book is a masterclass on authentic own voice writing. Unmissable.
@lumchanmfa.bsky.social @smokelong.bsky.social @sfwp.bsky.social
@lumchanmfa.bsky.social @smokelong.bsky.social @sfwp.bsky.social
November 19, 2025 at 6:28 AM
You all!! I have the BEST PEOPLE in my life!! Thank you @gilloshaughnessy.bsky.social for your insightful and wonderful words!!
(@mynachang.bsky.social she mentions your amazing interview too 🥰)
@sfwp.bsky.social
@susanschulman.bsky.social
(@mynachang.bsky.social she mentions your amazing interview too 🥰)
@sfwp.bsky.social
@susanschulman.bsky.social
Reposted by Melissa Llanes Brownlee
⚡️Fast Flash Review: Bitter Over Sweet by Melissa Llanes Brownlee. A stunning read. Plus, Melissa writes in Hawaiian Pidgin Creole & English, this book is a masterclass on authentic own voice writing. Unmissable.
@lumchanmfa.bsky.social @smokelong.bsky.social @sfwp.bsky.social
@lumchanmfa.bsky.social @smokelong.bsky.social @sfwp.bsky.social
November 19, 2025 at 6:21 AM
⚡️Fast Flash Review: Bitter Over Sweet by Melissa Llanes Brownlee. A stunning read. Plus, Melissa writes in Hawaiian Pidgin Creole & English, this book is a masterclass on authentic own voice writing. Unmissable.
@lumchanmfa.bsky.social @smokelong.bsky.social @sfwp.bsky.social
@lumchanmfa.bsky.social @smokelong.bsky.social @sfwp.bsky.social
Reposted by Melissa Llanes Brownlee
Bookmail!! Can’t wait read this gorgeous collection by the talented @lumchanmfa.bsky.social ❤️❤️❤️
November 18, 2025 at 7:55 PM
Bookmail!! Can’t wait read this gorgeous collection by the talented @lumchanmfa.bsky.social ❤️❤️❤️
“I…I’m sorry! I don’t know!” she faltered.
“Are you a witch to claim such knowledge?” the storyteller silked. The villagers muttered and shifted, their voices gathering momentum.
It was never clear who hurled the first stone.
Damn… @pleomorphic2.bsky.social in @bloodhoneylit.bsky.social
“Are you a witch to claim such knowledge?” the storyteller silked. The villagers muttered and shifted, their voices gathering momentum.
It was never clear who hurled the first stone.
Damn… @pleomorphic2.bsky.social in @bloodhoneylit.bsky.social
Super chuffed to have my flash up at @bloodhoneylit.bsky.social featuring an enigmatic storyteller and his doubting ex-wife. This story was much rejected, so thank you @davidestringel.bsky.social for believing in it 🙏🏾
www.bloodhoneylit.com/fiction/the-...
www.bloodhoneylit.com/fiction/the-...
the fable of the storyteller and his witch — Blood+Honey
by Sumitra Singam “It was never clear who hurled the first stone. The flinty piece of rock hit her on the head, leaving a dark bloom of blood.”
www.bloodhoneylit.com
November 18, 2025 at 8:25 AM
“I…I’m sorry! I don’t know!” she faltered.
“Are you a witch to claim such knowledge?” the storyteller silked. The villagers muttered and shifted, their voices gathering momentum.
It was never clear who hurled the first stone.
Damn… @pleomorphic2.bsky.social in @bloodhoneylit.bsky.social
“Are you a witch to claim such knowledge?” the storyteller silked. The villagers muttered and shifted, their voices gathering momentum.
It was never clear who hurled the first stone.
Damn… @pleomorphic2.bsky.social in @bloodhoneylit.bsky.social
Reposted by Melissa Llanes Brownlee
Super chuffed to have my flash up at @bloodhoneylit.bsky.social featuring an enigmatic storyteller and his doubting ex-wife. This story was much rejected, so thank you @davidestringel.bsky.social for believing in it 🙏🏾
www.bloodhoneylit.com/fiction/the-...
www.bloodhoneylit.com/fiction/the-...
the fable of the storyteller and his witch — Blood+Honey
by Sumitra Singam “It was never clear who hurled the first stone. The flinty piece of rock hit her on the head, leaving a dark bloom of blood.”
www.bloodhoneylit.com
November 18, 2025 at 8:11 AM
Super chuffed to have my flash up at @bloodhoneylit.bsky.social featuring an enigmatic storyteller and his doubting ex-wife. This story was much rejected, so thank you @davidestringel.bsky.social for believing in it 🙏🏾
www.bloodhoneylit.com/fiction/the-...
www.bloodhoneylit.com/fiction/the-...
I want tamarind-soaked flesh, briny and sour. Isn’t that what you want too?
Maybe I want a salad. Maybe I want you to savour me down to my empty shell. Maybe I want to keep hiding inside this recipe.
GORGEOUS 😍😍😍
@pleomorphic2.bsky.social and @kathrynreese.bsky.social in @manyworlds.place ❤️❤️❤️
Maybe I want a salad. Maybe I want you to savour me down to my empty shell. Maybe I want to keep hiding inside this recipe.
GORGEOUS 😍😍😍
@pleomorphic2.bsky.social and @kathrynreese.bsky.social in @manyworlds.place ❤️❤️❤️
Hermit crabs about crab curry? Metaphor for queer love? Collabs? @kathrynreese.bsky.social and I have another one in @manyworlds.place and are pumped for you to read it (beware the prawn heads) 🦀 🍤 🏳️🌈 manyworlds.place/issue-10/sum...
This Recipe Is a Hiding Place by Sumitra Singam, Kathryn Reese - manywor(l)ds :: place
You want my crab curry recipe? The one I have to hide from my strictly vegetarian mother? The stink of death is in that curry. And more onions than you can imagine, and tamarind pulp. Still want it?
manyworlds.place
November 17, 2025 at 7:53 AM
I want tamarind-soaked flesh, briny and sour. Isn’t that what you want too?
Maybe I want a salad. Maybe I want you to savour me down to my empty shell. Maybe I want to keep hiding inside this recipe.
GORGEOUS 😍😍😍
@pleomorphic2.bsky.social and @kathrynreese.bsky.social in @manyworlds.place ❤️❤️❤️
Maybe I want a salad. Maybe I want you to savour me down to my empty shell. Maybe I want to keep hiding inside this recipe.
GORGEOUS 😍😍😍
@pleomorphic2.bsky.social and @kathrynreese.bsky.social in @manyworlds.place ❤️❤️❤️
Reposted by Melissa Llanes Brownlee
Hermit crabs about crab curry? Metaphor for queer love? Collabs? @kathrynreese.bsky.social and I have another one in @manyworlds.place and are pumped for you to read it (beware the prawn heads) 🦀 🍤 🏳️🌈 manyworlds.place/issue-10/sum...
This Recipe Is a Hiding Place by Sumitra Singam, Kathryn Reese - manywor(l)ds :: place
You want my crab curry recipe? The one I have to hide from my strictly vegetarian mother? The stink of death is in that curry. And more onions than you can imagine, and tamarind pulp. Still want it?
manyworlds.place
November 17, 2025 at 7:13 AM
Hermit crabs about crab curry? Metaphor for queer love? Collabs? @kathrynreese.bsky.social and I have another one in @manyworlds.place and are pumped for you to read it (beware the prawn heads) 🦀 🍤 🏳️🌈 manyworlds.place/issue-10/sum...
Reposted by Melissa Llanes Brownlee
The prawn heads are the best bit! 🦐🍤🦐
Hermit crabs about crab curry? Metaphor for queer love? Collabs? @kathrynreese.bsky.social and I have another one in @manyworlds.place and are pumped for you to read it (beware the prawn heads) 🦀 🍤 🏳️🌈 manyworlds.place/issue-10/sum...
This Recipe Is a Hiding Place by Sumitra Singam, Kathryn Reese - manywor(l)ds :: place
You want my crab curry recipe? The one I have to hide from my strictly vegetarian mother? The stink of death is in that curry. And more onions than you can imagine, and tamarind pulp. Still want it?
manyworlds.place
November 17, 2025 at 7:46 AM
The prawn heads are the best bit! 🦐🍤🦐
Thank you so much @pitheadchapel.bsky.social for the nomination! Congratulations everyone and good luck!!
We're proud to announce our nominations for Best Microfiction 2025! Please join us in congratulating these stellar writers. Good luck everyone!
November 17, 2025 at 2:18 AM
Thank you so much @pitheadchapel.bsky.social for the nomination! Congratulations everyone and good luck!!
Reposted by Melissa Llanes Brownlee
We're proud to announce our nominations for Best Microfiction 2025! Please join us in congratulating these stellar writers. Good luck everyone!
November 16, 2025 at 7:16 PM
We're proud to announce our nominations for Best Microfiction 2025! Please join us in congratulating these stellar writers. Good luck everyone!
weekly ukulele video 🥰❤️ (November 17, 2025 - it’s a rerun ❤️)
youtu.be/y8SrVIph71U
youtu.be/y8SrVIph71U
weekly ukulele video 🥰❤️ (November 17, 2025 - it’s a rerun ❤️)
YouTube video by Melissa Llanes Brownlee
youtu.be
November 16, 2025 at 11:17 PM
weekly ukulele video 🥰❤️ (November 17, 2025 - it’s a rerun ❤️)
youtu.be/y8SrVIph71U
youtu.be/y8SrVIph71U
Reposted by Melissa Llanes Brownlee
“I never used to be so easy, my abyss hidden under fake layers of self-confidence, self-delusion, fake tan fanta orange, camouflaged bright. Recently, the layers have begun to recede with the waxing of the moon…”
@lumchanmfa.bsky.social in Twisted Tongue Press twistedtonguepress.com/fiction/thre...
@lumchanmfa.bsky.social in Twisted Tongue Press twistedtonguepress.com/fiction/thre...
Three shots of tequila, clear, spicy, no lime, and I’m vomiting up the dark. – Twisted Tongue Press
twistedtonguepress.com
November 16, 2025 at 9:13 PM
“I never used to be so easy, my abyss hidden under fake layers of self-confidence, self-delusion, fake tan fanta orange, camouflaged bright. Recently, the layers have begun to recede with the waxing of the moon…”
@lumchanmfa.bsky.social in Twisted Tongue Press twistedtonguepress.com/fiction/thre...
@lumchanmfa.bsky.social in Twisted Tongue Press twistedtonguepress.com/fiction/thre...
Reposted by Melissa Llanes Brownlee
Check it out: @lumchanmfa.bsky.social and @poeticmoni.bsky.social were both published in the first issue of Twisted Tongue Press! buff.ly/8nximdM
BITTER OVER SWEET: buff.ly/2mJmRtc
ROADMAP: buff.ly/EgGyHMy
@susanschulman.bsky.social
BITTER OVER SWEET: buff.ly/2mJmRtc
ROADMAP: buff.ly/EgGyHMy
@susanschulman.bsky.social
Issue 1 – Twisted Tongue Press
Cover photograph by Magapls
buff.ly
November 16, 2025 at 3:40 PM
Check it out: @lumchanmfa.bsky.social and @poeticmoni.bsky.social were both published in the first issue of Twisted Tongue Press! buff.ly/8nximdM
BITTER OVER SWEET: buff.ly/2mJmRtc
ROADMAP: buff.ly/EgGyHMy
@susanschulman.bsky.social
BITTER OVER SWEET: buff.ly/2mJmRtc
ROADMAP: buff.ly/EgGyHMy
@susanschulman.bsky.social