Two Badass MMs

Channeling Marilyn, and an interview with writer, activist, author and Marilyn Monroe fan Melinda Moulton

Photo provided by Melinda Moulton

As many of you might’ve seen, I recently revealed the cover of my next book, a paranormal YA titled Channeling Marilyn—coming from She Writes Press, June 2, 2026. Briefly, Channeling Marilyn tells the story of timid, plus-size seventeen-year-old Lexa Donovan whose life goes sideways when the spirit of Marilyn Monroe takes up residence in her body. If you missed the reveal, here’s the gorgeous cover, designed by Mary Ann Smith:

And 100 percent not-a-coincidence, on June 1, 2026, the world—maybe the universe—will celebrate the 100^th birthday of Hollywood screen goddess Marilyn Monroe. If I’m honest, Marilyn’s 100th birthday anniversary was the final push I needed to send the manuscript for my “Marilyn” book to my publisher. Sure, I’d been working on the book on and off since late 2009, shepherding the work through multiple readers and multiple drafts, but somehow it was the prospect of missing out on honoring Marilyn on this huge birthday when so many millions of fans will be honoring her, well, that was the straw that . . . you know.

It also occurred to me that my interview series would be an incredible place not only to continue talking to folks I’m meeting along my publishing journey, but also to add people who have a unique perspective on Marilyn. That brings me to Melinda Moulton who, like Marilyn Monroe, happens to be another baddass MM.

I don’t recall when I actually met Melinda Moulton in person, but ever since moving to Vermont in 1988, I feel like I’ve been aware of her as a major presence in our brave little state. She and her husband filmmaker Rick Moulton were (and are) close friends of many of my friends, and the Moulton name would come up regularly because both Melinda and Rick were (and are) doing so many cool things. From making films about topics like the history of the Mad River Glen Ski Area to being part of developing businesses on Burlington’s waterfront, the Moulton family name is truly synonymous with both preserving Vermont’s heritage as well as working to make Vermont the best it can be.

When my husband and I moved to Burlington—Vermont’s largest city, though not its capital—in 2009, that’s when I know for fact that I began running into Melinda regularly: at art openings, non-profit events, and beyond. I believe my main impression of her was—what a force for good! Over the years, as we’ve gotten to know each other more, that main impression has become only stronger. And since the publication of her picture book Bobby Blue, we now share the experience of being children’s authors.

Last year, Melinda kindly interviewed me on her public access show “Moments with Melinda” about my debut novel Kat’s Greek Summer and, as we spoke, I knew I wanted to invite her to be part of my interview series regarding her experience as an author. Then she mentioned she was a Marilyn Monroe fan. Well, I invited her on the spot. Talk about fate and destiny. Huge thanks to Melinda for agreeing to be part of my interview series😊

Talk about being a writer and why you decided to write and publish a picture book? How has that experience been?

I wrote the poem “Bobby Blue” back in 1987 and found it again as I was going through files after I left Main Street Landing after 40 years as their CEO. I decided to put the poem to pictures and self-publish my children’s book Bobby Blue. I loved the entire experience of seeing something I wrote decades ago as just a poem for my son when he was a little kid turn into an actual picture book for ages 2 to 102: illustrated by one of my best friends from high school, acclaimed artist Ron De Long. It is a story of Karma. I am very proud that I was able to do this after so many years—making one of my dreams come true.

What is surprising or challenging to you about being a writer? About being an author?

I find writing to be very easy for me: My mind and my fingers seem to have an inexhaustible relationship. And as my thoughts pour out on paper, more thoughts just fill my brain and the process goes on and on and on. I love being a writer. I am the author of my children’s book Bobby Blue, but I am a really just a writer. Like my piano compositions, the words flow like music, they land on the screen, and they speak to me with a rhythm that heals my soul.

Please share a favorite memory/experience/surprise of connecting with a reader

I have heard from so many people who have read Bobby Blue to their children and grandchildren how my book explains clearly what Karma is - “what you say and what you do will come back to you.” All the good and all the bad will return to you in the way that it should. Parents have told me that Bobby Blue is their children’s favorite book - Bobby grows into a kind and loving boy during the story and you not only see that transformation in the poetry - but you see it in each watercolor image. So many people have reached out to me, but my favorite one was a grandmother who wrote to tell me that her grandson thought Bobby Blue was a really bad fella. She then continued that as they got to the end of the book, when Bobby finds redemption and becomes a kind and lovely person, her grandson was so delighted and overwhelmed with happiness that Bobby was no longer a “jerk.” It was a special conversation with this grandmother.

Recently you shared that Marilyn Monroe is “all over your house.” What did you mean by that?

We have photos of her up on our walls.

Talk about your relationship with her, her movies. Any aspect that strikes you.

She was brilliant, she was abused, she was taken advantage of, she was made a fool of, she died way too young - she was a victim of her time when men and society sexualized women who were sexual beings. That happens less today than back in MM’s time, but it is the real truth about her life and death. She was a gifted, beautiful, very intelligent woman who helped support people of color in the industry. She was progressive in her beliefs and used her power to lift others up. Her fame is what killed her, along with a society that never understood her and caused her tremendous sorrow.

How has Marilyn Monroe influenced you as a person, as a creator?

She taught me to own my sexuality—not sure how she influenced me as a creator—but she taught women to be who they are, and act as they want and take center stage and not care one iota what others think. She made way for Madonna and many other famous women who stepped out of the chains of patriarchy and took center stage and owned it—all of it!!

Why is Marilyn Monroe important to you?

She taught me to embrace my own sexuality. To release my own personal power. To stand up to bullies and fight for what I believed in. She was furiously outstanding—on all levels—and I loved that about her. I hope that I have a little bit of her outrageous audacity and FU spirit living inside of me. Marilyn Monroe will always be the woman that I would want to be, but she died way too young. Imagine having her in her 70’s and 80’s sharing with us her wisdom? I am so sad she left too soon.

Photo provided by Melinda Moulton

Bio: Just to tell everyone, I had to edit down Melinda’s official bio because she has done and continues to do SO much! These are some highlights, but the full bio is available at Career Biography😊

Melinda’s professional career has spanned decades. She spent 40 years as the CEO of Main Street Landing, an environmental and socially conscious redevelopment company predicated to the development of the Burlington, Vermont waterfront. She stepped down from MSL in 2022 and continues to serve her community on the Planned Parenthood of Northern New England’s Action Fund and the board of The Vermont Historical Society. Recently, she was honored by the Burlington Business Association with the Nathan Harris Award in recognition of her contribution to the economic vitality of downtown Burlington. Melinda has lectured across the country on her work, leadership, women empowerment, and sustainable business and redevelopment practices. In 2024, she published her children’s book Bobby Blue, and she also writes commentary for Vermont Digger as well as essays for the New York Website “Writing About Our Generation”.