Sherwood author Melanie Dobson’s newest book is now available

SHERWOOD, Ore. — A little red journal as a youngster and years of grit and determination propelled a Sherwood resident into a career where she has published 30 books, with more to come. 

Melanie Dobson’s latest mystery is titled “The Lost Story of Via Belle,” which centers on a screenwriter who is searching for a novelist who disappeared in the 1940s. 

“This is a story that I’ve wanted to write for twenty years,” she said. “My idea was inspired by the enduring faith in Grace Livingston Hill’s many novels in spite of her difficult personal life and marriages.”

Her newest novel was published on April 7, 2026 — and locals can get their copy signed at Symposium Coffee, May 10, from 6–8 p.m. at Dobson’s book signing event.

Growing up with words

Dobson’s success as an author stems from her love of words and many visits to libraries. 

“When I was a child, I loved stories. I used to spend hours reading in my grandparents' basement library,” Dobson said. “When I was eight years old, my dad bought me a little red journal. I still have it to this day.” 

Dobson, who grew up in central Ohio in the heart of Amish country, discovered not only her love of words, but her love of the legacy of words. 

“In my early years, I was writing journal entries like ‘I ate pizza for dinner’,” she said. “I loved capturing a glimpse of life with my pencil.”

Far removed from city life, Dobson recalled relying on the local bookmobile. 

“We had no bookstore nearby, and it was obviously pre-Amazon,” she said. “The library would send a bookmobile to our area about every week – I would pedal over on my bicycle and fill my basket with books. Then I would ride back home and read and read.” 

Nancy Drew books were among Dobson’s favorites as she was growing up. 

“When I was younger, it was all Nancy Drew,” she said. “But as I got older, I also enjoyed the mysteries and inspirational romance of authors like Grace Livingston Hill. At one time, I wanted to be just like Grace when I grew up.”

When Dobson ran out of books, she began writing her own stories. 

A journey to writing

The road to becoming a published author is challenging and requires patience, but Dobson was ready to accept rejection. 

“I started seriously writing fiction in my late twenties,” she said. “I was a journalism major and planned to write for a newspaper or a magazine when I graduated, but ultimately pursued a career in public relations. It took me seven years and four complete manuscripts before my first novel was published.” 

A small publisher out of Michigan made that first novel possible. 

“I was so grateful,” she said. “Kregel launched me in 2005 and, ever since, I’ve published at least one book each year.”

With more than 30 books published now, Dobson enjoys writing historical fiction, suspense, and romance. She also has several chapter books for kids. Her books are faith-based, often centering on redemption and forgiveness. 

“It’s important for me to have inspirational themes in all my novels,” she said. “I like to write stories that stir the heart and soul.”

When not writing novels, “I teach narrative theory as an adjunct professor at Corban University in Salem, and I love to teach at writer’s conferences. I’m not doing as much teaching this year because I have contracts for six more books, so I’m writing like crazy right now.”  

Research is what Dobson enjoys most about her writing. 

“I really write to support my research habit,” she said, noting she loves traveling and diving into a story to discover little-known facts as a foundation for her fiction. 

Before moving to Sherwood nearly 20 years ago with her husband, Dobson lived in Colorado Springs, Germany, North Carolina and Los Angeles. 

“I love the community of Sherwood,” she said. “My kids went to school here, at the Ridges and at the high school. I love being able to see friends at the grocery store or write at Symposium, and the library is fantastic. The staff helps me find every historical resource I need to continue writing fiction."