MADISON – Melissa Ford Thornton has transitioned her love of storytelling and her bittersweet life experiences into the book, “An Elegant Dispute of the Accidental.”

“The book is a cohesive narrative told through two writing forms — poetry and prose. I’m a storyteller first, and that’s what comes out no matter what I write — essays, articles, music lyrics, poetry or creative non-fiction,” Thornton said. “This chapbook-length collection is the story of coming to terms with a parent’s and brother’s untimely death.”

Furthermore, Thornton’s work “is the gradual, but sure, discovery of hope on the other side of grief. Loss and sorrow are intrinsic to the human experience, but love and joy are equally so,” she said.

The collection opens a window into a child’s memory from a present viewpoint, she said. “We all have an early life that is either pleasant or painful. ‘An Elegant Dispute of the Accidental’ is an epiphany — an awakening to reality that life hands us a mixed bag of experiences and every single one is a gift.”

Musician Cristina Lynn of Madison said, “Looking for a ray of hope? Or maybe you’re uncertain that there is life after a devastating life event? Get your hands on Melissa’s newest release.”

Thornton imagines readers will shed a few tears, laugh and smile. She is donating $2 of each purchase to National Children’s Advocacy Center.

For Thornton, writing became an intentional pursuit as a high school freshman. “I was seriously injured in a boating accident and wheelchair-bound for months. At 17, I was named Huntsville Literary Association’s ‘Young Writer of the Year.'”

Melissa and husband Mark moved to Madison in 1987. Born in Redondo Beach, Calif., Melissa earned a master’s degree from the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Currently, she works as Communications Director for The Princess Theatre in Decatur and co-creator/co-host of “Tree of Trust” Podcast, which focuses on mental wellness and hope.

Melissa is a frequent guest on WLRH Radio’s “Sundial’s Writers’ Corner.” She has performed her stories on stage at venues like Tenx9 Nashville Storytelling and tours as a professional storyteller with Ricky j Taylor & The Storios!

“An Elegant Dispute of the Accidental” is available at Amazon.com and BarnesandNobleinc.com. Visit mftwrites.com.