“World On Fire” Finalist for The PEN Literary Non-Fiction Award
A World On Fire: Life and Death In A New Orleans Squat is a finalist for the PenUSA literary non-fiction award, but alas did not win.
Melissa Martinez
The Anniversary of the Tragic Squat Fire – – My Story Is Published in The Boston Review
A year ago eight young vagabonds perished in a squat fire in New Orleans’ 9th Ward. Who were they? How did they end up in that place on that night? What forces drew them onto the rails, and what did they leave behind? My story, published in The Boston Review today, is an attempt to answer those questions.
Melissa Martinez
10/5/93 – 12/28/10 Melissa Martinez was stunning, that was the one thing everyone who knew her said. She was lanky with long, shapely legs, and a trim, muscular body that reflected how much she loved the surfing, rock climbing and riding her horse. The standout feature among all of these was her face with her … Melissa Martinez