Picture an American storyteller who turned teenage aliens into a cultural phenomenon—meet Melinda Metz! Best known for her Roswell High series, Metz spun tales of extraterrestrial teens navigating love and secrets, inspiring not one but two hit TV shows. With a knack for blending sci-fi with heartfelt drama, she’s captured readers’ imaginations for decades.
Born in San Jose, California, Metz wasn’t always destined for literary stardom. As a kid, she dodged reading lessons, preferring finger-painting and naps. Yet, her journey from reluctant reader to prolific author is a testament to her creative spark, fueled by a love for storytelling and a longtime collaboration with writer Laura J. Burns.
The Making of Melinda Metz
Melinda Metz grew up in San Jose, where her quirky sense of direction often left her relying on navigational tools. After majoring in English at San Jose State University, she ventured to Manhattan, chasing dreams with odd jobs—think identifying veggies at a grocery store and earning $2.73 backstage at an off-off-off Broadway play. Her big break came as an editor, where she honed her storytelling skills. It was here she met Laura J. Burns, sparking a creative partnership that would shape her career.
Moving from editing to writing, Metz found her groove in young adult fiction. Her ability to craft relatable characters and imaginative worlds caught the eye of publishers, setting the stage for her breakout success with Roswell High.
Melinda Metz’s Unforgettable Stories
Metz’s Roswell High series, published from 1998 to 2000, is her crown jewel. This 10-book saga follows teen aliens Max, Isabel, and Michael as they balance high school, romance, and their otherworldly secrets in Roswell, New Mexico. With vivid characters and gripping plots, the series inspired the 1999 TV show Roswell and its 2019 reboot, Roswell, New Mexico. Fans adore its mix of sci-fi thrills and emotional depth.
Another gem is her Fingerprints series (2001–2002), a seven-book run about Rae, a psychic teen who reads thoughts through fingerprints. Metz’s knack for blending supernatural elements with teenage angst shines here, creating fast-paced, immersive stories. She’s also penned adult fiction like Talk to the Paw (2018), a charming romance featuring a matchmaking cat named MacGyver, showcasing her playful side.
Collaborating with Burns, Metz co-wrote series like Wright and Wong, a teen detective saga, and Vampire Beach (under the pseudonym Alex Duval). Her style—accessible, character-driven, and laced with humor—makes her books endlessly rereadable, whether you’re into aliens or cozy mysteries.
Why Melinda Metz Matters
Melinda Metz’s impact lies in her ability to make the extraordinary feel relatable. Her stories resonate with teens and adults alike, tackling themes of identity, belonging, and love against fantastical backdrops. Roswell High didn’t just spawn TV shows; it built a cult following, with fans still buzzing about Max and Liz’s romance decades later.
Her collaboration with Burns also highlights her versatility, from YA sci-fi to middle-grade mysteries like S.M.A.R.T.S.. Living in Concord, North Carolina, with her dog Scully, Metz continues to write while working at the Kannapolis Library, sharing stories with kids. Her journey from reluctant reader to influential author inspires aspiring writers to embrace their unique paths.
- Born: March 7, 1962, San Jose, California
- Key Works: Roswell High, Fingerprints, Talk to the Paw
- Fun Fact: Metz’s dog is named after The X-Files character Scully!
Ready to dive into extraterrestrial romance or a cat-fueled love story? Snag The Outsider or Talk to the Paw and discover Melinda Metz’s captivating worlds!