Life & Work with Mel Sobolewski

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mel Sobolewski.

Hi Mel, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m a published author who was casting about for a new book topic when inspiration struck. After working all day with the horses, I would pick up my daughter from school dressed in my ranch clothes: muddy cowboy boots and vintage Wranglers. And each day, her young classmates were eager to hear stories about a day the animals. Their desire to learn and their quest for truth planted a seed which sprouted into “Second Chances: Moonlight Mile Ranch,” a collection of the amazing adventures of animals given second chances. The first in a new middle-grade series, the book gives young readers an opportunity to learn more about animals while also being able to tackle difficult discussions, like bullying or feeling left out, through storytelling from the animals’ perspectives. Second Chances evoke emotion and share a positive message that inspires us to do better, advocate for those without a voice, empathize with the less fortunate, and help those in need. The reader learns that love has the power to transform lives, and this stays with them long after the book is closed.

Each chapter in the book features the story of one or more animals that has been rescued and given a second chance. In fact, my first horse, Hickory, whose story is in the first chapter of Second Chances, was one of the many animals I rescued when I went into the Woolsey Fire in Malibu, California in 2018 to help evacuate animals. As a direct result of my experiences during that blaze, I was steered into a new calling in life: rescuing, evacuating, and rehabilitating animals.

Today, I continue that work and also place horses and donkeys into homes and sanctuaries, assisting in emergency animal evacuation efforts during natural disasters, and lobbying animal welfare laws on a state and federal level.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I’ve discovered that a smooth road seldom exists. But I believe any difficulty and challenge can be overcome. Although I’m passionate about the two professions I have chosen, they are physically, emotionally, and mentally challenging. Despite that, I persevere because in my opinion, anything you are passionate about is worth doing.

From an animal rescue and rehabilitation perspective – The work itself is hard, seeing the cruelty many of these animals have endured for years and years is heartbreaking. Knowing that you aren’t able to help rescue all the animals is difficult. But being able to say ‘no’ is imperative. Because of the resources and time it takes to help these animals, to show them love and have them learn to trust you, ‘no’ has become such an important word in this field. Understand and importantly, accept that although I can’t save all the animals, I can and will save one animal at a time, changing their life completely while creating a lasting impact through sharing their story in my books.

Despite dealing with the cruelty that can be inflicted on animals, I remind myself most people are fundamentally good. So, I keep faith in humanity and continue to believe that the human race wants to do better. At the same time, I recognize that I need to care for myself, too. I would not be able to continue doing this if I didn’t make time to “smell the roses” once in a while.

On writing – the process of being creative is challenging. Discovering something that fires you with enthusiasm, such as I did when I decided to write my book “Second Chances: Moonlight Mile Ranch,” then actually sitting down and putting words on a blank sheet of paper is not as easy as one thinks it is. Once that’s done, obtaining honest feedback on what has been your labor of love can either be a positive or negative experience. Then there is the rewriting, self-editing, and polishing to fine-tune the end product. It’s exhausting and exhilarating at the same time. But when you are finished, it makes all the struggle and effort worthwhile.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m most known for my work rescuing and rehabilitating animals. This is something that I take very seriously and plan to continue doing. I also love to write and am proud to say that I have found a way to combine my two passions. Without my rescue work, “Second Chances: Moonlight Mile Ranch” couldn’t have been written. And I believe this sets me apart from other writers.

I can share the life lessons that I have learned—and continue to learn—from animals. Those lessons such as friendship, patience, and loyalty are as true for the animals as they are for us humans. By reading these animal stories, kids are not only learning important life lessons but that animals are more like us than we assume them to be. Subsequent books in this series will continue building on these themes, as well as new ones, and use the same format, which is written in easily read short chapters that each focus on a different animal.

I am thrilled to be gaining recognition within the literary world for writing the Second Chances series. And because the book is now sold online I can reach a wider audience and share the life lessons and the overall theme that love has the power to make change.

What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
On working with horses – building trust and partnership takes time. One must never use force to achieve a desired outcome. If we desire a bond with our horse then we must extend our compassion. Violence will only get you grief. Pay attention to non-verbal cues; reactions almost always come from previous circumstances. The road to recovery is not linear; many of the animals our team has rehabilitated have come from abuse and neglect situations. Progress takes time, setbacks will occur, and we must welcome new paths forward. And together, you and your horse will arrive at a place where trauma is only a part of their story, and not what defines them. Surround yourself with a trusting team; we are not meant to do this alone.

On writing a book – give yourself permission to be creative and explore potential scenarios, especially if you are writing fiction. Hold yourself accountable to getting the work done. Otherwise, you will have a book idea that will remain an idea. Give yourself grace because while some weeks you only complete one page, others you can produce three chapters worth of content. Still, it’s a tremendous accomplishment once complete.

Pricing:

• Book Pricing 16.25

Contact Info:

• Website: www.moonlightmileranch.com
• Instagram: @melsobo