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United States Melissa Lozada-Oliva is a Guatemalan-Colombian-American writer, poet, and educator whose work spans across poetry collections, novels, and screenplays, known for her ability to integrate humor and horror within her narratives.
Melissa Lozada-Oliva has collaborated with Facebook as part of her brand work, focusing on her role as a writer and poet.
Melissa Lozada-Oliva has partnered with Instagram for brand collaborations, utilizing the platform for endorsements and social media campaigns.
Melissa Lozada-Oliva has engaged in brand work with Google, leveraging her creative talents in various projects.
Melissa Lozada-Oliva has collaborated with Armani, integrating her artistic persona into brand partnerships.
Melissa Lozada-Oliva has worked with Topo Chico Hard Seltzer on brand campaigns.
Melissa Lozada-Oliva teamed up with Allstora to start a book club called WEIRD GIRL LIT, focusing on books about women.
Melissa Lozada-Oliva co-hosts the podcast "Say More" with poet Olivia Gatwood.
Melissa Lozada-Oliva, born on September 7, 1992, in Newton, Massachusetts, to Guatemalan and Colombian immigrant parents, embarked on her literary journey at Simmons University, where she began performing slam poetry and graduated in 2014. Her early career saw the publication of chapbooks such as “Plastic Pajaros” in 2015 and “Rude Girl is Lonely Girl!” in 2016. A significant turning point came in 2015 when her poem “Like Totally Whatever” earned her the National Poetry Slam Championship, subsequently gaining widespread media attention and going viral. She furthered her education by enrolling in New York University’s MFA program for Creative Writing in fall 2017, where she also taught. This period coincided with the release of her chapbook “Peluda” through Button Poetry in 2017, which delves into Latina identity and hair removal, themes that resonate throughout her work.
Her career progressed with the publication of her novel-in-verse, “Dreaming of You,” by Astra House in 2021, and her first prose novel, “Candelaria,” also by Astra House in 2023. “Candelaria” received critical acclaim, being named one of the best books of 2023 by VOGUE and USA Today. Lozada-Oliva also co-hosts the podcast “Say More” with Olivia Gatwood, which launched in December 2018, and uses her newsletter, “READING SUCKS,” to track her reading experiences and interview authors. Her forthcoming short story collection, “BEYOND ALL REASONABLE DOUBT, JESUS IS ALIVE!,” is scheduled for release in September 2025. She continues to adapt “Dreaming of You” into a film and is actively working on a new novel, while also teaching fiction and poetry at institutions like the Center for Fiction and the Red Hook Public Library.
Throughout her career, Melissa Lozada-Oliva has consistently explored themes of identity, memory, and the complexities of human connection, often blending elements of horror and humor. Her writing has been featured in various prominent publications, including NPR, VOGUE, The Guardian, and The Huffington Post, showcasing her broad appeal and critical recognition. Her ability to navigate between deeply personal narratives and commentary on cultural phenomena has solidified her position as a distinctive voice in contemporary literature. She continues to engage with her audience through social media and collaborative projects, maintaining a dynamic presence in the literary and artistic communities.
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