

About the Author
Melissa Panara is a certified teacher and lifelong advocate of children. Even after twenty-four years in the field, she considers herself to be as much a learner as she is a teacher. She has taught in various traditional and nontraditional educational settings but has found her professional home in the K-2 school just up the street.
Melissa uses humor, music, and open-ended play as powerful tools for connecting with children. She believes it is only after this connection is established that children feel safe taking the necessary learning risks. These relationships foster both confidence and resilience.
When she isn’t writing (or trying to find her cell phone), Melissa enjoys kayaking, doing crossword puzzles, and being in almost any audience, but especially those of musicals and local bands. A native Long Islander, Melissa lives in Fairport, New York, with her husband, two teenage children, and their Goldendoodle, Ruby.
The Backstory
Life is written in pencil. It is a belief that author Melissa Panara has held for quite some time. It is her way of expressing a sentiment that, she believes, can be applied to many scenarios, big and small: we always have options. Panara has learned that, on this sometimes bumpy road of life, we are not powerless when changing things up. She thinks it might even be our superpower.
In June of 2022, Melissa Panara did something she had never done; returned greeting cards. In this case, graduation cards with sayings like “Go out there and do something BIG” and “Your moment is NOW”. The more she thought about it, the more she felt these sentiments were not what she wanted to convey to the newly diplomaed in her life. Were they really supposed to now know, with a fair degree of certainty, what they wanted to do with the rest of their lives? Since a diploma is not a crystal ball, she returned the cards and wrote her own.
From this homemade graduation card comes a series of stories that offer a different perspective on life – one in which plans B through Z can lead to far more contentment than plan A.
Panara uses relatable anecdotes and light-hearted humor to validate the course-corrections we all make. She argues that we just need to take another look at what we can choose and what we can change, including our perspective from behind the wheel, the people with whom we travel, and the routes and detours we want to take.

Reviews - Life Is Written In Pencil
Thank you to everyone for the reviews! Check them out below!
“Unbelievable! I can’t put it down! I love your style…it’s like sitting down with a dear friend and talking about some really important stuff.”
“Inspirational and I loved the message. Plus a recipe? I mean, c’mon – it doesn’t get better than that. Really well done.”
Buy one as a gift and another for yourself! “Recent grads, young adults, and anyone whose life sometimes throws a curveball (that’d be all of us) will appreciate Panara’s humor, authenticity, and candor as she shares what she’s learned along her own beautiful (and sometimes bumpy) journey. You’ll laugh out loud and view your own challenges with more kindness and grace as you read this heartfelt, inspiring book.” SEE REVIEW
Must read! “What a book – I laughed, I cried, I could not put it down! Panara has a way with words and wrote truthfully, and from the heart. I would highly recommend.” SEE REVIEW
GREAT perspectives from an inspiring and witty author! “With each pivot throughout a lifetime, planned or unplanned, your best life WILL be found. This book will help you believe in the chances you’re yet to take. The author, Melissa Panara, does an incredible job sharing personal stories and examples that are relatable and fun. While providing a calming reminder that it’s all going to be ok, she helps readers see that no matter the path and it’s wild twists and turns, joy and growth will be realized and the journey will be a beautiful one. An inspiring, fun and wise read for all ages, but especially new high school or college graduates who need to hear that they should expect the unexpected, give it a heartfelt whirl and enjoy it.” SEE REVIEW
“Sometimes a book comes along at just the right time in your life. As a mother of two teenagers preparing for the next phase of their lives (and mine!), I found Melissa’s book beautifully articulates the wisdom I want to impart to them. Using her own experiences as a starting point, she offers readers practical advice in a fun and approachable style that appeals to readers of any age who happen to be facing life’s “big moments”. I’ll be recommending this book to anyone in need of the perfect high school or college graduation gift.”
Buy one as a gift and another for yourself! “Recent grads, young adults, and anyone whose life sometimes throws a curveball (that’d be all of us) will appreciate Panara’s humor, authenticity, and candor as she shares what she’s learned along her own beautiful (and sometimes bumpy) journey. You’ll laugh out loud and view your own challenges with more kindness and grace as you read this heartfelt, inspiring book.” SEE REVIEW
Honest and insightful “Panara’s honesty shines through each chapter! She writes candidly about experiences each one of us can relate to. It is a needed reminder that we all have the power and courage to change our path (thanks to our eraser!) no matter how old we are. I bought a copy for myself and one for my daughter who is graduating high school this year.” SEE REVIEW
Great Gift! “Such a good book and easy read! Love the author’s voice! Very inspiring and written in such a charming way. I intend to give this as a gift to future graduates or those who I know may be struggling to find the path that’s right for them.” SEE REVIEW
Heartwarming and inspiring “Heartwarming and personal. This book will make you laugh and cry, but overall, make you realize that our best selves come from plans that didn’t alway work out the way we thought.” SEE REVIEW
Not just for students “I highly recommend this book not only for students but also for small business owners and anyone looking to improve their mindset, communication style and approach to life. The book is full of practical advice and inspiring stories that encourage the reader to see life as a journey of learning, experiences and relationships. Life is constantly evolving and we must be willing to evolve with it” SEE REVIEW
LOVE this book!! “I loved this book. The author spoke about her personal journey and shared some difficult times she went through that helped her get to where she is today. It is an inspirational and uplifting book written from the heart. A wonderful gift for a soon to be graduate (and also just a good gift to yourself). HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend.” SEE REVIEW
The perfect high school/college graduation gift… Sometimes a book comes along at just the right time in your life. As a mother of two teenagers preparing for the next phase of their lives (and mine!), I found Melissa’s book beautifully articulates the wisdom I want to impart to them. Using her own experiences as a starting point, she offers readers practical advice in a fun and approachable style that appeals to readers of any age who happen to be facing life’s “big moments”. I’ll be recommending this book to anyone in need of the perfect high school or college graduation gift. SEE REVIEW
“I got myself in a cozy chair in the sunshine this afternoon and cracked open your book. Before I knew it, I’d read the whole thing! It is wonderful–full of heart and humility and truth. You are able to express basic rules for living authentically with selfless good humor, without ever sounding preachy. It’s just the perfect tone, inviting and encouraging, full of uplifting stories. I enjoyed it so thoroughly. I also find so much of my own experiences here (and similar roads to recovery after those very human events). I could not let the day pass without telling you how much I loved your book and your terrific writing.”
Must Read and Gift “Beginning with a handmade graduation card and quickly turning to the lessons of the bumpy road and life, Life is Written in Pencil is like a magic permission wand to pivot and change course in order to find your BEST life. Panara takes us on a journey through her own life and those close to her with a witty voice that makes the reader feel they are sitting with a cup of tea and a wise friend. The book is also an excellent gift for anyone finding themselves done with “Plan A” and moving on to “Plans B through Z!” SEE REVIEW





