Anne Macdonald
Written and Photographed by Nancy Clover
Anne Macdonald is a writer with deep roots in Melrose. Her family’s history in the city spans generations — her grandparents and father were from Melrose, and she has proudly called it home for the past 22 years.
A lifelong writer, Anne discovered her passion for storytelling at just 10 years old. Her love of history led her to earn both a B.A. and M.A. in History, a foundation that continues to shape her work.
She is the author of two murder mysteries, Deadlines Are Murder and Weddings Are Murder, with a third, Trials Are Murder, expected in late 2026.
Currently, Anne is working on a historical fiction novel, The Macdonalds of Cedar Park, inspired by her family’s involvement in World War II, including connections to the Manhattan Project and the 10th Mountain Division. Based on letters her grandmother preserved — including love letters — this novel offers a fictionalized portrayal of life during wartime, capturing the realities of blackouts, rationing, and the secrecy surrounding the Manhattan Project. Anne’s grandfather was an engineer for the project in the 1940s, her uncle served in the 10th Mountain Division, a U.S. Army light infantry unit specializing in skiing and mountain warfare, and her father, as a teenager, worked as a messenger for the Manhattan Project.
Anne is a Writer-in-Residence at Follow Your Art Community Studios, where she is part of a vibrant community of 24 writers who collaborate and exchange ideas in a supportive environment.
She has already checked a few items off her bucket list, including publishing her books and visiting England and Civil War battlefields. Still on her list: a trip to the pyramids in Mexico and a journey to her grandmother’s hometown in Cornwall, England.
What she finds unique about Melrose is its transformation from a small farming pocket of North Malden into a thriving bedroom community — with the rare distinction of having three train stops.
Anne is also an active member of the Melrose community. Through her writing, she brings local history to life, preserving stories and traditions that connect past and present generations. She is a frequent participant in literary and historical events, contributing to the city’s cultural richness.
For more information about Anne Macdonald’s work and upcoming projects, visit her blog at anneswritinglife.blog. Her books are available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Hoopla.
