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Hello, I’m Melanie Figg, writer, teacher, professional certified coach.
I want to help you write more, write with more ease, and get your stuff out there. (I also work with a lot of visual artists, musicians, and other creative people, and I want to help you, too.) I care about where you're at in your creative life. As your coach, I'll support you, offer guidance you when you want it, and help hold you accountable so you reach your goals. I'm rooting for all of you to show up in your work, because that makes your work more interesting and rich and people will connect to it. Sure, that takes courage, but you've been writing for awhile already - you've been brave for a while already. But brave isn't "powering through" or struggling alone ... that's just a time and energy suck, and a recipe for discouragement. So let's work together and get you closer to your dreams sooner, and with more ease. When any of us write, we write alone. But when there are readers, there is community and that is when your work becomes fully itself, takes on a life of its own. Whether you dream of being published for strangers, or sharing your stories with your family, writing is about connecting to ourselves and to others. And in that moment, when your work finds a reader, and they enjoy it and it teaches them something, or makes them laugh, or offers a new perspective - that is when your work becomes complete, when it comes full circle and enriches the reader. That's what I want for you. As a writer of poems, essays, and hybrid work with years of experience with the publishing industry, I know it takes more than having a way with words to finish projects you’re proud to share and get published. As a creative writing teacher and mentor, I know how a generous guide can bring out the best in you and your writing. As a certified professional coach, I help writers of creative nonfiction, fiction, memoir and poetry–as well as writers in academia and business–to overcome procrastination, perfectionism and other inner critics so you can improve your craft, create with more ease, and enjoy the process. More about me. |
Want to hear me talk about why I love working with writers, and what working with me as a coach might be like? I was recently interviewed for Brock Swinson's podcast, Creative Principles. Listen now!
This coaching is for serious writers and other creatives who...
- Have a novel in the drawer you’ve been working on (or thinking about) for years
- Are ready to focus on one creative project: novel, essays or stories, collection of poems, musical project, etc.
- Are overwhelmed about how to organize all the pieces and begin and create a clear path forward
- Are tired of struggling alone and want an accountability partner with expertise in writing and publishing (saving you so much time and frustration)
- Value practical tips and structures to write better, faster, and easier (my tips will save you years of wandering in the woods)
- Understand that the struggle to produce isn’t just with finding the right words, but with our own selves -- with confidence, clarity, and the willingness to speak truth and be seen
Most importantly, you’re ready to build your writing routine — and finish your project!
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I will help you find clarity to move through blocks, stay on task, keep your focus, and work on craft issues like dialogue and character development. We can brainstorm and troubleshoot, I’ll tell you what’s working and what isn’t.
My work with clients is informed by
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You will get the benefit of my experience with the writing process and publishing industry combined with coaching support to help you overcome the mental, emotional, and logistic obstacles that make consistent writing practices so difficult to maintain.
Curious? Let's have a free 30-minute phone call to talk over what you're looking for:
“Melanie helped me see that many hang-ups or trepidations I had were more like pebbles than mountains. These benefits rippled out beyond my work on poetry as I started to gain confidence and address blocks. I would highly recommend working with Melanie.
It will be like rocket fuel for your writing and goals.”
How We Can Work Together
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1:1 Writing Coaching
For writers of all kinds–literary, academic, business–who want to finish their projects Ready to stick to a writing routine? Publish your work? Find an agent? Expand yourself as a writer? Work with me to set goals, shift your mindset, and make real headway without feeling overwhelmed. |
The Writing Hive
Mastermind Creativity Group Next Cohort: Feb - June 2024 A 20-week accountability group for writers and artists with small-group Feedback Sessions & topics including: Organizing a big project Goal setting Managing your inner critic Staying in action, etc. |
1:1 Poetry Review
Get expert guidance on your draft and insights into publishing your poetry I offer detailed, actionable, practical feedback that will prepare you to revise and finish your work. You will receive written feedback on up to 4 pages of poetry plus a 30-minute call. |
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Women’s Writing Retreat
Save the Date! July 11 - 14, 2024 Meet other writers, get your creativity flowing, and enjoy wonderful food, beautify surroundings, and massage on this weekend retreat. Open to writers of all levels and genres. |
Explore Upcoming Classes
& Workshops I teach a variety of writing classes and workshops (some live, some still online). I also offer customized, private lessons to suit your needs. |
Applying to graduate school, fellowship or residency?
I've got over 30 years of successful grant writing experience. I've gotten grants not only as in individual artist but also from a career as a a nonprofit fundraiser. Let's work together and get some funding for you to do some creative stuff! |
I prepare my clients to…
- Make substantial progress in their writing projects
- Publish their work in literary magazines or other venues
- Complete other creative community projects
- Find agents and publishers excited about their work
- Successfully apply to contests, fellowships and prestigious MFA programs
- Overcome their inner critics to write with more confidence and ease
- Let go of unhelpful mindsets and find themselves talking action instead of "just thinking about it"
- Break down the overwhelm into manageable, do-able steps
Client Success Stories
"You really helped me get moving at a time when writing felt almost painfully difficult. It now feels like the easiest thing in the world (well, kind of), and I achieved my 3-year-plan goal of applying to MFA programs this application cycle. Still awaiting responses on that, but the journey to this point is the important thing. Thanks for helping me get here!"
~ F.A.
If you are ready to stop procrastinating, make time for your writing, and find more ease and confidence in your writing process… |
TRACE was selected by Kirkus Reviews as a
Best Indie Poetry Book of 2020!
Trace was one of only 7 poetry books to make the list;
Kirkus reviews thousands of book through their Indie program each year!
Kirkus reviews thousands of book through their Indie program each year!
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"In this debut poetry collection, Figg kindles broken, dying embers into a roaring memorial for the voiceless.... Figg’s poetic timing is spot-on, and her lines, though often dark, remain powerfully musical....Hauntingly beautiful pieces that will leave deep impressions."
~ see the full Kirkus starred review My featured interview in Kirkus More about Trace |
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