MELANIE FIGG - WRITER, TEACHER & PROFESSIONAL CERTIFIED COACH
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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.

“I would highly recommend working with Melanie. It will be like rocket fuel for your writing goals.”
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Ready to stop procrastinating or trying to "power through" on your own? Want to advance your writing life, and find more ease and confidence in your writing process? 

 ...then let's have a free 30-minute call to talk over what you're looking for. During the call, I'll answer any questions you have, and give you a sense of how working with me can help you reach your goals. ​

How We Can Work Together


​1:1 Coaching for Writers
 
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? New to this and not sure what's in yours to change and what's just part of the process? Work with me to set goals, shift your mindset, and make real headway without feeling overwhelmed. 
Learn more

​The Writing Hive
Mastermind Creativity Group 
​
Save the Date!
Fall Cohort: July 15 - Nov. 18, 2025


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.
LEARN MORE

Explore Upcoming Classes
​& Workshops

 
I teach a variety of writing classes and workshops (some live, most online). I also offer customized, private lessons to suit your needs.
 
LEARN MORE
1:1 Writing Review
 
Get expert guidance on your draft and insights into publishing single poems, a poetry chapbook, or excerpts of longer creative prose
 
I offer detailed, actionable, practical feedback that will prepare you to revise and finish your work. You will receive written feedback on your work plus a 30-minute call.
Learn more
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!
LEARN MORE

Want to know a bit more? Create something a bit customized?
​We can have a 30-minute chat ​to get your questions answered
 During the complimentary call, I'll answer any questions you have, and we'll go from there. ​
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Praise from my writing clients:

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​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!


schedule a free call with me and let's talk!

​TRACE was selected by Kirkus Reviews as a 
Best Indie Poetry Book of the Year!

Trace was one of only 7 poetry  books to make the list;
​Kirkus reviews thousands of book through their Indie program each year! 
"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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Buy Trace Online Now!

THROUGH THIS WEBSITE
Amazon

"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.

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Melanie Figg is supported in part by funding from the Montgomery County Government and the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County


Copyright © 2024 Figg Coaching and Consulting LLC
Based in Washington, DC with service worldwide
Website Design by Leit Studio
  • Home
  • Work with Melanie
    • Classes & Workshops
    • The Writing Hive: A Mastermind Creativity Group
    • 1:1 Coaching
    • 1:1 Writing Reviews
    • Application Essays
  • Events & Work
    • Readings & Events
    • Books
    • Other Writings
    • Buy a copy of Trace
  • About Melanie
    • Bio
    • Awards & Recognitions
    • Praise as a Coach
  • Blog
    • PRIVATE