I’m Melissa…

a writer who uses poetry as memoir, and memoir as a way to stay curious about moments that bring out our humanity in an increasingly non-human world.

I offer creative consulting services, host communal writing retreats, and perform in spaces where artists can connect with each other honestly.

Latest News & Events

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Latest News & Events *

I’m going to Portugal!

  • The DISQUIET International Literary Program has awarded me the Literary Cleveland Fellowship, so I’m headed to Lisbon for two weeks this summer to bask in the company of brilliant writers and teachers in one the most delightful European literary cities. I am floored and gloriously excited.

ARTIST GRANT WILL FUND SCHOLARSHIPS!

  • Thank you to Assembly of the Arts for a Boost fund for creative development and projects. My plan is to use the grant to subsidize scholarships to my writing retreats to allow more of us to create together.

LIBRARIES ROCK!

  • Cuyahoga County Library System will feature 30 Ohioan poets this April in honor of National Poetry Month. I’m one of them! Keep an eye out for a link to read my poem “The Cuyahoga,” first published in the NEORSD Odes to Infrastructure zine. (And performed in the coolest reading ever — deep in the sewer on their podcasts promoting clean water.)

ART INSPIRES WORDS!

  • "I cannot express well enough how grateful we are that we found Melissa. SHe was absolutely wonderful to work with...from the initial group workshop to the one-on-one meetings."

    — College Essay Advising client

  • "Words in the Woods helped me to feel more confident, comfortable, and connected in my transition from writing poetry to fiction. I'm very grateful for the experience."

    —Retreat participant

  • "She helped me write a beautiful essay that was still 100% my voice and inspiration. She made the difference between good to great."

    —College Essay Advising client

  • "Best investment ever of time, energy, money and emotion! She is a gracious host and an experienced event planner. Her insights were amazing, fresh, and incredibly sharp."

    — Writing workshop client

  • "As a beginner, I learned so much from Melissa in the craft talks, and the writing exercises helped to ‘dislodge’ things that I have been thinking about so I could finally write them in a safe and supportive environment."

    — Writing workshop client

SERVICES

This retreat was the perfect way to reset, clarify my goals, and make significant progress on a large writing project.

(I finished The first draft of my novel!)

- Susan in Ohio, WiW Dec .2025

Get In Touch

If you're interested in working with me, complete the form with a few details about your project. I'll review your message and get back to you within 48 hours.