I am a writer and facilitator who creates thoughtful, welcoming spaces for people to write from their own lives.

Drawing from both poetry and lyric nonfiction, my work often centers on experiences that are carried quietly or alone. Perhaps you are exploring grief, illness, spiritual doubt, or one of the many facets of love. Whether in a workshop or one-on-one, my goal is to help people feel less alone and more at home in their own voices.

Current offerings

Write Home: a once-a-month generative writing community

through the #whatshesaidproject. More info in this video. Single event tickets available on eventbrite.

Spring Critique Cohort: a three month zoom workshop

that meets twice a month, February - April, for prose writing. More info in this video. Capped at five participants, currently still open, email me with questions and to register. Sliding scale GREEN BOTTLE cost, described here. $300/180/120

Book Doula Partnership:

a combo coaching offer with Shannon Ivey. If you’re looking for developmental editing and a path to finish and pitch your manuscript, then email us.

A taste of my own writing

Working with Melanie McGehee to edit a submission for an anthology was a great experience. She offered keen and thoughtful suggestions that prompted rewrites, ultimately leading to a higher-quality narrative.

- Melissa Whiteford St. Clair

I went through my MA in Creative Writing program with Melanie, and she was the first person I thought of when I began looking for a review of my literary collection, The Other Side of June. Her approach was thoughtful and layered, pairing detailed written notes with recorded video feedback. What I expected to be a peer review became a true manuscript overview, giving me a wider view of what was working, what wasn’t, and the scope and arc of the collection as a whole. I truly can’t recommend Melanie enough—her editorial instincts, generosity, and care for the writing are unmatched.

-Leslie Frisbee 

A facilitator is meant to guide a group to a shared goal, making the process easy and efficient. But Melanie McGehee is so much more than that. Her grounded presence and slow, nurturing cadence provide safety, comfort, insight and unconditional acceptance like coffee with a lifelong friend on a quiet Sunday afternoon. Her ability to present prompts and pose questions in a way that encourages you to dig deep somehow envelops you like a warm hug and opens the door to vulnerability and creativity you may not have even seen in yourself. You can’t help but feel drawn in and grateful you were part of the conversation.

-Charlie Hebert-Russell

Over the past several years, I have worked with Melanie McGehee in online writing workshops, and I am deeply grateful for her guidance. She is a skilled and thoughtful teacher who offers strong technical instruction while gently helping writers trust themselves, begin again, and stay curious about their work. Melanie has a way of ending each session in a place that makes you excited to return to the page, carrying the joy of writing with you. She is an exceptional writer herself and a truly kind presence, and working with her brings both confidence and genuine excitement to any creative project. 

-Tisha Fritz; Tullahoma, Tennessee 

Client testimonials