My name is Michelle Melton Cox and I’m a trained book and story coach and a published writer.
I’ve been a lover of words and a professional writer my entire adult life but it was midlife when I came to understand the power of story.
I believe in the power of story to create joy from hardship, make peace with time, quiet fear, euthanize isolation and invite others into a community of common experience.
Midlife and "Milestone" Writers Wanted!
If you think you’re also carrying stories that need to be told, I can help. I’m particularly fond of working with individuals facing down a life milestone like a birthday, an emptying nest, a change in family situation or career because I believe these shifts provide a hunger to write. As a Friend of Bill W (if you know, then you know), I also work closely with writers in recovery.
I have three kids, ages 25, 21 and 12. And no, the 12-year-old was not a surprise. (Admit it: that’s what you were thinking). As of October 2019, I also have a son-in-law.
I am a Christ follower and got baptized in 2009 at The Crossing because God did for me what I could not do for myself.
I cheered in high school with these women and am lucky enough to get to see them a few times a year for dinner.
I love the outdoors, love the water, enjoy waterslides like a kid and crave the hot weather of summer, but I am terrified of flying insects/bees/buzzing things. So I spend a lot of my time outside running, screaming and waving my arms like a madwoman.
My husband and I hanging out the window of our hotel room in Rome.
I can do a headstand on a paddleboard. I’m super proud of this headstand, which is the only reason I’m willing to show this picture of my thighs.
I met my husband at a funeral (he and I were both reporters in South Carolina and we were covering the funeral for a police officer killed in the line of duty). We’ve been married for 27 years.
I love big dogs as in Golden Retrievers and I like cats that live with other people.
I’ve run three marathons and multiple half marathons. I even talked my daughter into doing one with me. But I’ve turned in my running shoes for a yoga mat. One word – knees.
I paid for my own college with scholarships, a part-time high school job at K-Mart, some cash won playing the piano (which I can no longer do) and an R.A. job (where I made some of my best friends).
When I was seventeen, two of my closest friends and I were chased down in a car by a PCP-crazed addict who threatened us with all sorts of bodily harm. It was scary, but it didn’t end well for him. (See Dad/cop connection).
My late father was a police officer and his law enforcement career had a big influence on me. I have his hands, legs and a few other things.
I’ve been to Italy three times, and while I am not what I would consider super widely traveled, I’ve been to enough places to know that I love Italy best.
My best friend and her husband, Rita and Ken Knesel. The three of us made a trip down memory lane at Mizzou, visiting the building where we were on staff as R.A.’s — Rollins Group forever!
Interested in learning more?
Find out more information on my story and book coaching services.
Testimonials
Working with Michelle is like magic – she lifts the fog, gets you through the muddy middle and points you in the direction that’s true to your story, your characters, your vision for your book. Opening my early draft up to feedback was such a nerve-wracking experience – but I am beyond happy that I did. I was truly stuck in some spots and Michelle helped me through all of them, offering such insightful, thoughtful feedback that I knew she understood my characters and the story I am trying to tell.
– Darrah MacLean
Michelle has a knack at coaxing the writer to think of alternative story lines. I have been writing “technical” papers my entire career, but her expertise showed me how to actually connect with the reader on a deeper level. If you are frozen in time, Michelle is the best writing partner!
– Lisa
Technical Writer, Business Owner, Pacific, Missouri