Client stories
People in midlife and recovery who gave themselves permission, did the hard work, and became authors. Here’s what it was like to work together.
Gina Birkemeier, MAC, LPC
Author of Generations Deep (1st place, 2021 NYC Big Book Awards; 1st place, 2021 Independent Press Awards)
“I appreciate her integrity — she only takes projects she believes in. And she doesn’t sugar coat her feedback. She’ll tell you what needs to happen to improve your book, and she’ll help you make it happen. Her inline comments and clarifying questions made the book so much better. Michelle also has great ideas for promoting your work. It felt like a true partnership, for which I am grateful.”
Kathy Carroll Rawlings
Fiction and nonfiction writer
“The one thing that excites me the most, the thing that pulls me back to the keyboard and puts a pep in my step, is collaborating with such an amazing writer as you. I’m fifty-six and today I discovered the difference between a trainer and a coach. Until now I never appreciated the talent and gifts of an exceptional coach. I get it now. Michelle is that exceptional coach and the perfect match.”
Stacy Washington
Author, Eternally Cancel Proof; host of Stacy on the Right (SiriusXM)
“Thanks Michelle! My writing is always so much better after we talk. Your clarity is a game changer for me.”
Richard Lazaroff, M.D.
Author of Illumination (picked up fiction as a second career after retiring as a pediatrician)
“I have never had any training as a writer. Michelle at times educated me about the writing process with critical but gentle help. She met all her commitments to me, and she allowed me to maintain my voice while improving it (akin to singing lessons, I suppose).”
Melissa Mowry
Fiction writer
“You are the answer to many years of frustrated, half-hearted attempts at writing a novel, all of which ended with a misguided belief that I wasn’t cut out for this. I’ve come to realize I was just missing one critical piece: support and accountability. Now I know the truth — I am cut out for this. I just needed someone to remind me. I’m finally making a daily commitment to my writing practice, something I’ve never been able to sustain.”
Britta Eskey
Co-founder of COR
“Michelle helped me with the book proposal and her support was invaluable. I don’t think I could have gotten where I am in my writing process without her. I have someone on my side for accountability, expert advice, and inspiration. I highly recommend her for any part of the process.” (Britta’s manuscript is complete and she is querying publishers.)
Rita Knesel, MSOT, OTR/L
Occupational therapist
“I’ve worked as an occupational therapist for thirty years and had been talking about writing a book about stroke rehabilitation for the last ten. But the last thing I wrote was my Master’s thesis, and truth be told, that wasn’t a real page turner. I had no idea where to start or even what a book proposal was. Thank goodness for Michelle Cox.”
Lana Wilhelm, R.N.
Author of the forthcoming Stroke and the Spouse
“When you start to write a book, you think you can do it all on your own. What you get from book coaching is ten times more than what you pay. You get a personal relationship with someone who truly cares about what you’re doing and is truly invested in you. If I had not worked with Michelle, I never would have finished this book. I would’ve given up.”
Taylor Smith
Teacher, Des Moines, Iowa
“I finally, finally, finally finished a book and it’s because of Michelle’s coaching. I’d been talking about this forever and I just couldn’t do it on my own. I kept getting stuck on plot problems or characters or point of view. Now I’m revising my complete manuscript. Michelle was one part story coach, one part writing teacher, one part ‘LET’S get this book done!’”
Kelly Mason
Atlanta, Georgia
“I had an idea of the book I was going to write, but I wasn’t sure it would work. Michelle’s exercises, her comments, and her coaching calls helped me figure out my idea. Now I’ve got 30,000 words and I look forward to sending her my chapters each deadline. I can see my way to the end.”
Carmen Blankenship
Fiction author, retired nurse
“I’ve always dreamed of writing a book and Michelle helped me do it. She taught me so many things I wouldn’t have learned on my own, because I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I can say I’m an author, and it’s the best thing ever.”
Darrah MacLean
Author of the forthcoming YA novel The Friday Feel Good
“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. I was truly stuck in some spots and Michelle helped me through all of them with insightful, thoughtful feedback.”
Debbie B.
Wildwood, Missouri
“I enjoyed Michelle’s class, Writing the W.A.V.E.S., very much. It introduced me to ways I can keep journaling interesting and enlightening, and I felt driven to do more. I’d recommend this class to anyone interested in taking their creative journey to the next level. Oh, the insights I’ve seen!”
Denise Carter
Missouri
“What it was like, what happened, what it’s like now — that’s how I tell my story, and that’s a good start to a book. I hope my story helps someone else, and it’s helping me to write it with Michelle. I highly recommend her.”
Sandy Piper, MSC, LPC
“The W.A.V.E.S. method is a solid way for anyone to approach journaling. It sparks ideas by tapping into memories and experiences using a creative and full-bodied approach. Would recommend this class for anyone!”