I’m Melissa Coffey, and I’ve always loved words. I grew up in the Wisconsin tundra toting around a book bag and Trapper Keeper of poetry and stories. Unsurprisingly, my first job was at the public library. After earning a journalism degree from UW-Madison, I moved to Atlanta and called CNN Center home. Then I launched my own freelance business, Coffey Creative. After 20+ years of writing professionally for Fortune 500 clients, CEOs and magazines, it was time. Time to dive more deeply into honoring my call—the one pinned on my soul’s lapel like a giant prom corsage when I was barely a teen. Now I get to author stories of my heart…stories I hope spark delight, wonder, curiosity, empathy and connection.
I am the author of FRIDGE-OPOLIS (2022), ONE SPARK (coming September 8, 2026) and a BIG unannounced project in May 2027 I can’t wait to share!
I live in Austin, Texas, with my husband, two teenagers and two cats, Bean and Queso.
I am a member of ATX Children’s Authors, SCBWI, and the Texas Library Association.
I am represented by Sam Farkas at Jill Grinberg Literary Management.
