What can WriterSpark do for you?

With self-paced, online courses, informative articles, and relevant podcasts , WriterSpark is a powerful resource for you as you navigate your writing journey.

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The Courses

Learn by taking one of our courses on fiction, cozy mystery, or memoir writing

Writer on laptop computer

The Craft

Learn from our articles and writing tips, the hero’s journey database, one-to-one coaching, and freelance editing

The Podcast

Learn about the business and craft of writing from experienced authors and industry experts

WriterSpark Courses

Stop dreaming and start WRITING.

Now is the time to start turning your dream of writing a book into reality. WriterSpark’s self-paced, online courses are designed with YOU in mind. Whether you want to write a novel, a mystery, or a memoir, each course will take you through the process. By the time you’re finished, you will be well on your way to making your dream of writing a book a reality.


View from a Writer's Desk

Make your writing dreams come true

Learn from an industry expert

Hi, I’m Melissa Bourbon: bestselling author, writing instructor, freelance editor, writing coach, and podcaster. Trust me, I’ve been where you are, which is why I created WriterSpark. It’s about paying it forward, and sharing what I’ve learned over the past two decades. I’d love to help you on your writing journey.

I’m a #1 Amazon and National Bestselling author, coach, mentor, and teacher. 


But I was once where you are. I had the dream of writing a book, but I didn’t know where or how to start. I loved reading, but I didn’t actually know how to craft a story. I was creative person who had to learn through trial and error how to make it in the publishing world.


I built WriterSpark Academy as a way to pay it forward. I’ve taken what I’ve learned in almost two decades in the publishing industry to help aspiring writers and writers who want a refresher or need inspirationgrow in their craft and reach their dreams.


Every bit of content in each course comes from my learning and experience, and it has been tried and taught to other people just like you. I’ve taken aspiring authors and guided them on their journey to publication. The thrill of seeing that first book published is almost as exciting for me as it is for the author!


Through each course, I’ll be right here with you, accessible through the course forums and WriterSpark’s private community Facebook group.


Start your journey now…ignite your WriterSpark!

Online Course Student Testimonials
Online Learning

I’ve learned more writing basics from Melissa Bourbon and WriterSpark than I did on my college campus. She’s so very detail-oriented and practical. I’ve taken Ready, Set, WRITE! and Field Guide to Writing a Cozy Mystery and recommend them both.

-Trace Hartman, aspiring author


Freelance EDITING

Melissa Bourbon provided fantastic developmental edits on what became my first published book, and I didn’t hesitate to consult with her on a later project. That revised manuscript eventually connected me with my first agent and became my first published book.

— Amy Bearce, published author

One-to-one coaching

Melissa guided me through writing my first book, combining smart editing with terrific ideas about plot, story, character arc, and everything else I needed to put my writing in the best position to compete in the marketplace.

— B. Blackwood, published author


Frequently Asked Questions
What courses do you offer?

Our master courses are:

30 Days to Craft Your Novel (everything you need to learn how to write a novel)

Field Guide to Writing a Cozy Mystery (everything you need to write a cozy mystery)

What’s Your Story? Writing Your Memoir (everything you need to write your memoir)


How long will I have  access to my course?

When you purchase a WriterSpark Course, you have unlimited access forever! If the platform ever changes, you will be given access to that. 

Currently courses are hosted on Teachable.com.


How does one-to-one coaching work?

Coaching can be purchased by the hour or in 10 one-hour sessions. I work closely with my coaching clients to establish core needs and desired outcomes. From there, we develop a plan which guides our sessions.