You’ve Lived the Story. Now It’s Time to Write It.
You’ve been carrying your story for years.
The heartbreak, the comeback, the moments that nearly broke you — and the ones that made you unbreakable.
You want to write your book. You know it’s time.
But every time you sit down to start, life interrupts.
Your to-do list wins.
The inner critic gets loud.
And that dream of writing your story — the one that could change your life and someone else’s — slides back into “someday.”
Maybe you’ve thought things like:
“Who am I to write a book?”
“It’s too late for me to start.”
“I wouldn’t even know how to begin.”
“Writing about my pain might break me open again.”
If that sounds familiar, exhale. You’re in the right place.
Because what you need isn’t another writing course or motivational pep talk.
You need a space where your story feels safe to come out…
and a proven process that gets it done.
Let’s Be Honest, Beautiful.
Every Year You Wait, You Lose a Little More of You.
That book isn’t just about telling your story — it’s about healing through it.
And the longer you wait, the heavier it gets to carry.
Each unwritten page whispers: “You’re still not ready.”
Each missed opportunity says: “Your story doesn’t matter.”
But that’s a lie.
Because here’s the truth:
Your story is your medicine.
Your book is your breakthrough.
And once you start writing — really writing — you’ll find freedom you didn’t even know you were missing.
Welcome to the Spring Forward Writer’s Retreat,
the most transformative weekend of your life.
From April 24–26, 2026, join Mellissa Thomas, 8-time author, The Procrastination Bully™, and creator of the exclusive F5 Framework, for a luxurious and healing writing experience in Gatlinburg, Tennessee — where women come to finally write the book they’ve been carrying inside.
Over three powerful days, you’ll go from idea to completed rough draft with real-time support, expert guidance, and a sisterhood of women who understand the power of rewriting their story.
EXPERT ADVICE
✱
ACCOUNTABILITY
✱
AUTHOR COACHING
HOW IS THIS RETREAT DIFFERENT?
With my proven process, you'll go from aspiring author to author in so little time, you'll wonder why you waited so long to write your book.
With me guiding you, you won’t just leave with new friendships, a fun experience, and a book full of notes. You’ll leave with a finished book.
Hi, I'm Mellissa Thomas, a.k.a. Mellissa T., The Procrastination Bully. I'm a 10-year editor and eight-time published author privileged to work with bestselling authors.
I know the process and will navigate you through it, from ideation to publication.
No more stalled drafts. No more question marks over your head. Just a clear path to publication.
This is YOUR time. Come to the retreat with your book idea, leave as an author.
YOUR RETREAT COACHES
Mellissa Thomas - Copyeditor & Author Guide | Retreat Host
The Jamaica-born, five-year U.S. Navy veteran has been editing books and guiding authors for over a decade. She's also a podcaster, speaker, author of eight books, and a poet. Mellissa served as media personality, Chief Editor, and Managing Director for nine years for the FNN News Network, the fastest-growing black-owned digital broadcast news network in Florida, growing the network from a single website and team of three to five websites and a team of 33.
She's bringing her storytelling and eight-time self-publishing experience to the Spring Forward Writer's Retreat to walk you through the easier-than-you-think process to writing your book.
Stephanie Jessica Holley - Author & Founder, Everybody Can't Go | Retreat Co-Host
Known for her innovative approach to change management in the corporate world, Jessica has earned the nickname “The Real Life Resolution” through her exceptional skill in identifying innovative and effective solutions to challenging problems.
She developed a deep passion for coaching individuals and teams through the emotional challenges of self-improvement, team communication, and the guilt and grief associated with growth.
Not only will Jessica help you with any author and writing questions during the Retreat, she's bringing the hype and humor all weekend long!
Candace Johnson Mackey - Founder, Strong Futures Services
Candace is an articulate leader, transformative emotional intelligence coach, and masterful customer experience (CX) architect.
As a certified Extreme Execution emotional intelligence coach, Candace will give you the tools to ignite your self-awareness, which will help you:
- learn yourself more intimately
- say the right words to be heard, connect more deeply with others, and get what you want in any situation
- learn others around you more quickly to provide the best response in any situation
- Use this game-changing tool in your writing as you build your characters, tell your story more vividly,
and make your book a page-turner
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
Dr. Eric Thomas, a.k.a.
E.T. The Hip Hop Preacher, New York Times Best Selling Author
On the editing process for his bestselling book, the You Owe You 365 Devotional:
"[My team said] 'Mellissa needs to take it and take us home.' ...I brought you in. I didn’t have to guess if this process is going to be beneficial."
Mignon François
Bestselling Author, Made From Scratch: Finding Success Without a Recipe
"Mellissa was very beneficial. For my current project, Mellissa took the personal lessons I shared in my bestselling book, Made From Scratch, and not only unlocked an abundance of new content from what I wrote, but unlocked my mind to the creative possibilities for any future books I create. Her work enables me to impact thousands of women."
Jessica Reid Ewing
Entrepreneur & Author
"I wasn't going to participate because I never planned to write a book, despite so many people told me that I should. With Mellissa's framework, I realized I actually have multiple books in me!"
Courtney Holley
Entrepreneur & Author
"Don't sleep on the virtual option! I attended virtually, and Mellissa answered all my questions, even when I hit a roadblock at the start of the writing process and had to go back to the Foundation step. I was able to knock out the rest of my book from there."
Stephanie Jessica Holley
Author, Speaker & Coach
"I love Mellissa's framework, not only because it made the writing process so much clearer, but it actually inspired me to revisit my initial draft and dig even deeper into the material. The final version of the book is much richer for it. I can't wait for the next retreat!"
I KNOW WHAT YOU'RE THINKING...
I don't have time.
I hear you. That's why I'll be walking you through the process step by step with pre-work leading up to the Retreat. These bite-sized steps take no more than an hour a day.
Nobody wants to hear my story!
Imposter syndrome is real, but that belief is untrue. You have decades of experience within you worth millions of dollars in value.
The world needs what you know.
Your experience, systems, humor, imagination, testimony, or cautionary tales can lead thousands of readers to their breakthrough...
And it can only come through you.
My family and friends might get mad at me for telling their business.
They just might. Change names to protect the innocent, of course, but in any case, you're sharing the stories as you experienced them. The way you experience someone is very different from what they may have intended. Your experience contains a valuable lesson for others. If your story can help someone else, you've got to tell it!
And, if anything, the person(s) described in your stories may learn something new about the situation--and you--by seeing it from your perspective.
Telling my story is triggering for me.
I totally understand how difficult and uncomfortable that can be. If this is true for you, I assure you, writing the book will be therapeutic for you. The body needs words to heal, and you getting the words out of you and onto the page will help your body release bound up emotions it's been holding on to for years. Writing the book will actually free you...and your readers.
Where do I even start? It's so much!
I know, sis. That's why I'm here. Not only will I break down the process for you step by step leading up to the Retreat, you'll learn the cheat codes you need to simplify the process and get it done in far less time.
In 2021, the journal Psychology and Aging reported that creativity often peaks in midlife.
There's no better time than now to get your book done.
Your story matters. Your insights are powerful. Your experience can comfort, heal, inspire, equip, or entertain thousands of people...
...Or an intimate few family members you want to leave it behind for as your legacy.
Don't delay any longer. Grab your spot now.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT
Clear Your Mind, Focus & Set Your Writing Purpose - $1,997 value
Self-Awareness: Candace Johnson Mackey will give you the tools to amplify your voice in the world.
Writing Tactics with Mell T.: Learn strategies to keep you writing, not stalling.
Start Your Manuscript: Blast through writer’s block with expert guidance.
Writing It Out – No More Procrastination! - $3,997 value
Meditation and Quiet Spaces: Relax, focus, and create the perfect environment for your writing.
Continue Your Manuscript: Finish writing your book.
Writing Support: Ongoing advice and help as you write.
Your Roadmap to Publishing - $6,997 value
Book Publishing: Now that your book's complete, L. David Harris will show you what's next.
Effective Book Marketing: Learn how to package and sell your book like a pro.
Landing the Bestseller Lists: Learn how you can become a bestselling author.
Total Value: $12,991
For You: Only $4,997 (full pay)
(Payment plan available.)
SPRING FORWARD WRITER'S RETREAT FAQs
What is the Spring Forward Writer's Retreat?
This retreat is a luxurious three-day writing experience for aspiring women authors who are 40+ and ready to (finally!) get their books done.
When is the Spring Forward Writer's Retreat Happening?
Friday, April 24 - Sunday, April 26, 2026
Where is the Spring Forward Writer's Retreat Happening?
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
What will I get from the Spring Forward Writer's Retreat?
Clarity on your book topic, outline and layout
A faster first draft
Guidance from published authors
A full toolkit to publish, market, and sell your book
Are children or pets allowed at the Spring Forward Writer's Retreat?
Unfortunately, no. The time you invest during the Spring Forward Writer's Retreat is dedicated to you being fully focused on writing your book, so we strongly recommend clearing your mind and your calendar for those three days for best results.
Will special dietary needs be met during the Spring Forward Writer's Retreat?
Yes. Vegan options are available, and food allergies will be considered. That said, if you're considering bringing any food items to the property at any point during the weekend to share with other attendees, please refrain from buying items with nuts as some attendees have nut allergies.
The Spring Forward Writer’s Retreat is your chance to write the book you’ve been dreaming of—in just one weekend. Sign up today!
SPRING FORWARD WRITERS RETREAT
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