Hi, there. I’m Mea.

My bio

Nonfiction: Meagan /mā ɡən/ Smith /smɪθ/
Fiction & Poetry: Mea /mā/ Smith /smɪθ/

Meagan “Mea” Smith, M.Ed, is a writer of truth and whimsy. No matter the writing project, Mea tends to explore existential themes, such as authenticity, love, and redemption—even when she doesn’t mean to.

Over a decade of practicing the writing craft has resulted in the publication of nonfiction and poetry books, over 200 co-hosted podcast episodes on creativity, and opportunities to speak and teach at writing and publishing conferences, university creative writing classes, and author workshops.

Her latest life challenge? Learning to appreciate running, so she can keep up with her husband and two sons in 5K races.

A few favorite things:

  • Avocados

  • Doodle stitching

  • Fireflies

  • Flower photography

  • Home & Family

  • Japanese Magnolias

  • Making things

  • Punny t-shirts

  • Thrift stores

 

Publications

Grief-Like-a-River-Mea-Smith-ebookcover.jpg

Grief Like a River

Mea Smith, 2021
(poetry, Story Swell Books)

Even if the river dries to only
morning dew and dust,
the scar of it remains in the earth.
If the circumstances were prime,
it could fill again,
and that would be okay because
I know why it flows now.

Grief Like a River bares the iterative, complex process of grief through sincere, raw poetry. Smith's tender honesty delicately guides the reader through the human experience of loss.

Her debut collection does not claim to be a solution or the final word on the matter; rather, her personal revelations and inquiries offer companionship for those who have faced grief and for those who desire an example of hope.

Finders Keepers: A Practical Approach to Find and Keep Your Writing Critique Partner

Joy E. Rancatore & Meagan Smith, 2019
(nonfiction, Logos and Mythos Press)

The writer’s life is solitary … only if you want it to be.

Writing critique partnerships could solve creative isolation, but confusion on the topic abounds. Where do you find one? How do they work? How do you move past a bad experience? 

We are are critique partners who, over the years, cultivated a process, redeemed our mistakes and maintained our friendship. 

Finders Keepers is our conversation analyzing six aspects of critique partnerships.

  • Defining Critique Partnerships

  • Evaluating Yourself for Your New Role

  • Choosing a Critique Partner

  • Preparing for a Critique

  • Giving a Critique

  • Receiving a Critique

We’re more than just talk, though.

Each topic has hands-on challenges to encourage introspection and strategic action, strengthening your relationship into an unstoppable team. With this dynamic, you can confidently launch more powerful, polished words that reflect your purpose.

We find our critique partnership personally fulfilling and professionally accelerating, and we desire the same for you. Are you in it for keeps?

QWERTY Writing Life

Podcast

QWERTY Writing Life
5 seasons of candid chats on the creative life with Joy E. Rancatore and Mea Smith.

Literary Journals

POMPA: Publications of the Mississippi Philological Association, 2020
Meagan Smith
Poetry, “Conception: Aftermath”
Poetry, “Don’t”

The Indigo: Literary Journal, 2020
William Carey University
Meagan Smith
Poetry, “Overcome”
Photography, “Japanese Magnolia”

The Indigo: Literary Journal, 2018
William Carey University
Meagan Smith
Poetry, “Slanted”
Poetry, “Your Lighthouse”

“Whether or not you write well, write bravely.”

— Bill Stout