Melissa Fagan

Writer, editor, researcher, content producer

Australia

Whether writing, editing or teaching, I am a passionate advocate for the power of words, stories and ideas, and using them to foster understanding, create connections and spark change.

As a writer, editor and communications specialist with over 20 years experience, I work with clients primarily in the health and medical, not-for-profit and travel sectors. I am collaborative in my approach, and enjoy working with others to produce positive outcomes.

An award-winning writer of fiction and creative nonfiction, I am the author of What Will Be Worn: A McWhirters Story, published by Transit Lounge in September 2018. The book was longlisted for the NiB Literary Award. I've also written and published prize-winning short stories, essays and reviews.

I also write essays, reviews and short stories, and teach writing to undergraduate and postgraduate students, as well has hosting community workshops. In 2024 I completed a PhD in creative writing within the alliance program between Curtin University and The University of Aberdeen.

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Portfolio

Editing

A guide for people living with MND, their family and friends
01/05/2024
More About MND

Guide designed to give people affected by MND a better understanding of the disease, including treatment and symptom management.

Fodor's Essential Australia
1/1/2019
South East Queensland

South East Queensland chapter of the Fodor's Essential Australia

AndAlso Books
2018
Within/Without These Walls

Within/Without These Walls is a collection of Brisbane stories by more than twenty creative writers and historians, set in or around some of the city’s best known and most loved buildings. Published in association with Brisbane Open House 2018.

Blogs and features

Mndaustralia
10/21/2024
World-leading researchers gather at MND Symposium

MND Australia hosted the third Australian and New Zealand MND Research Symposium in Melbourne on the 27th and 28th of August 2024. With a record number of over 300 registrants, including many with lived experience of motor neurone disease, the event was our most successful yet.

Mndaustralia
07/28/2024
Living with MND: Phil and Sarah's story

In 2019, Phil and Sarah were living what Sarah describes as an "active social retirement". Phil had retired from his role within the Australian Customs Service, and Sarah was working part time as an ecological consultant. By this stage they had a modest but comfortable income.

Mndaustralia
06/04/2024
Advance | What causes MND?

The question of what causes MND brings to mind the concept of "known knowns, known unknowns, and unknown unknowns". Though often associated with the former United States Secretary of Defence Donald Rumsfeld, the idea has been around a lot longer. In terms of MND, and what causes it, the concept highlights the critical role scientific research plays.

Mndaustralia
05/16/2024
Mow Down MND: One more for the road

Woz is a truckie. Or was-for 40 years, until the middle of 2023 when he felt a tingling in his arm while doing some fencing. Soon after, Woz found out that he had motor neurone disease. When Woz found out he had MND, he was living alone in Toolleen, a small town in central Victoria.

Mndaustralia
12/20/2023
High school's annual tradition to support MND

Earlier this year, Lismore's Trinity Catholic College held their third 2023 MND Colour Run, raising $2,700 for MND Australia. The Trinity community has a very personal connection with MND, and has been deeply affected by it. The school lost former teacher Bob Delaney to MND in 2010.

Time
07/20/2021
Gold Coast, Australia: The World's 100 Greatest Places

Australia's sixth largest city, Gold Coast, hugs the country's eastern coastline: think perennially warm water, some of the world's best surf and a reputation for glitz and glamour. Its trendiness continues this year with many additions.

Intrepid Travel Blog
07/28/2019
An introductory guide to snacks and street food in China

First of all, a disclaimer: this list of snacks and street food is no way comprehensive. How can it be? This is China: current population 1.4 billion that includes at least 55 ethnic minorities in addition to the Han Chinese, and over 5,000 years of history.

Fodors Travel Guide
08/27/2018
The World Nomad Games Look Like 'Game of Thrones' Come to Life

The World Nomad Games are, without a doubt, one of the most photogenic events on earth. The last Games, held in 2016, featured a thousand musicians playing the komuz (traditional Kyrgyz three-stringed instrument) in unison, a burning horseman riding at full gallop, and Steven Seagal-and that's just the opening ceremony.

Intrepid Travel Blog
03/21/2018
What it's really like to visit Kyrgyzstan, the land of the nomads

Around 80% of Kyrgyzstan is mountainous, and shepherds still spend the summer months in the Alpine meadows, living in yurts while they tend to their flocks. In the traditional nomadic cultures of Central Asia, it is common for travellers to break their journey at a stranger's yurt.

BOQ Best Practice
11/01/2017
Coming Together

Personal finance feature for BOQ Specialist Best Practice magazine.

QWeekend
03/18/2017
Way of the Nomad

Profile of nomadic vet, Dr Campbell "Cozy" Costello for QWeekend, the weekend magazine for the Courier-Mail.

Urban Walkabout Brisbane
2014
Concrete, but not as you know it

Profile of Jouni and Sami Jarvela, owners of Pop Concrete, written for the Urban Walkabout Brisbane blog

Urban Walkabout Brisbane
2014
The heart and soul of Teneriffe

Profile of AJ and Mac, co-owners of Samson and Sophie cafe, written for the Urban Walkabout Brisbane blog.

Urban Walkabout Brisbane
2014
Travel is her muse

Profile of Robyn McKendry, owner of Magnolia Interiors, written for Urban Walkabout Brisbane blog.

Detour
2012
Animal Attraction

Travel article about Magnetic Island written for Detour, the official Greyhound publication.

Detour
2012
Take a bow, Bowen

Travel article about Bowen written for Detour, the official Greyhound publication.

Marie-Claire
2007
Tango

Travel feature for Australian Marie-Claire magazine about learning to dance tango in Buenos Aires.

Copywriting

NSW National Parks
06/15/2018
Giriwa walking track | NSW National Parks

Discover Aboriginal culture along Giriwa walking track, and enjoy water activities on Burrill Lake, in Meroo National Park, near Ulladulla.

NSW National Parks
06/15/2018
Muzzlewood track | NSW National Parks

Muzzlewood track is a summer mountain bike trail, and year-round walk, that links Bullocks Flat and Thredbo Diggings campground, in Kosciuszko National Park.

NSW National Parks
06/08/2018
Kedumba River Crossing campground | NSW National Parks

Blue Mountains National Park Overview Kedumba River Crossing campground is a walk-in campground in a remote part of Blue Mountains National Park. Set in an open, grassy area with views of Mount Solitary, it's a peaceful place to stay on an overnight bushwalk in the Jamison Valley.

NSW National Parks
06/08/2018
Dunphys campground | NSW National Parks

Please enable javascript to access the full functionality of this site Back to previous page Blue Mountains National Park Overview Located at the end of Megalong Valley, Dunphys campground is a remote yet well-maintained campground for adventurers and families, in Blue Mountains National Park.

NSW National Parks
05/25/2018
Jennifer Street boardwalk | NSW National Parks

Looking for short walks in Sydney? Jennifer Street boardwalk in La Perouse is a short, wheelchair-accessible walking track perfect for a weekend stroll in the eastern suburbs.

NSW National Parks
05/15/2018
Hosies | NSW National Parks

Hosies offers accommodation in a beautifully-renovated 1870s building in the historic gold rush town of Hill End, near Mudgee. Discover the attractions, history, and walking tracks of Hill End Historic Site, from your doorstep.

St John of God Health Care
09/01/2016
Infant mental health

Copywriting for relaunch of St John of God Health Care website.

St John of God Health Care
09/01/2016
Palliative care

Copywriting for relaunch of St John of God Health Care website.

St John of God Health Care
09/01/2016
Dermatology

Copywriting or website relaunch: Dermatology services provided by St John of God Health Care

St John of God Health Care
Bariatric surgery

Copywriting for website relaunch: Bariatric surgery services provided by St John of God Health Care.

Classic Safari Company
2015
Expeditionary Cruising

Short description of journey type "Expeditionary Cruising' for Classic Safari Company's website relaunch in 2015.

Classic Safari Company
2015
Do before you Die

Short description of journey type 'Do before you Die' for Classic Safari Company's website relaunch in 2015.

Classic Safari Company
Camp Fire Stargazer

Short description of 'Camp Fire Stargazer' traveller type for relaunch of Classic Safari Company's website in 2015

Classic Safari Company
2015
A Bush Luxury Lover

Short description of 'A Bush Luxury Lover' traveller type for relaunch of Classic Safari Company's website in 2015

Urban Walkabout Brisbane
2014
M&A Apartments

A 35-word description of M & A Apartments, written for Urban Walkabout's 2014 Fortitude Valley guide - print and online.

Urban Walkabout Brisbane
2014
Samson & Sophie

A 35-word description of Samson & Sophie cafe, written for Urban Walkabout's 2014 Fortitude Valley guide - print and online.

Urban Walkabout Brisbane
2014
Fourth Wall

A 35-word description of Fourth Wall cocktail bar, written for Urban Walkabout's 2014 Fortitude Valley guide - print and online.

Urban Walkabout Brisbane
2014
Ryan Renshaw

A 35-word description of Ryan Renshaw gallery, written for Urban Walkabout's 2014 Fortitude Valley guide - print and online.

Urban Walkabout
2014
Yoga in Daily Life

A 35-word description of Yoga in Daily Life written for Urban Walkabout's 2014 Fortitude Valley guide - print and online.

Inspired Adventures
2013
Kilimanjaro Challenge 2014

A 6-page proposal for Kilimanjaro Challenge 2014, a trekking challenge and fundraising adventure created by Inspired Adventures for Australian Youth Climate Coalition.

Inspired Adventures
2012
Cycle for a Smile 2013

Information pack for Cycle for a Smile 2013, a cycling challenge and fundraising adventure created by Inspired Adventures for Operation Smile.

Inspired Adventures
2012
2013 Cycle for Girls

Double-sided DL flyer for 2013 Cycle for Girls, a fundraising adventure to Cambodia created by Inspired Adventures for Plan Australia.

Travel Indochina
2010
Your dining experience

Sample page from Travel Indochina's 2011-12 River Cruising brochure.

Travel Indochina
2009
Welcome to Indochina

Sample page from Travel Indochina's 2010 Footloose Indochina brochure.