Finding Harmony in the Hills: An Interview with Megan Bee

Photo courtesy Megan Bee/Eli Hiller

Finding Harmony in the Hills: An Interview with Megan Bee
 
Megan Bee is a singer-songwriter whose music embodies the spirit of wanderlust and deep connection to the land. Her sound is a seamless blend of homespun vocals, acoustic warmth, and evocative storytelling, drawing influence from Appalachian folk traditions and contemporary songwriting. With albums like Cottonwood and Waiting, she has garnered praise from Americana UK, No Depression Magazine, and The Ohio Music Awards, earning recognition for her heartfelt authenticity. Whether she's reflecting on life on the road or weaving nature into her lyrics, Megan’s artistry speaks to the soul. In this interview, we explore her creative process, musical journey, and the inspirations behind her songs—plus, Words in the Hills, a weekend-long writing retreat and workshop set in the stunning Hocking Hills, Ohio.
 
Support Megan's new album by contributing to her Kickstarter, open until Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at 8 PM. She's close to reaching her goal! Megan offers rewards and bundles. Check it out: Megan Bee’s Kickstarter.
 
Welcome, Megan!
 
GM: Spring greetings, Megan. I was hoping to attend your event this weekend, Words in the Hills, and look forward to your 2026 event. Tell us about the beginnings of Words in the Hills and your journey thus far...
MB: I have a background in environmental education and led camp programs at Camp Oty'Okwa in the Hocking Hills for about ten years.  Later my work shifted into my own singer-songwriter career which has taken me all over the country. I attended Rocky Mountain Song School in Colorado for five years in the summer, and the combination of being outdoors and studying writing was really inspiring. I just kept thinking, "I wish this happened closer to home."  Eventually I decided to make it happen and started Words In The Hills LLC in 2021. It's really a passion project for me that brings me full circle back to the camp where I first taught, but this time with adult writers.
 
GM: Is the retreat limited to certain genres? 
MB: No, it is open to all creative writers of any genre! Each year I invite a few writers with different backgrounds to teach. Even if you are mostly drawn to one genre, I find it is fun and inspiring to dabble in other styles. Stories inspire songs, poems inspire essays, and we all inspire each other with our words. This year we have workshops on poetry, short story, song, and more.  
 
GM: What can a writer expect to glean from attending Words in the Hills?
MB: Growth; it's a time to try something new, relight the spark, and specifically take time out for writing. Sharing; it's an opportunity to share writing with other writers. Some writers in the past have never read their work before they got up at our open-mic night. Connection; reconnecting to the outdoors in a beautiful place and connecting with other writers. I've seen writers meet during the weekend and continue to stay in touch and support each other. I really love the supportive community of writers we are building. Writing can be such a solitary endeavor that I find real value in getting together and remembering we are all part of this bigger community of people who love words.
 
GM: Where is the retreat held? What is appropriate attire and what do participants need to bring?
MB: It’s at Camp Oty'Okwa in the Hocking Hills here in SE Ohio. It's right down the road from Old Man's Cave and other popular state parks.  The camp owns over 700 acres of private forested land with caves, cliffs, creeks, and amazing rock formations. Lodging is provided in a bunkhouse or option to tent camp. Bring hiking boots, outdoor clothes, and something to write with!
 
GM: Sounds marvelous! And your songs and lyrics are so beautiful, Megan. Who is your favorite author/poet?
MB: Mary Oliver is my favorite poet. The way she writes about the land, the fragility of life, and the beauty of the world really resonates with me.
 
GM: Can you share one of your own poems?
MB:  You can find my music at https://meganbeemusic.com or look up Megan Bee on any streaming platforms.
 
GM: When is the next retreat and how can writers sign up?
MB: Our 2025 spring retreat is sold out, but you can follow us on Instagram or sign up for our newsletter to get updates about the next retreat! https://wordsinthehills.com
 
About Megan:
Singer-songwriter Megan Bee writes with an unquenchable wanderlust and a deep love for the land. Her 2022 album "Cottonwood" has been called "as real as it gets – a raw and real telling of engaging, relatable stories." It was listed in the best of 2022 by Americana UK and No Depression Magazine and received mentions from American Songwriter and IAMA. Her previous album "Waiting" (2020) earned The Ark of Music album of the year award.   Past albums have garnered The Ohio Music Awards Best Americana and Best Singer-Songwriter Albums, and a finalist spot in the USA Songwriting Competition. 
 
Megan’s music is a blend of distinctly homespun vocals, acoustic simplicity, yearning soulfulness, and winsome storytelling. She weaves imagery and metaphor from nature into her lyrics.  Her background as an environmental educator, traveling farmhand, and vagabond once took her into a desert wilderness where she found her voice around a campfire.  Her live shows are an intimate sharing of personal experiences, observations, stories from the road, nature facts, and light-hearted humor. Megan bases out of the rolling hills of Athens, Ohio, and draws influence from the collision of Appalachian folk and modern songwriting. You can feel the presence of the foothills in her music yet her tendency to wander casts a wistful and adventurous color over the concept of “home.”  
 
Over the past ten years she has released four full length albums and toured relentlessly. From coffee shops, house concerts, festivals, and theaters she has roamed the country in her Dodge minivan sharing her simple songs.  In 2022 she founded Words In The Hills LLC, a writing retreat in Southeast Ohio. The retreat welcomes creative writers of all genres to gather in a summer camp setting to take workshops, connect with other writers, and be inspired by the natural beauty of the region.  
 
Connect with Megan…
www.meganbeemusic.com
www.wordsinthehills.com 

Facebook: Megan Bee Music

WORDS IN THE HILLS

CAVEHANDS: WORDS IN THE HILLS

WORDS IN THE HILLS

Megan Bee: Photo by Mikie Strite Appalachian Exposure

 

Horse on the Loose - Children's Literature by Leslie McDonald: Gallop Into Summer Reading, Free Summer Reading Program for Kids

 

Award-Winning Author & Equestrian, Leslie McDonald
Find Leslie's book Horse on the Loose in the
FREE Gallop Into Summer Reading Program

Free Summer Reading Program for Kids

Kicking off June 1, 2025 Sign up today for your kids to participate in the Free 2025 Gallop into Summer Reading Program! We are just weeks from kicking off the 2025 program and are welcoming new authors and some great new books! It's Easy! 1. Register your child's participation on the website and download the Summer Reading Trail Map or get one from a participating author - join any time between June 1 and Sept 1, 2025. 2. Have your child read and complete activities on the Summer Reading Trail Map! Can't download one? Don't worry, create your own! 3. Submit completed reading logs by Sept 1, 2025 to be entered into a random drawing for prizes from participating authors. Sign Up Now

Looking for great books? Check out our online bookstore connecting you and your kids to the horse books they are looking for! Above is just a sample of what's available. Buy book links will take you to the author’s website to purchase books directly or to another online bookstore. Find Books

Meet our authors Our authors make this program possible. Our authors specialize in books from illustrated children's books, middle-grade novels, young adult, fiction, non-fiction, and STEM. Meet the Authors

Join us on Facebook Meet participating authors, get great horse book recommendations, connect with other parents, get summer reading activities, and more. Follow the conversation

Why summer reading?

Summer reading is an important bridge between school years! Over the summer months, kids can lose valuable skills and knowledge. Studies show participating in a summer reading program increases reading skills, motivation, confidence, and enjoyment.

Monday Creek Publishing Digest: Patricia L.H. Black, Children's Literature Author

Patricia L.H. Black taught English in Italy, was editor of Ohio University Publications, worked as a travel agent and drove a bookmobile. Now she writes poems, does beadwork, gardens, and edits academic papers for international students. She is a member of the Athens Poetry Group, the PentaPoets online poetry group, the Evening Poets, and the Ohio Poetry Association. Her poems have appeared in Common Threads and in the Ohio Poetry Association's juried anthology Everything Stops and Listens. She has been a featured reader in Ohio in Athens, Cincinnati, Columbus, Coshocton, Marion and Wooster. She lives in Athens, Ohio.

Children's Literature

Twillaby Pond

Lilyfield Bog

Milliron Monday: The Journals April - June 1981

Abbott "Pete" Smith D.V.M.:  

June 16, 1938 - February 22, 2010

Virginia Joyann "Jody" Haley Smith: 

April 2, 1938 - May 9, 2021

Welcome to Milliron Monday where every Monday we celebrate 

the legacy of Milliron Farm and Clinic, 

Dr. Pete and Jody Smith.

A continuation of Jody’s Journals.

April 1981

·        Went on calls with Pete, breakfast with Hutchinson’s – Kerry, Jessica > lunch at Ohlinger’s > dinner at Nancy Bonnett’s > home 2 am

·        Pete, Barbara Seigel on calls, heavy rain

·        Pete home 2:45 am > took Puff to check gate at end of long field > to Church, OU Inn lunch, dropped vitamins off at Alice M’s > worked at clinic, heavy rain, read by fire

·        To Wellston, signed papers, Phillip’s Place > Ray, J. Jones, Mexican restaurant, Parkersburg

·        Pete to Charleston > dogs on hill, black/white > Lunch with Pat at Hungry Mouth, bought him a hat, buckle, etc. > 2:30 Eslocker gas/oil lease > Jessica made yogurt

·        Newt brought Alrod up

·        Hitched Junie to cart, harness broke; Tina/Curt (fiancé) rode Apple > Dinner at CJ’s saw Will Tevis there, Larry Smith

·        Church, OU Inn > rode Junie, Pete rode Apple, nice ride between storms

·        Went on calls with Pete > dinner at CJ’s

·        Howard Strode, son, sheared sheep

·        Pat drove me into HS meeting > Pete, worked late

·        Pat took me to Good Friday services, then Perkin’s > Bred Persimmon to Alrod

·        spent long time getting wild black yearling ewe, new lamb in pen; feeding goat’s milk, milking ewe, etc. > Mom/Dad called > rode Junie, Pete rode Apple, checked out Indian Mound

·        To Church with Jessica, Pat, Pete, me, Jan Crall, OU Inn lunch > rained, Pete worked in garden

·        Bred Persimmon to Alrod > Karl Meeks trimmed Alrod’s feet, shod Junie, Apple

·        Dewormed ewes/lambs, Alice McCracken/phone > Pete and Buddy slaughtered 5 lambs > Pete palpated ewes, etc., > Hartley’s dinner, watched Lion in Winter

·        Sissy out, killed 2 chickens > went after freezer paper, salt for hides > Dean, Croxford’s, picked up 4 lambs > Pete, Pat, me, put lambs in freezer

·        Treated lamb, pneumonia > Pete to Charleston > Church, prayer group, talked to Mike, talked to Katherine Foster, proofread cage cars, talked to Alice McCracken, fed at barn, tried to feed lamb unsuccessfully

·        Dave Smart cut Pete’s, my hair

·        Church > rode Junie, Pete rode Apple, Peach Ridge, back down Twp road, checked Indian Mound, rode on home, rain (nice sound in woods), Pete rode Apple around past Eddy’s, etc.

·        Cut Junie out of fence on bottom > checked Buddy’s fence repair, took Puff > worked at clinic, bad checks

·        Washed saddle blankets > 7:30 Tony, Zehara C., CJ’s dinner > to Hartley’s, watched movie

·        Prayer group, lunch with K. Foster > got gas lease for Phillip’s place, listened to Eslocker

May 1981

·        Alice McCracken’s funeral, sat with J. L’H

·        Worked at clinic, took pictures of dog > watched Kentucky Derby, churned butter

·        Early church, to clinic, oiled saddle/bridle > rode up Hooper Ridge, Wrightstown Road, back down Hooper Ridge, beautiful day (about 20-25 miles) > ate at Perkin’s with Bookman’s

·        Pete on calls > Bullet ill, temp 104, 3cc penicillin

·        Left Bullet at clinic

·        To Charleston on calls with Pete > went to see Fred Leslie’s new horse, Bonnett’s, dinner > home 3 AM

·        Took Faline, Persimmon down to clinic > Bryan Miller here for dinner > Finished Faline’s treatment > Sherry brought Alrod back > horse call, Barbara S. along

·        Rode down thru bottom along 550, back past Indian Mound, rode Apple, led Junie, Pete jogged back, rabbit surgery; saw 3 deer below Locust grove > Pat brought me flowers for Mother’s Day

·        Church with Jessica, Pete, Pat; saw Sheila Thiess outside Walgreen’s > with Hartley’s watched Black Stallion, Greg, Liz Linscott; Pete, Jerry, watched Star Trek

·        Rode Junie, took Puff, took pictures of Indian Mound > Mike Morgan, Pat, Pete, me, CJ’s dinner, 2 calls

·        Pat, Pete here for lunch > all here for dinner > baby chicken in barn alleyway

·        On calls with Pete > Bob Noll’s, lunch, Shoney’s, Huntington > to John Leslie’s, Nancy Bonnett’s, home 3 am

·        Sherry brought Alrod back

·        Rode Junie, Pete rode Apple

·        Early church, Perkin’s lunch > Put Alrod up in red barn/sheep shed > rode to top of Fritz’s hill, brittle moss, rode around behind Eddy’s, back up 690 > turned Alrod out

·        Checked 2 horses at Hartley’s > Alrod out across cattle guard, back in with Apple, put him back in red barn

·        Turned Alrod out > Buddy took snow tires off > put Alrod back in barn, out across cattle guard

·        Met J at library (Yogi there)

·        Clinic calls, Coen’s, Jerry, Jolen > 2:30 Luther H. > Pat, Pete, Teresa here for dinner

·        On calls with Pete, Rock Springs, Charleston > lunch, steaks, Linda Wyatt’s barn > Dinner with Hopkins, Nancy Bonnett went with us

·        On call to Amish farm, 3-5 year old boys, old shoes > Buddy helped put rabbit cage up in alleyway > Carl, Pat, Pete here for dinner > put cats (Alice McCracken’s) up in barn

·        Rode Apple, hit branch, cut lip

·        Early church > rode Junie, Pete rode Apple, Dutch Creek, Scatter Ridge

·        Went on calls with Pete > dewormed sheep, detailed, castrated

·        Pet on calls > Pete helped me bed down sheds in rain

·        Turned Alice McCracken’s cats lose at barn

·        With Pete to Charleston on calls, dinner at Nancy Bonnett’s, went on calls with us

·        At clinic, fresh perch, delicious, got information about Marie Phillip’s property

·        Pat, Pete, Gene Perry, jogged, here for breakfast; Nannette, I, brought steers back from Windy Hills > worked at clinic, mailed info to Star Jones, got planter for Nicki Barger’s birthday party > J, I, brought Apple, Alrod back from Windy Hills, put rope over cattle guard

·        Got Alrod, Apple, back from Windy Hills again (left car there, led Alrod back, Apple followed) > 10:30 church, coffee hour > Pete worked in garden > rode Junie, Pete rode Apple, rode Apple, led Junie, Pete jogged up Dutch Creek

 

June 1981

·        Clinic – insurance salesman

·        Rode Alrod, washed Alrod, bedded down sheds, Luther H.

·        Worked at clinic > Athens Co Fairgrounds, ate lunch at Sizzler’s

·        With Pete to Charleston, calls

·        10:20 Church > 5 mile run, Hocking Tech > Bonnett’s here, rode Laddy, Alrod on bottom > bred Alrod to Persimmon > rode around woods > ate at Sizzler’s

·        String water gap across small stream, turned Alrod out, worked at clinic, J here for dinner

·        Bedded down barn sheds, checked water gap, took Puff and Bullet on light line > Ralph Guthrie, Pete, swabbed well

·        Carl Meeks shod Apple behind, ran out of barn, worked at clinic

·        Nannette’s birthday > went with Pete to Charleston on calls > Finks, Bob Evan’s restaurant > got pads (saddle), t-shirt, crop at Colonial’s tack shop

·        Worked at clinic > took deed into Eslockers for filing > picked up Pete’s wedding ring, talked with Pat G.

·        OU Inn, Jon W’s graduation party > pizza at Claire West’s

·        Gene Perry, bulldozer, bedded down sheds

·        Pete’s birthday, went on a picnic

·        Wrote letters, worked at clinic

·        Slept in > answered phone at house while Pete did surgery > with Pete to Charleston on calls > dinner at Nancy Bonnett’s “Book” birthday cate, I drove most of way home

·        New black lamb, white star, Shrop-type ewe > dewormed horses, burros, VEW, Lepto, tet > Karl Meeks shod horses, trimmed burros feet

·        Wrote letters > Star Jones’ office, loan application > dinner with Stan, Rusty Jones, Italian restaurant > stopped at Mauraths, postponed call

·        Pete jogged down to 690, back > went to Church, took K. DeWitt to lunch with us, OU Inn > to clinic > bad storm, lightning struck sycamore tree by clinic drive > rode Junie, Pete rode Apple

·        Ate at Perkin’s (Pete, Pat, me) > Warmke deposition, Dave Starlin testified > lunch at CJ’s > Pete began testimony

·        Pete jogged > ran errands > moved Sissy > on calls with Pete to Laird’s

·        Pete jogged > worked at clinic, K. Foster picked up drugs > checked Sissy at barn

·        To WV on calls, Meigs Co Fairgrounds, Nancy Bonnett’s dinner, she went on calls with us

·        Took J over to Windy Hills to get oxen > took deed to lawyers, showed John B. survey agreement, stopped at Jan’s, no one home > put up No Trespassing sign on gate

·        Groomed dogs, cats, flea spray > to clinic, took change down, talked to Miller’s, their Collie dying > Jerry H. raked hay, Pete baled > drove Silver, Brent, Pat, Gene, Carl, Brent’s roommate etc. hauled hay in, Carl broke radiator on his truck

·        Early church, coffee hour > to clinic > drove “Rover”, Buddy Sycks’ and wife helped with hay > J here for dinner, cat ill, Pete and I went riding

·        Took Persimmon down to clinic > Pat, Gene Perry took my car to Mansfield, Pat wisdom teeth removed > Jan, David, John B., wife (Connie), realtor Hannah Walsh, walked survey lines

·        Slept in, Pet took Pat’s truck to Russell’s, I picked him up, he ran back from Dividing Ridge > long discussion (argument) about selling all frontage to John Banyan > Hartley’s bean soup

Connect with Gina

Amazon Author Page

Milliron: The Biography

www.gmcknight.com

www.mondaycreekpublishing.com

Through captivating, powerful, and emotional anecdotes, we celebrate the life of Dr. Abbott P. Smith. His biography takes the reader from smiles to laughter to empathy and tears. Dr. Smith gave us compelling lessons learned from animals; the role animals play in the human condition, the joy of loving an animal, and the awe of their spirituality. A tender and profound look into the life of a skilled veterinarian.