Writing the Sacred Journey: Introductory Workshop on Spiritual Memoir
Virtual | Self-paced
During this self-paced, two-and-a-half-week independent study, writers can view Elizabeth’s video lectures, respond to writing prompts, and immerse themselves in the genre and practice of spiritual memoir through readings and a community forum.
Writing Your Sacred Journey: Stories to Transform Self and World
In Person: Monthly on fourth Fridays from 1:30-3:30 p.m. (2/24; 3/24; 4/28; 5/26; 6/23)
Online: Monthly on fourth Mondays from 6:00-8:00 p.m. CT (2/27; 3/27; 4/24; 5/22; 6/26)
Join Elizabeth Jarrett Andrew to explore the art and practice of spiritual memoir writing. Each session will give participants the opportunity to write, time for conversation, inspiration from model writers, and insights about craft, content, and practice. These monthly practice sessions are meant for writers of all levels, including absolute beginners. New participants are encouraged to take Elizabeth’s introduction to spiritual memoir workshop or read Writing the Sacred Journey. Because practice sessions are not consecutive, you can drop in as you’d like. Over three years, the curriculum covers the significant aspects of the craft of writing memoir, common themes, and the invitations to transformation inherent in the practice.
Diving Deep and Surfacing: A Spiritual Memoir Writing Intensive
June 18-22, 2023
Online and in-person
What happens when writers practice craft techniques for the sake of spiritual discovery and growth? In this five-day retreat for writers, we’ll explore craft challenges common to spiritual memoir writing that are also opportunities for deepening spiritual practice. We’ll look at scene creation as an opportunity for attentive listening, at reflective writing as a form of contemplation, at character formation as an opportunity to withhold judgment, and at thematic development as a way to participate in meaning-making.
Writers will be supported by a writing community, receive guidance from an experienced instructor including an opportunity for a one-on-one conversation, and have abundant creative solitude. Each day will include three hours of instruction, discussion, and writing exercises focused on the day’s topic. Participants will both hone their writing skills and widen the contemplative dimensions of their writing practice.
This retreat is for writers who have a foundational understanding of spiritual memoir, having read Writing the Sacred Journey: The Art and Practice of Spiritual Memoir or taken an introductory class. Please come with a writing intention, an idea for a project, or a work-in-progress.