Welcome to My Soul Inspired Writing Sanctuary
This is a place to kick off your shoes, nestle into an overstuffed chair with a notebook
and a mug of milky sweet tea (or your favorite beverage)
and be nourished by the words of contemporary poets who are
unabashedly writing their lives on the page.
The catalyst:
Throughout my life I’ve turned to words for companionship. As a child, I lost myself in books. When I wasn’t reading, I was writing — from those early diaries with the little gold key to journals filled with wonder, worries, and wishes.
The words of writers and poets have been holding my hand for decades. I read their words. I write my own. Poetry, especially, has been both a place of refuge and an entry point for my own writing. It allows me to examine grief, joy, loss and also those tiny tender moments that sustain me. Poetry as portal.
The process:
Soul Inspired Writing circles take place on Zoom so you can join from anywhere in the world; we gather once a week for 90 minutes. First, I share a thoughtfully selected, contemporary poem, coaxing you to call elements of your own experience (past or present) onto the page. We marinate in the poem for a bit and then we let our creative unconscious take the lead, writing in whatever direction the poem takes us for a designated period of time. We do this twice.
Inspired Writing is an intuitive writing process: the words are always in charge, insisting on their own truth. Please know, you need not consider yourself “a writer” to join us. We don’t worry about grammar or syntax or producing a finished product. We give ourselves permission to play.
“Poetry isn’t necessarily interested in telling the whole story. Poetry is interested in stopping in small moments and telling the story of that moment.”
– Pádraig Ó Tuama
The magic:
What I love about this practice is that we are not here to “produce” something. We’re here to enjoy poetry as song, as deep access to the soul. We allow ourselves to dwell in the experience of the poet and then we write for a period of time, pen never leaving the page. This isn’t about craft though I do enjoy introducing you to the literary devices these remarkable poets are using: repetition, imagery, detail, sound. My intention in creating these inspired writing circles is to provide a container in which we attempt to make sense of our world. It’s about finding the magic in the mundane. Or understanding the rising and falling of grief.
“Implicit in poetry is the notion that we are deepened by heartbreaks, that we are not so much diminished as enlarged by grief, by our refusal to vanish — to let others vanish —
without leaving a verbal record.”
– Ed Hirsch
The witnessing:
At the close of our call, we have an opportunity to read our piece(s) to the group to be silently witnessed with open hearts and no words. The art of witnessing is about deep listening which brings a specific quality of attention and presence to the experience. Please know, this isn’t a writer’s “workshop.” We honor the process, not the product. Relax in knowing that there is no need to “wow” each other with our words or to perform in any way.
Being heard is so close to being loved, that for the average person,
they are almost indistinguishable.
— David Augsburge
Weekly Practice
Our Soul Inspired Writing Circle meets on Thursday mornings from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. eastern. The next (four-week) series begins on Thursday, March 21st. Contact me if you’re interested! I’ll answer any questions you have and then send you a PayPal link if you think this is a good fit.
Thursday mornings
11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. eastern
4 weeks
April 25—May 16
Cost $99
Kind Words
Entering your Soul Inspired writing circle feels like coming home after a hard day and slipping into my old jeans and soft sweatshirt, cup of tea in hand. Whether the words flow freely or writing feels impossible, the circle holds and nourishes. Such a comfortable and welcoming place to be seen and heard and to practice showing up for each brave woman who pens her truth.
~Melinda
For 90 minutes each week, I move from my intense work day into a world of poetry and creativity and camaraderie. Just as in dreamtime, this writing circle, held oh-so-tenderly by Sue Ann, allows my unconscious to have its say, presenting itself for my re-consideration of life.
In the midst of turmoil engulfing this era, Sue Ann holds a sacred haven in which to explore. I rage, I laugh, I lament, I praise. Others in the circle rage and laugh and lament and praise. All is welcome and all is honored. Sue Ann’s writing circle is a point of grace in which I enter each week.
~Teresa (they/them)
Sue Ann, the welcoming atmosphere you create in your workshops and circles is truly remarkable. Your unique combination of prompts and reflections ensures that every session is a fresh and exciting journey.
I’m constantly amazed by the thoughtful ways you guide us through an arc of experience that is uplifting and celebratory, and often deeply inspiring.
No matter where people are — just starting out or a longtime established writer, at a standstill or full of juice – you somehow manage to make it work for everyone.
Your approach has a wonderful way of igniting confidence and creativity, providing comfort and encouragement to freely express ourselves while also sparking new ideas and perspectives.
I am so thankful to have been part of several different classes, connecting with women from all corners of the globe. I always look forward to our meetings, happy to have set aside time in the midst of a busy work and home life schedule to write and be with others.
I appreciate you so much. Thank you for your dedication and skill in fostering creative spaces.
I can’t wait for the next session to begin!
~Elizabeth
Dear Sue Ann: Your inspired writing circles are a beautiful way to honor and give myself the gift of dedicated time writing and reflecting. You create a safe virtual space for everyone to focus on their own creation as well as listen to and be inspired by others in the group. The simple format of jumping off from your selection of poems for the week, as well as the permission to simply start wherever we are, has built a lovely community of creation out of a common love for words and sharing words. I find it a challenge to set aside time for this kind of creativity in my life, and doing your circles is such a gift to myself.
~Jennifer
Each session of our Soul Inspired Writing Circle has been something of a revelation. We may be from different cultures, backgrounds and places (America, Canada, Sweden!) but what we find is that we are all relatable to one another. As we tell our stories, share thoughts, we see each other nodding in recognition, smiling or wiping away tears.
This is humanity; this is writing from our souls. Though we will likely never meet in person, we grow to know and care about one another very deeply. We are each other’s’ safe place.
On a personal level, I am amazed by the places my mind takes me after hearing the poem, and how quickly. The workings of the heart, soul and brain remain mysterious to me. In this circle I have found new friends and learned more about myself.
Thank you Sue Ann for all you do.
~Debby
I’ve always loved the saying “we all need a soft place to land” when working through the challenges of life. During the years of COVID, I needed this soft place more than ever. I am so grateful to have found it in your soul inspired writing circles. Your special affinity with poetry, your joy in sharing this passion, your gentle holding of space for our writing and sharing were the warm embrace that held me there. Thank you, Sue Ann.
~ Deb
Your writing groups are like no other group writing experience I’ve had. Your thoughtfully chosen poems and practice of deep, respectful listening open the door to musings from whimsical to profound finding their way to the page. Every session is rich and honoring, and every series has been quietly transformative. I am eternally grateful for your heartfelt tending and this nurturing practice.”
~ Lynn
I find so much joy, meaning and love in your circle. It’s an opportunity to both be both human and great at the same time, something that isn’t often available in the world. I call your Soul Inspired Writing circle writing heaven. Why? Because it is a sacred place where I bring paper and pen, and you bring love, dedication and inspired poems. The witnessing process brings an opportunity for deep connection within myself and with other writers like me.
~ Virginia
Right here right now I am sitting on a rug on the floor wedged between the sofa and a coffee table. Candles on the table are aglow for encouragement. Meanwhile six heads on the iPad in front of me are bowed, intent on writing. It’s strange. We really don’t know one another yet, week after week, soul is slowly revealed through our writing and in that way we come to know one another well.
I am amazed how often I resonate with what someone else has written. How I recognize myself in ‘the listening’ to their words. It is comforting, insightful and enriching. I often find myself smiling and nodding, or feeling concern in empathy. I wish to thank everyone and, in particular, Sue Ann for the gifted grace to be found in coming together in this way.
~ Nanna
Soul inspired writing has softened my heart and mind, sharpened my perceptions and made me long for Thursdays. I love the way you show me the way to hidden places in my mind and make them visible. How all is here at the same time, how time really is NOT linear. There, in your inner landscape you may find some meadows, some dark forests, occasional ponds. Stroll around, dive in, the poems will lead you.
~ Titti
The process of meeting weekly and writing from my heart is beginning to alter something inside me. I’m feeling a strong desire to slow down, to quietly contemplate what I want to say, understanding that this writing process is allowing me to be more of who I really am, to be more my authentic self. The writing we’re doing (and sharing) is creating a space that allows me to feel connected with myself and others in a way I haven’t felt in a long time. I’m full of gratitude.
~ Julie
Dear Sue Ann, you are a master at holding space. I feel safe and nourished every time I join you in one of your circles. Soul inspired writing is such a beautiful practice. It’s the perfect medicine for these times. Your poetic invitations to our inner landscapes truly fill me up. So grateful for you!!
~Cami
