When: Friday, March 2, 6:00pm-7:30pm
Saturday, March 3, 9:30am-3:30pm (Lunch break at noon)
Sunday, March 4, 9:30am-3:30pm (Lunch break at noon)
Where: Iowa Writers' House, 332 East Davenport St
Cost: $265
ABOUT THE WORKSHOP
Writing is inherently lonely, as anyone who’s sat staring at a page (or a computer screen) waiting for inspiration can corroborate. But that solitude also has great spiritual potential. In this course, we’ll explore ways to stay spiritually centered as a writer, regardless of your subject matter.
You’ll be asked to share a piece of writing that’s on a spiritual topic or relates in some way to your spiritual path. During the weekend we’ll try out some mindfulness techniques that can prepare us for writing and share stories about how the creative process is intertwined with questions of meaning and purpose. You don’t have to be a member of a faith community to participate—all seekers are welcome.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR
Lori Erickson (http://lorierickson.net/) is one of the country’s top travel writers specializing in spiritual journeys. Her memoir Holy Rover: Journeys in Search of Mystery, Miracles, and God (Fortress Press) explores the transformative power of travel through trips to a dozen holy sites around the world. The Associated Press named it one of the top travel books for the 2017 holiday gift season. Her articles have been published in publications that include National Geographic Traveler, Family Circle, USA Today, Woman’s Day, and House Beautiful.
INSTRUCTOR INSPIRATION STATEMENT
For a long time I kept my interests in writing and spirituality separate, until I realized how much these two paths have in common. Both require discipline, vision, and leaps of faith into the unknown, and both play with metaphor and imagination in a search for hidden truths.
For me, the intersection of travel and spirituality has provided particularly rich inspiration. Pilgrimage, one of the oldest forms of travel, is being rediscovered by a new generation, often by people who are disillusioned by traditional forms of religion. In my Holy Rover memoir I link my inner pilgrimage to outer journeys I’ve taken, hoping that my experiences might encourage others to take similar explorations of the spirit.
Through the years I’ve learned that certain spiritual practices, especially meditation and prayer, have helped me become a better writer. They’ve given me ways to slow down, center, and notice the world around me, and they’ve also helped me weather the inevitable rejections and disappointments of the writing life.
The ancient Greeks, who honored the Muses who brought inspiration to writers, knew something we’ve forgotten. All of us can benefit from incorporating spiritual insights into our writing practice.
Everyone has a story to tell. If you are financially unable to attend this workshop, scholarships are available through our generous partners and donors. Apply here.
APPLY FOR A SCHOLARSHIP
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All course information is sent to participants upon registering including confirmation of workshop times, location, and materials. Our workshop cancellation policy can be found here: http://www.iowawritershouse.org/cancellation-policy