For about the past 2 1/2 years, I have practiced Wild Writing, developed by Laurie Wagner. She has taught it for the last 25 years. My journey began when I left my former position as an English professor and took on work that didn't require as much time outside of work hours or as much of my mental energy. I became intrigued about Wild Writing after seeing a post on Facebook. This practice uses poetry for inspiration—not to create a certain type of writing, like a poem or story, but to tap into your thoughts about your current life, past experiences, and future, uncovering what inside you hasn't otherwise been prompted to surface.

Since poetry and writing have been my life for quite some time now, the idea of writing without a specific goal, but potentially using that writing for other purposes, really appealed to me. I gave it a try, and it soon became a daily practice. Every morning (except weekends), I watched a video of Laurie reading a poem and providing "jump-off" lines. Then I set a timer and wrote for 15 minutes based on those lines and whatever came to mind. I started filling up journals and finding lots of material for poems, essays, etc. Most importantly, I learned more about myself, like how my past influenced my choices, how the path I had taken led me to where I was, and what could be the most fulfilling path for the future. This type of writing isn't meant to provide answers, however. It's more like deep-sea diving: plunging into the depths to uncover treasure, then bringing it to the surface to share with others.

I also started attending Wild Writing sessions online, where Laurie led a class of mostly women who followed the steps I just described but then read their writing to each other, not judging or critiquing it, but just listening attentively and providing positive affirmation. I was surprised by the connections I felt with these women when I shared what I had written from the heart, and they silently showed their support. Listening to them helped me realize some of the different challenges we have, but also how we have similar concerns, preoccupations, reasons for joy, etc. This creates a bond that small talk and even everyday conversation just don't--and with women who would otherwise be strangers or even women we already know.

After experiencing this kind of community online, I was intrigued by a trip Laurie was offering to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. It would involve sitting around a table with women, following the same steps described above, but face-to-face for a couple of hours each day, and having the rest of the time to explore a beautiful World Heritage city. I was amazed at the energy I felt from the women as they shared intimate experiences from their lives with such courage and vulnerability, even crying at times, but being held in a safe space where they could feel accepted and even loved. I was amazed at what I was willing to reveal. Knowing me, you probably would not use the word "demonstrative" to describe me, and writing this way didn't make me more demonstrative outwardly, but it really got me to open up and put it on the page, then share what I had written about thoughts and experiences that I hadn't even shared with friends. That felt courageous and empowering to me. 

Now, after training to be a Wild Writing teacher for the past several months, I want to share this practice with you, calling it Fierce Writing because I believe it takes fierceness to write what is real, honest, and true for you, and then have the courage to share it with others. You are receiving this invitation because I consider you a fierce woman for your involvement in education, the arts, and/or social justice. I believe that if you experience this writing for yourself, you will feel how it can benefit all aspects of your life. Rather than seeming like another task on your to-do list, it will probably become a priority. Most of all, it will put you in touch with yourself and help you form connections with other women that go far deeper than the surface, creating a support system stronger than you could have imagined. We skip the small talk and go straight to the good stuff.

I have two options for you to try it for yourself:

Open House: In this free 90-minute single session on May 23, from 9-10:30 am, via Zoom, you will try out Fierce Writing to see if it suits you. I will send a reminder with the Zoom link and basic instructions (like making sure you have a notebook and a pen). Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/QckYWuRVQA6ka3dBH92GGQ

If you're ready to take the plunge, the Fierce Writing Circle: three 90-minute sessions on May 30, June 6, and June 13, 9-10:30 am, via Zoom, for $60. I will send you the link and a personal message after you send payment here.

I hope you join one or both of these circles so you can feel what it's like to connect with your truest self and with others.

In the meantime, stay fierce!