write with us
free workshop tonight at 7 pm et
The All the Many Layers newsletter has a new home! The newsletter will continue to be a space for resources and reflections that center writing as a tool for healing, growth, and creative courage. I expect that moving the newsletter to Substack will foster more community interaction, so let’s take this adventure together, okay? You can still find free resources here using the password AML2022THRIVE.
In addition to the free features of this newsletter, paid subscribers receive weekly Story Work exercises delivered every Sunday night at 8 pm et, and access to The Practice, our monthly group journaling session with special guests. If you are interested in receiving this weekly flow of self-reflection ideas for your writing practice, and more access to a creative community, consider becoming a paid subscriber.
Hi everyone,
How are you holding all the things these days?
I found comfort in my friend and fellow writer Ashley Coleman’s newsletter this week, where she describes her current state of unrest. “There is a dissonance resounding in my mind as I go through daily life knowing the suffering that exists in places my feet may never touch. That while families mourn senseless killings and hope for hostages to be returned, and while the ash of endless bombings floats through the sky and voices yell out from beneath the rubble, we brush our teeth, comb our hair, and smile on Zoom screen meetings.”
When I was a kid, I believed that I had the power to help others by hurting along with them. I’d sit on the floor at the feet of my grandmother watching the news, collecting bits and pieces of sad stories, disasters and disturbing images. I’d spend time with the fear, pain, and loss of each tragedy; it was a duty I couldn’t control.
I thought, How can I go outside and play when people are starving, suffering, and dying? I haven’t changed much, and I still have a hard time reconciling the extremes. But as an adult, I try to educate myself, be present and aware of what’s going on, so I can figure out how I can authentically engage and be of service. Working as a writer and facilitator of stories are ways that I cope with the heaviness and offer healing spaces to process collective grief.
Today I want to share two upcoming opportunities:
{Tonight} November 3. Free Monthly Writing the Layers Workshop // 7 pm et
November 8. The Practice: Group Journaling Session #9 w/ L’Oreal Thompson Payton // 7 - 8:30 pm et
I hope you will consider joining us to take part in the restorative power of writing in creative community. In tonight’s 60-minute session, we’ll be freewriting and sharing (optional) from the November prompt list. If you know someone who would benefit from a safe space to process life and practice creative courage and expression, I encourage you to share this post with them.
You can also drop in to one of my online workshops for The Writer’s Center and Scribophile this month:
November 12. Creative Recovery and Self-Care for Writers // 1 - 4 pm et
November 14. Turning Memories into Transformational Stories // 1 - 3 pm et
Below I’m sharing more updates and opportunities.
Giveaway. I’m giving away two copies of L’Oreal Thompson Payton’s book Stop Waiting for Perfect leading up to her visit with our community next week! If you’d like to enter to win, you can leave a comment on this post. The giveaway closes this Sunday at midnight eastern standard time.
Subscriptions. Starting next week, the current Layers subscription is moving from Squarespace to Substack. In addition to the free features of this newsletter, subscribers receive weekly Story Work exercises delivered every Sunday night at 8 pm et, and access to The Practice, our monthly group journaling session with special guests. If you are interested in receiving this weekly flow of self-reflection ideas for your writing practice, and more access to a creative community, consider becoming a paid subscriber. (Please note: If you are already a Layers subscriber through Squarespace, you will receive a separate email on this transition.)
Creative Courage. A newly remodeled version of the Creative Courage Writing Intensive is returning in January. This foundational experience is now a three-month group coaching cohort offered in January and June that takes a holistic look at creative courage through the lens of personal storytelling. Participants learn actionable steps for how to nourish the creative process, embrace vulnerability, and find the courage to live a fully expressed life. You can sign up for the waitlist here to express interest and receive early bird pricing and benefits.
Individual Coaching. My 1:1 coaching rates have increased. However, for my newsletter community, the new rates won't kick in until 2024. The overview page reflects the new rates, but as a newsletter subscriber you can use the discount code SOLO23 ($50 off) to get the old rate. For the rest of this year, I have limited availability for a few Boost and Power sessions, and you can contact me about my availability for Momentum sessions starting after the new year. The types of sessions are all detailed on the overview page.