Some exciting news: I’m giving a talk at an upcoming summit called Write Your Own Way. I’ll be presenting on “Finding Guideposts for Your Writing,” which you can watch on February 4th. There’s more details about that below, but in this post I mainly wanted to share talks by some of the other speakers that I’m looking forward to watching myself. These kinds of events can be a little overwhelming, and since I’m familiar with some of the speakers, I thought it might be helpful to share what I see as the standouts.
All talks are free to view from the start time listed through the end of the day on February 4th (or longer if you purchase an All Access pass). That link and the others below do earn me a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you end up purchasing a pass. If you prefer to use a non-affiliate link to learn more about the summit, use this one.
Post-script Feb 12, 2025: The summit has ended, but all the presentations, as well as extras provided by the speakers (free classes and other resources), are available to those who purchase an All Access Pass.
The Write Your Own Way Summit aims to show that there’s no wrong way to be a writer by discussing the diverse, personal, and uniquely creative paths writers take. There are presentations that discuss all kinds of challenges: lack of motivation, trouble finding creative flow, discrimination, a hectic schedule, neurodiversity, failure and rejection, family challenges, depression, ADHD, and chronic illness. There’s also more than a couple talks on less-conventional approaches to the writing process, like making use of your dreams or somatic therapy. Spiritual seekers will find a few presentations of interest. See the full schedule here – there were a few intriguing talks that didn’t have descriptions at the time of this post, so you very well may find a few more gems. Many of the speakers work in the world of fiction rather than poetry, but a lot of the discussion is general to writing itself and I think even those who only write poetry can take away some new insights.
So without further ado, here are the talks that I’m most likely watch or where I recommend the speaker. I share the course description from the summit, in some cases with some personal notes from me:
Choosing Yourself as a Writer with Amie Mcnee – Feb 1, 11 AM EST
In this interview, creativity coach Amie McNee shares her raw, honest journey of choosing herself as a writer – without waiting for permission. Through personal stories of overcoming creative shame and imposter syndrome, McNee reveals how she transformed from desperately seeking validation to confidently self-publishing her work, eventually landing a deal with Penguin. Whether you’re wrestling with self-doubt or seeking the courage to declare yourself a writer, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on creative audacity and the power of backing yourself first. McNee’s insights on navigating silence, managing others’ reactions, and playing the long game will inspire anyone ready to take their place in the creative world – no permission slip required.
An Intro to Finding and Unleashing Your Writing Magic with Monica Hay – Feb 1, 1 PM EST
Unlock your intuitive writing power and learn how to harness your inner wisdom to craft compelling stories. This talk explores writing processes for intuitive brains, busting myths about intuition and providing practical strategies for respecting the intuitive brain so you can unleash your unique writing magic. [My note: Monica is one of the summit organizers, and a coach who focuses on helping neurodiverse fiction writers get their work out into the world. It looks like in this talk, she’ll be sharing some of the thinking behind the ideas that ground this summit. I’m hoping this will be a presentation that helps all kinds of writers feel more empowered.]
Shifting Resistance and Writer’s Block Using Your Body Workshop with Janelle Hardy – Feb 1, 2 PM EST
What if there was a way for your body to become your most trusted creative ally in your writing process? By learning how to use the power of somatic, body-based healing practices to connect with yourself and unblock the resistance you feel in your writing practice, you’ll be able to devote yourself to: writing, instead of trying to figure out how to get the writing flowing; catching yourself before you go into resistance by recognizing how and when your nervous system is asking for your attention, so you can keep writing instead of getting frustrated; completing your projects, instead of looking around in despair at ideas and half-started stories. [My note: Just a couple days ago, I had the opportunity to take this workshop, and it was an interesting approach I hadn’t seen elsewhere – it got me thinking in new ways about the role my body plays in my writing process. If you enjoy meditation and yoga and like exploring the mind-body connection, you’ll find this presentation very helpful.]
Navigating the Space Between Pantser and Plotter with Lewis Jorstad – Feb 2, 3 PM EST
Discover how to write your novel without the pressure of strict plotting or the chaos of “pantsing.” This video explores the “Puzzler” approach – a unique method for writers who thrive on a blend of structure and discovery. Learn how to identify your writing style and develop a process that works for you, even if you don’t fit neatly into the plotter vs. pantser box. [My note: This talk is definitively geared towards fiction writers, but I heard Lewis speak on another topic last month and was impressed by his clear expertise on navigating the publishing world and ability to provide wise yet practical advice. If you yourself write fiction, I heartily recommend that you check out what he has to say.]
Deservitude: A Writer’s Journey from Self-Doubt to Creative Freedom with Leenadria Ubannwa – Feb 2, 4 PM EST
In this workshop, writer and advocate Leenadria creates a safe space for writers to rediscover their voice and creative power. “Deservitude” isn’t just about writing – it’s about embracing your fundamental right to create, dream, and tell your stories, especially when life feels overwhelming. Perfect for writers at any stage who feel their creative voice silenced by circumstance, self-doubt, or life’s unexpected turns. Together, we’ll explore how to honor your creative spirit even in the midst of chaos and build a supportive framework for your artistic journey.
How to Write Consistently and with Joy with Rhonda Douglas – Feb 3, 12 PM EST
Create a writing life you love! In this talk, you’ll learn the habits and techniques to help you write consistently and with joy throughout your writing life, no matter what obstacles or struggles are currently keeping you from the page. [My note: I’ve seen a couple of Rhonda’s talks and have found she always gives detailed, helpful, and clear advice.]
The Intuitive Writer’s Ritual with Dani Fankhauser – Feb 3, 4 PM EST
Everyone has intuition, and uses it to some extent when writing. But, what is intuition, exactly? The first type of intuition is our subconscious superpower that makes nonlinear connections between everything we’ve read and experienced. The other two types of intuition lean more mystical and magical. The good news — no matter how intuitive you think you are, there are simple and fun practices that can enhance intuition in your writing. Dani will share her three-step framework for getting into “creative flow” to help you write more intuitively, which means your writing sessions are more productive, and also produce writing that is more eloquent.
Writing as a Single Mom and Woman of Color with Taneet Grewal – Feb 4, 10 AM EST
Discover how a single mom and woman of color navigates the unique challenges of pursuing her writing career. Learn about her journey of self-discovery, overcoming cultural expectations, and finding her voice and learning to take up space. This conversation explores the power of creativity and healing, how to overcome mom guilt, and the transformative power of turning pain into purpose. Writers from all types of backgrounds would benefit from Taneet’s wisdom.
My own talk, Finding Guideposts for Your Writing, launches on February 4th at 1 PM EST. I present a framework for exploring your identity as a writer and gaining clarity on what you want to achieve, so that you can better navigate all the decisions you have to make as part of your writing life. You’ll learn a series of exercises that will help you more deeply understand your relationship with your readers and choose a writing pace that aligns with your strengths, your resources, and your writing career goals. I hope to see some of you there!
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