The Writer's Journey with Laura Davis Podcast

This is the start of a new feature on my Substack: Midweek Pause for Peace. I’ll pair a beautiful image with a poem—a little something for your heart and your nervous system.—LauraSometimes it feels like there’s nothing we can do, but we can always send love. This poem by Carrie Newcomer is a great demonstration of that.Carrie Newcomer is a songwriter, poet & podcast co-host with 19 nationally released CDs and 3 books of poetry. She often catches something luminous from the corner of her eye, chuckles at things no one is noticing & lives in the woods with 2 rescue dogs. Learn more and support her work at carrienewcomer.substack.com.If you'd like to regularly receive Laura's posts and poems, you can subscribe to her Substack: https://laurasaridavis.substack.com/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurasaridavis.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Laura explores when chaos and uncertainty feel overwhelming and how identifying what remains constant offers refuge. Discover a powerful writing prompt that helps restore perspective in stressful times.You can find information about Laura’s writing classes, workshops, and international retreats at: https://lauradavis.net/Subscribe to The Writer's Journey with Laura Davis on Substack to receive regular posts like these, as well as beautifully curated poems, essays, and photographs to build courage, resilience and creativity.You can subscribe here: https://laurasaridavis.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurasaridavis.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Laura explores a powerful meditation on balancing awareness of painful truths with seeking beauty in times of global crisis, ending with a reflective writing prompt for readers.You can find information about Laura’s writing classes, workshops, and international retreats at: https://lauradavis.net/Subscribe to The Writer's Journey with Laura Davis on Substack to receive regular posts like these, as well as beautifully curated poems, essays, and photographs to build courage, resilience and creativity.You can subscribe here: https://laurasaridavis.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurasaridavis.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode Laura confronts unexpected fears while renewing her passport in a changed America, concluding with reflective writing prompts for readers.You can find information about Laura’s writing classes, workshops, and international retreats at: https://lauradavis.net/Subscribe to The Writer's Journey with Laura Davis on Substack to receive regular posts like these, as well as beautifully curated poems, essays, and photographs to build courage, resilience and creativity.You can subscribe here: https://laurasaridavis.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurasaridavis.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Author Laura Davis shares a powerful poetry-based writing prompt to help you discover joy despite challenging times. Features poem by Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer.Dedicated to helping others explore creative practice, Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer is an American poet, associated with Colorado. She was Poet Laureate of San Miguel County, Colorado from 2006–2010, and was named Poet Laureate of Colorado's Western Slope by the Telluride Institute from 2015–2017. You can subscribe to Rosemerry’s daily poems here.You can find information about Laura’s writing classes, workshops, and international retreats at: https://lauradavis.net/Subscribe to The Writer's Journey with Laura Davis on Substack to receive regular posts like these, as well as beautifully curated poems, essays, and photographs to build courage, resilience and creativity.You can subscribe here: https://laurasaridavis.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurasaridavis.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Laura provides this guided writing prompt to help you transform anxiety into resilience. Explore your unique sources of strength—from ancestral wisdom to personal experiences—during politically turbulent times.You can find information about Laura’s writing classes, workshops, and international retreats at: https://lauradavis.net/Subscribe to The Writer's Journey with Laura Davis on Substack to receive regular posts like these, as well as beautifully curated poems, essays, and photographs to build courage, resilience and creativity.You can subscribe here: https://laurasaridavis.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurasaridavis.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Laura's powerful story shows how the grit we develop overcoming personal challenges equips us with the resilience needed to face today's uncertain world.You can find information about Laura’s writing classes, workshops, and international retreats at: https://lauradavis.net/Subscribe to The Writer's Journey with Laura Davis on Substack to receive regular posts like these, as well as beautifully curated poems, essays, and photographs to build courage, resilience and creativity.You can subscribe here: https://laurasaridavis.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurasaridavis.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Laura shares an intimate exploration of living on life's precipice: facing personal challenges, political upheaval, & a transformative writing prompt to explore your own edges.You can find information about Laura’s writing classes, workshops, and international retreats at: https://lauradavis.net/Subscribe to The Writer's Journey with Laura Davis on Substack to receive regular posts like these, as well as beautifully curated poems, essays, and photographs to build courage, resilience and creativity.You can subscribe here: https://laurasaridavis.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurasaridavis.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Laura shares her unexpected revelation as a cancer survivor. After 18 years cancer-free, my mammogram showed something concerning. Surprisingly, facing mortality isn't what terrifies me now—it's our divided world. You can find information about Laura’s writing classes, workshops, and international retreats at: https://lauradavis.net/Subscribe to The Writer's Journey with Laura Davis on Substack to receive regular posts like these, as well as beautifully curated poems, essays, and photographs to build courage, resilience and creativity.You can subscribe here: https://laurasaridavis.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurasaridavis.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Laura explores powerful techniques to reclaim joy amid chaos with this inspirational writing exercise. Learn how to celebrate life's small pleasures despite uncertainty.You can find information about Laura’s writing classes, workshops, and international retreats at: https://lauradavis.net/Subscribe to The Writer's Journey with Laura Davis on Substack to receive regular posts like these, as well as beautifully curated poems, essays, and photographs to build courage, resilience and creativity.You can subscribe here: https://laurasaridavis.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurasaridavis.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Laura explores how when devastation rains down from those in power, our resistance rises. This fierce essay declares what remains untouchable despite the ease of destruction.You can find information about Laura’s writing classes, workshops, and international retreats at: https://lauradavis.net/Subscribe to The Writer's Journey with Laura Davis on Substack to receive regular posts like these, as well as beautifully curated poems, essays, and photographs to build courage, resilience and creativity.You can subscribe here: https://laurasaridavis.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurasaridavis.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Laura shares a personal how a story of women supporting each other through community inspires a thoughtful writing prompt on building meaningful connections as acts of resistance in uncertain times.You can find information about Laura’s writing classes, workshops, and international retreats at: https://lauradavis.net/Subscribe to The Writer's Journey with Laura Davis on Substack to receive regular posts like these, as well as beautifully curated poems, essays, and photographs to build courage, resilience and creativity.You can subscribe here: https://laurasaridavis.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurasaridavis.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Laura explores how daily walks in nature offer peaceful perspective during political uncertainty, reminding us our troubles are just a moment in the vast timeline of existence. You can find information about Laura’s writing classes, workshops, and international retreats at: https://lauradavis.net/Subscribe to The Writer's Journey with Laura Davis on Substack to receive regular posts like these, as well as beautifully curated poems, essays, and photographs to build courage, resilience and creativity.You can subscribe here: https://laurasaridavis.substack.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurasaridavis.substack.com/subscribe

You may wonder why you should bother to use writing prompts—let’s face it; a lot of typical ones are boring. You may also assume that prompts are only appropriate for beginners; but I’ve found them invaluable for writers at every level. In my decades responding to prompts and creating and personalizing them for my students, I’ve learned a lot about what makes an effective, compelling, truth-producing prompt.Listen now to discover what I learned.You can find Laura Davis at: https://lauradavis.net/Ready to join Laura's community of writers and begin your own journey of authentic storytelling?Subscribe now at: https://laurasaridavis.substack.comGet weekly essays, writing prompts, and access to a supportive community of writers dedicated to truth-telling and creative expression. Paid subscribers receive additional craft lessons, student work analysis, and audio versions of all posts.Join thousands of writers who have found their voices through Laura's guidance. Your story matters, and your voice deserves to be heard. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurasaridavis.substack.com/subscribe

The Writer's Journey Podcast Notes - Episode: Meet Laura DavisEpisode OverviewIn this intimate introduction episode, seven-time bestselling author Laura Davis welcomes listeners to The Writer's Journey and shares her remarkable story of transformation from trauma survivor to internationally recognized writing teacher and memoir specialist.About Laura DavisLaura Davis is a seven-time bestselling author, memoir writer, writing teacher, and workshop leader who has dedicated four decades to helping writers find their authentic voices. Known as "a midwife of stories," Laura creates safe, sacred communities for writers worldwide—both online and in beautiful destinations around the globe.Laura's Literary AchievementsLaura Davis is the author of The Burning Light of Two Stars, the story of her loving, tumultuous relationship with her mother, and six other non-fiction books that have transformed lives worldwide.Notable Publications:The Courage to Heal - Paved the way for hundreds of thousands of women to heal from sexual abuse traumaBecoming the Parent You Want to Be - Helped parents develop a vision for the families they want to createI Thought We'd Never Speak Again: The Road from Estrangement to Reconciliation - Taught essential skills of reconciliation and peace building, one relationship at a timeThe Burning Light of Two Stars: A Mother-Daughter Story-Tells the story of Laura's estrangement and reconciliation with her mother; how she ended up taking care of a mother who betrayed her in the pastMedia & Speaking:Published in Publisher's Weekly, Writer's Digest, CrimeReads, Brevity, and The New York TimesFeatured in The Los Angeles Review of BooksPopular podcast guest on QWERTY, Write-Minded, and dozens of other showsFeatured speaker for The National Association of Memoir WritersCraft teacher at The San Miguel Writer's ConferenceTeaching Excellence: For more than thirty years, Laura has dedicated herself to teaching writers how to find their voices, tell their stories, and hone their craft. She creates supportive, intimate writing communities online, in person, and through international writing adventures that combine cultural learning with creative development.Key Topics DiscussedThe Power of Healing Through WritingLaura shares her journey from being a 28-year-old incest survivor to co-authoring the groundbreaking book "The Courage to Heal" with Ellen Bass in 1988. This book became a runaway bestseller and provided the first comprehensive map of the healing process for sexual abuse survivors.Core Messages of The Courage to Heal:You are not aloneIt wasn't your faultYou can heal and thriveThere is a way out of the painFrom Trauma to TransformationLaura discusses her evolution from being defined by trauma to creating a full, rich life beyond survival. She shares how she eventually stepped away from writing about sexual abuse to focus on living fully—building a family, writing about parenting, reconciliation, and caring for aging parents.The Writer's Journey CommunityLaura explains her vision for creating safe, sacred spaces for creativity and connection, especially crucial during times of uncertainty and turmoil.Featured Segment: "Make a Commitment to Beauty"Laura emphasizes that beauty is not optional—it's "oxygen for our tattered nervous systems." She encourages listeners to pause and savor beautiful moments as an essential survival skill.Testimonials"Laura is gentle, kind, thoughtful and rigorous--it's clear she's here for us to get the full benefit of what we signed up for." - Gavriella Delgado"Mountainous in humanity, skill, depth, breadth. That's Laura. As soulful as she is grounded." - Caroline W"Laura is a magnificent midwife of stories." - Nancy KramerKey TakeawaysHealing is possible - even from the most difficult circumstancesCommunity matters - safe spaces for expression are essentialBeauty is survival - savoring beautiful moments sustains usTruth-telling transforms - authentic storytelling has the power to healWriting is a journey - not just a destinationSubscribe to The Writer's JourneyReady to join Laura's community of writers and begin your own journey of authentic storytelling?Subscribe now at: https://laurasaridavis.substack.comGet weekly essays, writing prompts, and access to a supportive community of writers dedicated to truth-telling and creative expression. Paid subscribers receive additional craft lessons, student work analysis, and audio versions of all posts.Join thousands of writers who have found their voices through Laura's guidance. Your story matters, and your voice deserves to be heard. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurasaridavis.substack.com/subscribe

In this video, I describe in detail:* the benefit of writing prompts* who writing prompts are intended for* the how: crucial steps in successfully responding to a writing prompt* why it’s essential to separate the creator from the editor* how writing prompts can increase your versatility and nimbleness as a writer* what it means to “go for the jugular”* why you should never cross out in a first draft* how to find “the story under the story”* four phrases that will break through any block and help you access deeper material and get you unstuck * why it’s essential to read your work out loudand much more. As always, I invite you to share your responses or your experience with writing practice in the comments.How To Get the Most Out of Writing Prompts: Here’s my advice for how to mine the deepest material in your writing: This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurasaridavis.substack.com/subscribe

Today, I share a favorite poem and a writing prompt inspired by that poem. The poet is Dorianne Laux. I first became aware of her work 40 years ago, when she submitted a poem for publication in the first edition of The Courage to Heal. I’ve followed her work ever since. I love her powerful, eloquent voice.This is one of her poems that I’ve often used as the basis of a writing prompt for my students. What I love about prompts like this is that you can take them anywhere. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurasaridavis.substack.com/subscribe

In this video, I discuss a dozen concrete steps you can take when you’re approaching tough, traumatic or potentially triggering subject matter in your writing. I discuss the following strategies in depth:* Use timed writings and stop when the predetermined time is over. Knowing there is an ending time can give you permission to dive deeply into your writing. Knowing there is a time to stop builds a natural container. Even ten minutes can be intense and revealing. Open-ended writing time can leave you feeling too raw and overwhelmed.* Explore any issues you may have about writing or keeping a journal. Many people are hesitant to write because their writing was criticized or used against them. Others have had journals read and their privacy violated in the past. Here are some tips to strategize working with these issues.* Determine the best time and conditions in which you will write. It’s good to have time to digest and process what comes up in a writing session. If you’re writing about any difficult material or you think challenging material may come up, don’t sandwich your writing right between activities and obligations.* Create rituals to ease yourself in and out of your writing time. Lighting a candle, playing music, sitting in a special spot, prayer, meditation, yoga, or stating an intention are just a few of the ways to mark the beginning or end of an exploratory writing session.* Consider ways to ensure privacy and lack of interruptions. Privacy is essential. Keeping your notebook in a locked drawer, emailing it to a trusted friend, or writing “This is the private journal of….” are several potential ways to find privacy.* Carefully choose people to share your writing with. It’s easy to share inappropriately, revealing too much to people who are not able to respect your words or respond well to the intimacy of the sharing.* Don’t flood yourself by trying to go too fast or too deep. Keep it simple at first. Try one or two exercises at a time. See how they go.* Start with simple open-ended prompts or ‘safer” prompts before moving on to more challenging ones. Save the most intense prompts or scene writing until you’ve established that you can handle the repercussions.* Create a realistic self-care plan. What will you do if you feel triggered by your writing? Come up with strategies for self-care before you need to use them.* Use writing not just to reveal, but also to ground. Consciously choose to write to prompts that enhance resilience, build strength, and reinforce your capacity for joy.* Re-evaluate the appropriateness of writing as a therapeutic tool if you feel flooded or feel overwhelmed by what you write. Make sure you have the necessary self-nurturing skills and resources in place before proceeding.* Notice topics you continually avoid as well as your obsessions. What someone doesn’t write about can be as revealing as the topics they return to again and again.Subscribers, as always, I invite you to share your responses in the comments.The Writer's Journey with Laura Davis is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit laurasaridavis.substack.com/subscribe