Welcome to “Polishing Your Mirror: Self-Care for Writers”

Writing can feel like opening a vein and letting the blood flow, which is often frustrating and lonely. This symposium will be overflowing with ideas for self-care, specifically directed toward helping writers to find workable solutions on three levels, body, mind, and soul.

Self-care is about creating and following specific “rules” that apply to each individual which will encourage behaviors to help that individual find physical, mental, and spiritual health and happiness. Our experts are all accomplished and successful writers in their own fields. They also are skilled in assisting people to find joy and achievement in self-care.  

In this symposium, we delve into the importance of self-care in the writing process. We believe that a healthy mind is the birthplace of creativity, and it’s crucial for writers to prioritize their mental health to unlock their full potential.

Our sessions will cover a range of topics, from managing writing-induced stress to maintaining a balanced lifestyle amidst deadlines. We’ll hear from accomplished authors who have mastered the art of self-care and are eager to share their strategies with you.

Remember, writing is not just about the end product; it’s about the journey. And we’re here to ensure your journey is as fulfilling and stress-free as possible. Join us in exploring the intersection of creativity and self-care at the Writer’s Self-Care Symposium. We can’t wait to see you there!

The Self-Care for Writers Symposium was so informative! Six amazing experts spoke for over twelve hours to help writers gain an understanding of their Body, Mind, and Soul relationship, to show us how to overcome writer’s block, frustration, rejection, and loneliness.

The videos of the symposium are available for purchase.

Our symposium includes:

• Two days of instruction with over 15 hours of information.
• Six speakers successful in both writing and self-care (See information on speakers below!)
• Ability to purchase all videos
• Opportunities to receive additional benefits from each speaker, whether a handout or a coaching session
• Ability to receive information about future symposiums
• A $500+ value!

March 23-24, 2024 Symposium

Welcome and Introduction — Sally Hamer

Slay Your Procrastination Dragon! – Margie Lawson

Procrastination happens. It steals our productivity and squashes our passion. Join me and learn what fears paralyze you. Learn where you stall in the six stages of change. Learn what contributes to your procrastination. You’ll learn how to slay that dragon and power your way to success!

Empowering Writers: Self-defense of the Creative Mind – Susan Watts

The relevance of self-defense to writers extends far beyond physical combat; it encompasses equipping ourselves with the mental and emotional tools crucial for overcoming obstacles hindering our creative journey. We’ll delve into physical aspects while shedding light on strategies to empower the creative mind, equipping writers to navigate the turbulent seas of creativity with strength and resilience.

Digital Detox: Stepping Away to Fire your Creativity – Lisa Norman

This journey begins with recognizing the double-edged sword that is our online world – a powerful tool that can easily become a hindrance. We’ll delve into the effects of tech-related habits, such as excessive screen time and sedentary behavior, exploring how they constrict our perspectives and harm our health. The highlight of our voyage? Discovering the transformative power of digital detoxification. By stepping away from the digital world, we open the door to a realm of unleashed creativity. Embark on this adventure to balance your digital life and ignite your creative potential.

Discover & Experience the Power of the Unconscious (Part 1) – Holly Lasky

Where in your life are you doing the same thing over and over and not getting the results you want? What is really important to you? What if you could move easily and effortlessly from hard work and being stuck in automatic to confidence, motivation and empowered choice? What would the impact be on your creativity and your life? Come explore the power of the unconscious. Find out who is really running the show and how to understand and optimize your conscious and unconscious mind.

Owning the Hero’s Journey!: Applying it to Us – Sally Hamer

The Hero’s Journey is often used by writers as the basis of story plot but did you know that it also—and originally—is the basis of our own lives? Come take the Journey of your life, based on age-old archetypes and symbology. You’ll be amazed by the correlations you’ll find and discoveries you’ll make that will help you create the life you’ve always wanted!

Gentle Movement for Writers – Rebecca J. Clark

This is an interactive class to help you loosen up all the muscles that get stiff and tight after spending hours in front of your computer or at your desk. Wear comfortable clothing, but don’t worry—it’s nothing strenuous!

Personal Safety – Susan Watts

Personal safety is not just physical but also a shield guarding against stress, self-doubt, and online harassment, infiltrating the intricate labyrinth of the mind. In this digital age, the battleground has expanded to the virtual realm, exposing writers to a darker side of faceless adversaries. Thus, self-defense in the world of words becomes imperative—cultivating mental resilience, fortifying against stress, nurturing self-belief, and erecting barriers against online hostility.

Becoming a Healthier Writer – Rebecca J. Clark

This class will include dozens of realistic and doable tips and tricks to improve your mental, physical, and emotional health as it pertains to your writing business.

Discover & Experience the Power of the Unconscious (Part 2) – Holly Lasky

See for yourself, hear the answers to your questions, and actively experience the power of your unconscious mind. We will have fun and practice valuable neuro-hacks to create instant motivation and confidence. We will explore what is really important to you and find out what is driving your life consciously and unconsciously.

A Private Conversation: Writing to Heal – Sally Hamer

Did you know that journaling is not just about a list of events? It can also be a powerful, life-changing tool for clearing old wounds and creating new, healthy pathways to the future. This “private conversation” can help you to express hidden feelings as an adult and imagine the life you’ve dreamed of.

Know Your Style, Work Your Strengths! – Margie Lawson

Your personality style impacts your writing and your writing world. Take my one-page style assessment. You’ll learn how to optimize your strengths and how to keep your un-strengths from getting in your way. Bonus! You can use this style assessment for your characters too.

Digital Wellness for Writers: Mastering Healthy Habits in a Tech-Driven World – Lisa Norman

This class is your guide to navigating the digital landscape as a writer. We’ll start by introducing you to tools and strategies designed to minimize stress and maximize productivity in your writing journey. Discover how to use tools effectively for scheduling marketing tasks, and learn the benefits of bouncing ideas off of digital assistants. We’ll encourage you to take time to understand your technology, make deliberate choices about where to invest your time, and avoid unnecessary digital distractions. This class isn’t about following the crowd. It’s about making active choices that best serve your career. Join us on this journey. Learn to use technology to your advantage, not your detriment.

Speakers