Overview

“This isn’t just a class that you take, it’s a way of life that you’re embarking on.” Best-selling author and memoirist Dani Shapiro (Inheritance, Still Writing) invites you into her home (and her writing room) to discover what it truly means to cultivate the life of a writer. Whether you’ve set a goal to get published or are simply looking for a creative outlet, writing can be a healing ritual for all of us. With a calming mindset and easy methods that Dani uses herself, you’ll learn how to care for your gift, honor your need for self-expression, and create a lifelong, sustainable relationship with writing. Explore the three elements of the writing life with Dani: * The Mindset: Unlock the confidence to call yourself a writer and overcome any writer’s block, whether you’re published (yet!) or not. * The Craft: Discover tools and ways of thinking to hone your skills as a writer, and get more words down on the page. * The Practice: Create a ritual around writing that works for you, and learn to prioritize your writing as a sacred space in your life. Plus, each element is paired with a daily writing exercise that you are welcome to adopt in your own practice. Dani even guides you through a brief meditation in real time to help center your mind and jumpstart your writing day. Whether you’re sitting down with pen and paper for the very first time or have been writing steadily for years, this peaceful class will act as a respite for your creativity—a place to reset and recharge, find inspiration, and set your intentions—before you turn to a fresh sheet of paper and begin. Welcome to the writer’s life. This class is open to students of all levels. No writing (or meditation) experience needed—just a pen and paper. Instructor bio: Dani Shapiro is the author of the instant New York Times best selling memoir, Inheritance, which was published in January 2019 by Knopf. Her other books include the memoirs Hourglass, Still Writing, Devotion, and Slow Motion, and five novels including Black & White and Family History. Along with teaching writing workshops around the world, Dani has taught at Columbia and New York University, and is the cofounder of the Sirenland Writers Conference in Positano, Italy. In February of 2019, Dani launched an original podcast, Family Secrets, in collaboration with iHeartMedia. An iTunes Top 10 podcast, the series features stories from guests who—like Dani— have uncovered life-altering and long-hidden secrets from their families’ past. She lives with her family in Litchfield County, Connecticut.

Syllabus

Foundations of Writing for Inner Calm

This module introduces the foundations of writing as a tool for inner calm. Learners will begin with a reflective exercise to explore the connection between memory and writing, then examine the importance of mindset in establishing a calming, sustainable practice. By the end, learners will understand how intention and mental framing set the stage for meaningful writing experiences.

Exploring Craft Through Awareness

This module bridges creativity, craft, and mindfulness. Learners will engage in guided exercises that deepen awareness of daily life as writing material, practice essential craft techniques to give writing structure and resonance, and explore real-time meditation as a tool for grounding the creative process. The result is a more mindful and intentional writing practice.

Building a Sustainable Writing Practice

The final module focuses on sustainability—how to turn writing into a long-term practice that supports emotional well-being. Learners will explore methods for maintaining consistency, reflect on lessons from the course, and leave with a personalized plan for keeping writing as a steady part of their self-care routine.