Explore how to connect your inner and outer worlds through writing. In this contemplative workshop we’ll combine mindfulness practices with writing as a tool for discovery and transformation. These exercises also stimulate the creative process and open the mind / heart to new possibilities, freeing the natural flow of our writing voice.

As a spiritual practice, writing holds great potential for transformation. As a mindfulness practice, writing makes us more intimate with our inner and outer worlds. Perhaps you want to use writing in your work as a spiritual companion, or wish to use the written word to share your story and ideas with others? Or perhaps you just want a different but very simple, creative way to listen more deeply to the still, small voice within? Either way, join us! No writing experience required. Just bring a notepad and pen and be ready to write!

OPTIONAL ASSIGNMENT for the SDI WRITER’S INSTITUTE

For participants who have a book manuscript in process or the germ of a book idea.

During our session we will have time to hear two or three volunteers present a 100 – 200 word elevator pitch of their book idea for feedback from Tania and Sean. The intention is to help writers refine and focus their book idea and the way they pitch it.

If you want to volunteer, please email your elevator pitch to us on / by April 18 to [email protected]

We will let you know in advance, on April 19, if we will call on you to read your elevator pitch live in the session.

We only have time for two or three pitches in our session, so we regret we may not be able to respond to everyone’s pitch.

ELEVATOR PITCH – how to do it

Imagine that you find yourself in an elevator with the publishing editor or literary agent of your dreams. What would you tell him or her about your book project, in the time that it takes to travel 20 floors together? How will you hook their interest and convey the book idea succinctly so they ask to see the manuscript?

Your elevator pitch will be between 100 – 200 words. Absolutely no more – do a word count to check it! (This will take 30 – 60 seconds to speak – the time the elevator rides up those floors, before the editor steps out and is on her way…)

Write it as if you were describing your book / your story  to someone who doesn’t know the first thing about your subject. It will be pithy, concrete and specific, but will also convey your passion. (And your expertise, if relevant to the subject.)

Depending on the book, you might summarize: What journey does the book take us on? What is the story? What do we learn? What is the take-away for readers?

Remember to say what genre/form your project is – memoir, non-fiction, novel, etc.

We know elevator pitches are tough so please don’t stress, and keep it simple – it’s supposed to be fun! We will be kind in our constructive feedback to help you refine your pitch.

Even if you’re not thinking of publishing, this is a good exercise to help you focus on any project you have in mind. Even if you plan to self-publish, you will need to be able to sum up your book in this elevator pitch style for promotion.