Writing the Sacred Journey: An Introduction to Spiritual Memoir
with Elizabeth Jarrett Andrew
Write memories, grow in spirit.
Your experiences are unique, significant, and shot through with holiness. Why not write them down? Writing is a way to nurture the sacred dimension of your memories, participate in the creation of your identity, and offer others through your presence and stories the blessing of your evolving truth.
You’re invited to participate in this two week, self-paced introduction to the art and spiritual practice of writing memoir. We’ll ask, “What is memoir, and how is it different from autobiography? What makes memoir spiritual? How can the practice of writing memoir, either for an audience or for no audience, support spiritual growth?” Using writing exercises and readings from model writers, we will start with the basics. We will also discuss how to sustain the practice moving forward.
Give yourself the gift of your unique and sacred story.
Dates:
June 1-15th, with a live Zoom on June 9th at 7pm.
Access to course will be available until June 30th.September 1st-14th, with a live Zoom with Elizabeth TBD.
Access to course will be available until October 2nd.
Course Details
This class is self-paced, including lectures from Elizabeth, timed writing prompts, readings, online forums with Elizabeth, and a one-hour live zoom call. Plan to spend 6-10 hours to complete.
The course runs from June 1st-15th. Materials will be available until June 30th.
Required Text
Writing the Sacred Journey introduces the art and practice of spiritual memoir, providing practical advice on how to overcome writing obstacles as well as guidance for transforming the writing process into a spiritual practice.
FAQs & More Information
How does the online format of this class work?
The class is hosted on an online platform which is also the home to our Writing Community. Once you create a profile and login, you’ll be directed into the course table of contents, where a progression of lessons will use videos, readings, writing prompts, discussion questions, and supplemental resources to introduce the art and practice of writing spiritual memoir. Once during the course, Elizabeth hosts an hour zoom call to answer questions and dig deeper into any topics of interest. Lessons build on chapters from the required text, Writing the Sacred Journey.
You are also welcome to explore the free Gifts of Writing Microcourse on the platform which serves as the gateway into Eye of the Heart Center’s ongoing writing community. You can find this course in the sidebar.
How much time should I set aside for this course?
If you work through all the materials, we estimate the course takes 5-8 hours, depending on how much time you spend writing.
It is all self-paced or are there any synchronous portions?
This course is primarily self-paced, meaning you will move through the lessons at your own rate. Elizabeth hosts one optional live Zoom call for Q&A, which is recorded and posted afterward in the course.
How long are the teaching videos?
The videos range between 5-15 minutes each.
Is there homework or deadlines?
We recommend completing writing prompts, readings, and discussion questions as you move through the lessons; however, there aren’t any deadlines. While we formally run the course from the 1st through the 12th of the month, you will maintain access to the material for the rest of the month so you have plenty of time to review any materials. Elizabeth only responds to questions and conversations while the course is active.
Will I meet other participants?
Yes! The platform is first and foremost a community platform, and conversations in the course can continue through direct messages. The Zoom call is also a good opportunity to connect with kindred writers.
Are there opportunities for feedback in this class?
No. This course emphasizes learning the basics of the genre and getting started. If you’re interested in feedback, we recommend Elizabeth’s revision classes or joining the online writing community, where Elizabeth regularly launches new feedback groups.
The confirmation email says the class starts at 8AM on the start date. Do I have to be online/on Zoom at that time?
Not at all. That is simply a placeholder for our scheduling software. At that time, you’ll receive an email from us with a link to join the online course space, where the course is ready and waiting for you to begin anytime you are ready.
Will this be held again in the future?
Yes! We are running a session once/quarter. To stay informed of this and our other upcoming writing classes and programs, please sign up for our newsletter. You can also sign up for Elizabeth’s monthly newsletter here, or to receive weekly prompts from her here.
Listen to Elizabeth talk more about Writing the
Sacred Journey online:
Pay What You Can
Please register at the price best suited to your financial situation.
Contact Elizabeth if the financial barrier is too great.
Base
$200 - This amount supports Elizabeth Jarrett Andrew and Eye of the Heart Center.
Scholarship
$175 - This amount reflects a discount for those who need it. Please do not use if you are able to pay more without issue.
Scholarship Support
$225 - This amount is for those who can afford to give above the basic cost as a way to cover those needing a discount.
Looking for practice sessions to deepen your spiritual memoir writing?
About Your Facilitator
Elizabeth Jarrett Andrew is a wisdom teacher and writing coach dedicated to facilitating creative emergence.
As a writer she elicits the spirit’s movement within stories; as a teacher she supports transformation within writers and on the page. She received her MFA in creative nonfiction from Hamline University, her spiritual direction training from the Center for Spiritual Guidance, and her contemplative formation from the Center for Action and Contemplation’s Living School. She is the author of the spiritual memoir Swinging on the Garden Gate, now in its second edition; the long-form essay, Map to Mercy. the novel Hannah, Delivered; a collection of personal essays, On the Threshold: Home, Hardwood, and Holiness; and two books on writing: Living Revision: A Writer’s Craft as Spiritual Practice, winner of the silver Nautilus Award, and Writing the Sacred Journey: The Art and Practice of Spiritual Memoir. You can connect with Elizabeth at www.spiritualmemoir.com and www.elizabethjarrettandrew.com.
