In Laura’s Words
I write to shine a light on a dim or otherwise pitch black corner…to provide relief for myself and others. It’s the light that I am looking for. And the wonder it illuminates.
May my words land in your heart.
yours, Laura
Modern Love: The Podcast
If you liked the essay, you'll love the book: "This Is Not The Story You Think It Is" After so many people, literally millions, read my Modern Love essay in the New York Times in 2009...and after so many people didn't receive its message, it is just plain manna for this writer to listen...
5 Tips for Powerful Writing
Haven Writing Retreat 2016 Schedule: June 8-12 (STILL ROOM!) June 22-26 (FULL WITH WAIT LIST) September 7-11 September 21-25 October 5-9 October 19-23 If you want to write more powerfully-- no matter whether it's the next great novel or memoir, or simply emails to friends, family and colleagues, journal entries, speeches or presentations for...
Ode to Jim Harrison
Now Booking our Haven Writing Retreat 2016 calendar June 8-12 (still room) June 22-26 (full) September 7-11 September 21-25 October 5-9 October 19-23 Ode to Jim (1937-2016) I have started nearly every day of my writing life by reading some sort of Jim Harrison. A line of poetry, a poem, five poems, a few words in a novel, an essay. I try to keep...
Why You Should Hire an Editor: (or why the teacher must be a student)
Now booking our Haven Writing Retreats Montana 2016 calendar! June 8-12 (booking fast) June 22-26 (booking fast) September 7-11 September 21-25 October 5-9 October 19-23 One of the greatest moments of my life as a teacher and retreat leader happened this fall in my living room. It was my first Haven Writing Workshop, (the advanced Haven Retreat...
What I Learned From My Personal Writing Retreat
Now booking our Haven Writing Retreats Montana 2016 calendar! February 24-28 (full with wait list) June 8-12 June 22-26 September 7-11 September 21-25 October 5-9 October 19-23 That I can go for hours and not speak and don’t miss it at all (and that comes from someone who makes a living speaking). That when I’m this tuned in to my characters,...
Laura’s Best Winter “Food for the Muse” Recipes: Pasta Bolognese
While I am taking this time of dormancy to write, and enjoying what Haven Writing Retreats alums are saying about creativity here on my blog, I am also cooking up a storm! It's the perfect balance to the act of writing because while characters and stories dwell and grow in my mind, with food creation, there is an immediately met trajectory. I...
Laura’s Best “Food for the Muse” Winter Recipes– Pork Tenderloin Wellington
Pork Tenderloin Wellington: A quick and easy meal that is sublime winter comfort food! Ingredients: Pork tenderloin Puff Pastry—thawed but still cool (store-bought is the standard. It's in the freezer section and it only takes a half hour or so to defrost) 2 cups dehydrated apples—not the totally dry kind (that’s me avoiding the word m**st) 4 tbs...
Give a Dream
Happy Holidays, everybody! Haven Writing Retreats in Montana is a powerful, often life-changing experience that we want to share with the people who want it most. Thanks to Go Fund Me, and Fortua.com, you can help send writers to Haven in 2016! The first scholarship is inspired by Haven Writing Retreat alum Kathryn Stockett, writer of the...
Top 7 Values I Learned From My WW II Father
My father was 50 when I was born. I am 49 and holding. I was raised in the decadent 80s. He was raised in the Depression and WWII. He called the Beatles "that strange new band." He couldn't figure out how to "work" my boom box, but it was always too loud. He "listened" to the television. He couldn't deal with how our generation's songs...
Free Fall– An Encounter With an Owl Today
I saw this owl today in our meadow. I've lived in Montana for 25 years on this meadow. We don't see owls during the day. We don't see owls unless we are very lucky and unless we are paying attention. I needed to pay attention today. I was butting up against some things that had me blocked and I needed to stop. And learn. I've learned that the art...
Ten+ reasons why I live in Whitefish, Montana
Haven Retreats: find your stories...find your voice... Haven Writing Retreats: 2015 (full with wait list) 2016 Haven Retreat Calendar: February 24-29 June 8-12 June 22-25 September 7-11 September 21-25 October 5-9 October 19-23 Booking now. (*note: You'd think it has to do with skiing and golfing...but it doesn't.) Because I can go outside to...
My Next Happy
Here's a good question for you: What do I have of value that I can offer the world...which would earn me a consistent living? Here's an essay that will show you one woman's answer. Inspired by The Next Happy, by Tracey Cleantis. A book (and author) I love...and that will help you deconstruct what it is to be happy and apply it to your life! As...
#TenThingsNotToSayToAWriter
If you are looking for your voice, your stories, Haven Retreats is calling you. We still have room in our fall retreats in Montana! You do not have to be a writer to come...just a seeker. September 9-13 (FILLING FAST) September 23-27 (FILLING FAST) October 7-11 October 21-25 #TenThingsNotToSayToAWriter is a trending hashtag on the internet and...
Unplugging (or: How many times do you check Facebook or your email in one hour? The truth hurts.)
Haven Writing Retreats September 9-13 (FILLING FAST) September 23-27 (FILLING FAST) October 7-11 October 21-25 ...When you see a * it means I thought about checking FB or email. When you see a *** it means that I fought and lost. as featured in Huffington Post 50 I do not have ADD or OCD. I’ve always been a highly focused, project-oriented...
A Haven Writing Retreat Loveletter
The 2015 Haven Writing Retreat calendar is full with wait lists, and we are now booking for 2016! (You do NOT have to be a writer to come. Just a seeker, wanting to dig deeper into your voice and stories and set them free under the big sky!) February 24-29 June 8-12 June 22-25 September 7-11 September 21-25 October 5-9 October 19-23 A Day to...
