This is from a talk delivered in Ann Arbor, Michigan on Nov 6, 2009

1. Writing As a Stress Release Debbie Eisenberg Merion, M.S.W essaycoaching.com debbiemerion.com

3. Reading List Annie Lamott-Bird by Bird Julia Cameron-The Right to Write, The Artist’s Way Natalie Goldberg-Writing Down the Bones, Thunder and Lighting

4. Writing Down The Bones

5. Two Techniques Writing Lists Writing Practice

6. Writing Lists Three good moments from yesterday Three things I’m frustrated about Five ways I can reward myself

7. Natalie Goldberg’s Rules of Writing Practice Decide how long you'll write (e.g. 5 or 10 minutes) Set a timer Select a writing prompt Don't cross out Don't worry about spelling, punctuation, grammar Lose control, don't think, don't get logical Go for the jugular, anything that is scary or exciting probably has lots of energy Feel free to write the worst junk in America

8. General Writing Prompts I remember/I don’t remember I want to/I don’t want to I’m thinking of/I’m not thinking of

9. I remember… --a man, (a woman, a child, a teacher) --red (blue) --a scratchy (or wet) feeling --third (or sixth) grade

11. More Specific Writing Prompts Give me your morning, breakfast, waking up, walking to the bus stop. Be specific. Tell about the quality of light coming in the window. Write about swimming, the stars, the most frightened you’ve ever been, the closest you ever felt to God or nature

12. After Writing “How did that feel?” “Were there any phrases/sentences that really resonate with you?” “Would you like to read out loud?” “Thank you”

13. Why Write? “We should write because writing brings clarity and passion to the act of living. Writing is sensual, experiential, grounding. We should write because writing is good for the soul.” –Julia Cameron

14. Debbie Eisenberg Merion 734-646-5985 debbiemerion@gmail.com debbiemerion.com