FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

HOW DOES IT WORK?

We meet on Zoom. I give you writing prompts. Then you write for five to 10 minutes. (I time it). You write as quickly and sloppily as you can. Then you share what you've written and listen to others share what they've written. There's no discussion of the work. Just sharing.

DID YOU DEVELOP THIS?

No. Many others are doing similar work. I learned about Wild Writing through my mentor and teacher Laurie Wagner, who wanted to share this healing practice with others. I even got certified as a Wild Writing teacher. Thanks Laurie! I obviously put my own spin on it since it's a very personal, intimate practice.

BUT I'M NOT A WRITER. CAN I STILL PARTICIPATE?

Actually, that will give you an advantage! Seriously. This practice isn't really about writing. And it's certainly not about writing well. It's about opening a conduit to your subconscious. The more you worry about writing "well," the less you'll get from this practice.

OKAY SO I'M A WRITER. SHOULD I NOT DO THIS?

Absolutely. You'll open yourself up to ideas you never knew you had. But you'll have to work hard on writing poorly.

SO CAN'T I DO THIS ON MY OWN WITH FRIENDS?

Sure. But I find the magic happens when we're in small groups. Personally, I need the structure of a class. I pick out the writing prompts, create the atmosphere as best as one can do on Zoom, and hold everyone accountable.

I'VE NEVER BEEN GOOD WITH CRITIQUE—GIVING OR GETTING

Perfect. We don't critique at all. We don't even discuss what we've written. Sometimes, your words will surprise you. Sometimes, they'll bring tears to your eyes. And sometimes, they'll just be forgettable. It's all good.

I'M SUPER SHY. CAN I JUST LISTEN?

This class is as much about sharing and being heard, as much as it is about listening. It only works if we do both. Sometimes, the shyest amongst us find the experience of being heard, truly empowering.

I HATE HANDWRITING. IS IT COOL IF I USE MY COMPUTER TO TYPE?

I strongly encourage all those who can, to write by hand. There's something really physical about doing that. Also, if you type, you tend to write more than others. However, if you need to use a keyboard, let me know and we'll make it work.

BUT WHAT IF I HAVE NOTHING TO SAY?

Seriously, it’s your brain. And more importantly, it's your heart. You’ll always have something to say. I promise there will be days when you’ll astonish yourself. And these days, there’s a lot to write about. There are days when I really don't feel like I have a lot to say. So I just write whatever comes to me. Often, those are the writes that surprise me.

YIKES. WE HAVE TO READ WHAT WE WROTE? OUT LOUD? ISN'T THAT SCARY?

Yes. Sometimes it's petrifying. That usually means you've written something deep and meaningful. I, personally, thought I’d hate that part: reading my messy, sloppy, bad writing, without polishing it, without taking out the silly, embarrassing bits. But you know what? That’s the power. You get to be heard. You get to listen completely—in a safe place. Also, if you feel it, I promise you others do too. It's healing for them as well. If once in awhile you want to pass, that'll be up to you. But the more you participate, the more you get out of the experience.

IS THIS A WRITING CLASS?

Not really. We use writing, but it's not a writing class. Some writers use the practice to inspire ideas. You're free to use whatever you've written for yourself.

WHAT TOPICS WILL WE WRITE ABOUT? I'M CONCERNED ABOUT TRIGGERING ISSUES.

We write about everything. Because of the nature of this work, there are no off-limit topics. 

WAIT. IS THIS THERAPY?

While it can be healing, it is most definitely NOT therapy and I'm not a therapist. We're not discussing our issues. We're not discussing at all. We just read out loud. You might find that you bring your writing to your own personal therapy. We do, however, pledge to each other complete confidentiality.

HOW MUCH HOMEWORK WILL THERE BE?

None. This is an hour to an hour-and-a-half (depending on the class) just for you.

WHAT IF I TAKE A CLASS AND HATE IT?

If, after the first class, you don't think the class is for you, I'll give you a full refund. If something arises during the course of the class, just talk to me and we'll work it out.