Writing Practice, Spiritual Practice
Discover how to construct a well-crafted spiritual memoir—one that honors the author's interior and sacred story. Provides practical advice on how to overcome writing obstacles and work through drafts.- Visit Elizabeth Andrew online and read more about spiritual memoir.
- Find out about classes and workshops taught by the author.
- Read other writing guides and memoirs published by Skinner House Books.
- Read a Q&A with Elizabeth Andrew.
- Learn about the three qualities of spiritual memoir.
- Read an essay on the genre.
Sample Exercises from "Writing the Sacred Journey: The Art and Practice of Spiritual Memoir"
- Consider a simple memory that haunts you. Make two lists: what you know and what you don't know about the memory. What items from each list interest you most? Write a short paragraph reflecting on the two items.
- Write down a question you wish you knew the answer to. Then write a memory that helps explain the origin of the question. What happened that made this question important? As you write, pay attention to how the story illuminates the question.
- Make a list of all the grand questions in your life. (What happens when we die? Why did you mother abandon you? What exactly does it mean to forgive?) Add to this list questions about the minute mysteries of life (Why do people hiccup? How will I get the phone bill paid?). Reflect on what it means to love these questions.
- Write the story of the day you were born. Make it as wild or realistic as you like, but be sure the details are in keeping with the truth of your entrance into the world. What happened? What didn't happen?
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Last updated on Wednesday, June 2, 2010.
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