The workshop was warm and welcoming. The breathing and stretching exercises encouraged relaxation and focus. The writing prompts were specific enough to be centering while allowing for imaginative wandering. The varied styles, approaches and voices heard during the sharing sessions were thought-provoking. The entire experience reminded me of why I like to write and encouraged me both to keep at it and to take some chances with new approaches. Highest recommendations.

Donna and Joanne have designed writing workshops that fill the vacuum digital tech has created. I have attended four of their workshops and am looking forward to the next one.

The beauty of these workshops is that individuals not only write about their lives, memories, hopes, and dreams but also share their writing—though sharing is optional.

I was amazed to find participants intently listening to each other. One could feel others relating to the written word. These workshops promote authentic communication that goes beyond staccato words and phrases to the heart of who each of us is as a person with a personal point of view, and a history that allows others to relate to us on a deeply personal level.

I’ve attended three ZenWise writing workshops and am scheduled for another. Donna and Joanne provide a warm, nurturing environment and prompts that motivate the writer to take a leap. The sharing is voluntary and meaningful… and offers encouragement and feedback. The stretching and balance exercises enable a peaceful beginning and useful breaks throughout the day.

After years of writing things for work that qualify as “have to do” writing, it’s a singular pleasure to take time for the “want to do” writing. A nice bonus is meeting others who are also working on pieces and sharing them.

I recommend coming for a workshop – it’s a treat for head, heart, and soul.

I enjoyed my first Zenwise workshop with Donna and Joanne at the Cape May Nature Center. A perfectly sunny day by the waterway, this was a lovely space to get back in touch with my writing self. The group was supportive and very talented and provided inspiration to put thoughts to the page. A unique experience and hopefully the first of many.

While the light yoga and breathing exercises are terrific for setting the tone and helping us focus, the most precious aspect of what Donna and Joanne are doing is the establishment of a nourishing, encouraging, motivating, and above all, safe space for writers to work in. I have attended other workshops that quickly devolved into competitions or were frustrating because they seemed closed to those who were just starting out on their writing journeys, even though they advertised themselves as being non-competitive and “for beginners.” No worries about any of that here. I have come away from each of these sessions with work I’m happy with and, most importantly, with renewed energy to continue on projects old and new.

Your centering guidance and writing prompts were so valuable in opening the door for my self expression to occur. Words can be used in ways I had not realized to give voice to the stories inside me that in some version exist in many of us. Thank you. I look forward to working with you again. You may even help me to become the writer I aspire to be.

I wasn’t sure what to expect from the writing retreat because I’ve never done anything like it before. I was blown away by the acceptance and energy of the attendees! The organizers, Donna and Joanne thought of it all! The space with a strong history, the grounds which gave room to think and grow, the delicious lunch, and never ending coffee or tea!
I am grateful for the deep conversation that was shared during lunch.
I got to partake in some of the most raw, emotional writing I’ve ever done. Thank you for allowing me to have a space to be brave and feel welcomed right away! I am excited for the next Zenwise Writers retreat!