Welcome! I'm Laura Davis.

I write books that change people’s lives and help people tell stories that matter.

For more than 25 years, I've helped people find their voices, tell their stories, and hone their craft. I love creating supportive, intimate writing communities online, in person, and internationally.

Subscribe to my mailing list and I will immediately give you a beautiful eBook: Writing Toward Courage: A Thirty Day Practice.

Featured Retreat

Writing as a Pathway
Through Grief, Loss, Uncertainty and Change: A Weeklong Retreat

IN-PERSON: Mount Madonna, Watsonville, CA
Tuesday, May 7 - Monday, May 13, 2024

Experience the power of healing, the gift of supportive community and the profound impact guided writing can have in facing the unknown with courage.

This retreat, a life-changing experience each of the eight times it's been offered, is for people who have come to a crossroads in their lives, due to the death of someone close, a loss like divorce, empty nest, or a move, an illness, a major life transition, shift in status, aging or simply the deep inner urge to chart a new course or make significant change in life. If you're feeling "ripe with uncertainty" or are in transition from one phase of life to another, this retreat is for you.

Classes and Retreats

Experience the incredible power of finding your voice and honing your craft in a supportive circle of your peers. My fall classes are registering now. Click the "classes" button below for more information.

I also run writing retreats online, around the US, and internationally, from daylong and weekend workshops to weeklong retreats on writing through grief and uncertainty, to international travel adventures that combine writing with ecotourism in beautiful places around the world. To learn more, click on the link below.

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LAURA'S AWARD-WINNING MEMOIR:

The Burning Light of Two Stars

A Mother-Daughter Story

This riveting memoir by The Courage to Heal author Laura Davis examines the endurance of mother-daughter love, how memory protects and betrays us, and the determination it takes to fulfill a promise when ghosts from the past come knocking.

Writer's Journey Roadmap - Writing Prompts

The Writer's Journey Roadmap: Receive the gift of weekly inspiration. Powerful, provocative, motivating writing prompts in your inbox every Tuesday.

Upcoming Events with Laura Davis

Stories That Make Us Whole
The Power of Writing in Sacred Community

IN-PERSON: Big Sur, CA
Friday, March 29 - Monday, April 1, 2024

In this transformative four-day writing workshop, we’ll use ritual and deep writing to connect with our inner voice, discover the healing power of language, and birth powerful true stories onto the page. Evocative prompts, movement, and guided meditation will lead you deeply into the world of language and story. Discover how to “find the story beneath the story,” why writers need to “slow down where it hurts,” and the secret of crafting tales rooted in the immediacy and physicality of the moment.

As we alternate periods of writing and movement with listening to each other from a place of deep acceptance, you’ll benefit from the strength of a supportive writing circle, witness the healing power of language, and experience the transformation that occurs when we tell true stories and are deeply heard. Open to anyone willing to connect with their creativity in the context of a safe, confidential community.

Both emerging and seasoned writers are welcome to attend.

Online Work Weekend

Friday, April 26 - Sunday, April 28, 2024

Laura is now offering her popular work weekend in an online format. Work with Laura and an inspiring group of committed writers from the comfort of your own home, without having to travel, or worry about Covid surges. Same deep focus and support—with the added bonus of getting to develop and practice focused work skills at home.

Writing as a Pathway
Through Grief, Loss, Uncertainty and Change: A Weeklong Retreat

IN-PERSON: Mount Madonna, Watsonville, CA
Tuesday, May 7 - Monday, May 13, 2024

Experience the power of healing, the gift of supportive community and the profound impact guided writing can have in facing the unknown with courage.

This retreat, a life-changing experience each of the eight times it's been offered, is for people who have come to a crossroads in their lives, due to the death of someone close, a loss like divorce, empty nest, or a move, an illness, a major life transition, shift in status, aging or simply the deep inner urge to chart a new course or make significant change in life. If you're feeling "ripe with uncertainty" or are in transition from one phase of life to another, this retreat is for you. Experience the power of healing, the gift of supportive community & the profound impact guided writing can have in facing the unknown with courage.

The Healing Heart: A Writer’s Journey of Renewal for Body, Mind, and Spirit of Bali

Wednesday, June 5 - Wednesday, June 19, 2024

SOLD OUT! To join the waitlist, click here.

If you’re longing for a restorative creative journey to one of the most beautiful, welcoming, deeply spiritual places on earth, join master writing teacher Laura Davis, high priest Made Surya, Bali scholar Judy Slattum, and a supportive community of fellow writers for a deep dive into the healing arts of Bali.

It is impossible to visit this enchanting island without being aware of the devotion the Balinese show every day in the practice of their religion. Our exploration into Balinese healing arts will include the history of traditional herbal medicine, the art of making temple offerings, and the importance of purification ceremonies. This retreats also includes daily writing workshops, providing participants with the perfect opportunity to record their experiences and integrate their learning while benefiting from the transformative power of a safe, intimate writing circle.

The Healing Heart: A Writer’s Journey of Renewal for Body, Mind, and Spirit of Bali

Saturday, June 22 - Saturday, July 6, 2024

SOLD OUT! To join the waitlist for the retreat, click here.

If you’re longing for a restorative creative journey to one of the most beautiful, welcoming, deeply spiritual places on earth, join master writing teacher Laura Davis, high priest Made Surya, Bali scholar Judy Slattum, and a supportive community of fellow writers for a deep dive into the healing arts of Bali.

It is impossible to visit this enchanting island without being aware of the devotion the Balinese show every day in the practice of their religion. Our exploration into Balinese healing arts will include the history of traditional herbal medicine, the art of making temple offerings, and the importance of purification ceremonies. This retreats also includes daily writing workshops, providing participants with the perfect opportunity to record their experiences and integrate their learning while benefiting from the transformative power of a safe, intimate writing circle.

Write, Travel, Transform: A Creative Pilgrimage on the Camino De Santiago, Spain

Sunday, September 1 - Monday, September 16, 2024

SOLD OUT! To join the waitlist for the retreat, click here.

Hiking the Camino was on Laura's bucket list for years—and maybe it's on yours. She loved the Camino so much in 2023 that she's decided to go back. This famous pilgrimage trail, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has attracted people from all over the world for more than 1,000 years. Our 16-day trip will combine eight days hiking the last 100 km of the French Camino de Santiago with six days focused on creative expression. At the beginning, middle, and end of our trip, non-hiking days will be set aside for Laura to teach writing and our lead hiking guide, Brenda, to teach quick sketching and watercolor techniques, helping you experience and reflect on your journey. Beginners in both disciplines are welcome. After 16 days in Spain, immersed in beauty and an intimate traveling community, you'll return home with a personal journal documenting your journey.

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