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1. Get comfortable, wherever you are sitting. Start by taking a few deep breaths. Breathe out the busy-ness of the day with the exhale and breathe in inspiraton and support from the universe.

2. Without analyzing or judging the value of your writing or your ability to create, answer this one question. What is one piece of writing you want to, need to write? Write down what that piece of writing is, what you know of it--in one word, phrase, sentence or paragraph(s) about it. Don't worry about the form you use or how well the idea is expressed.

Maybe you have a transformational personal story you'd like to turn into an article, a poem, a book. Maybe you want to journal or blog about a special topic. Maybe the piece is for you alone or something you'd like to share with your family or friends some day. You might even have a secret dream of having it published. Don't worry about any of the "what it's for" or "how good it has to be" for the moment. Right now, write down what the piece is you'd like to, need to write--for yourself alone.

3. Take the phrase or sentence or paragraph you have written about your call to write and put it in a special place. Create a "real" and/or computer file and folder for it. Put it in its own notebook as a reminder.

4. As more ideas come to you or you jot down notes or phrases about the piece, add them to the file/folder.

You have just taken a step toward answering your call to write, to sharing the unique gift and story only you can share.

How writing transformed me

In my memoir, Riding Grace: A Triumph of the Soul, I raised my voice and told the story I'd been afraid to tell all my life--the story of my quest into and out of the dark night of childhood abuse issues and adult chronic illness to find healing, wholeness and grace. In listening to the call of the soul to write, I stopped being a victim--or a survivor--of abuse or illness and reclaimed a wholeness that lives inside me, regardless of what happened in the past.

I wrote Riding Grace because I needed to write it. No matter how much or how long I resisted it--and I did resist it for years--the soul call to write it would not go away. Saying yes to writing it, I realized, was my only choice for full out living. And that "yes" ultimately became my path to embodying the healing and transformative power of writing.

Later, in bringing the book out into the world, I reclaimed my voice and the creative dreams I had tucked away to protect my precious self as a child. I learned to stand tall in all the experiences of my life--both shadow and light. And the healing grace of this act transformed me in ways beyond what I could have imagined.

Next month: Finding Courage to Write Your Story.

(c) 2009 Alissa Lukara. Permission is given to reprint the above writing as long as you include the copyright, bio and link to my website that follow. "Alissa Lukara facilitates "Writing Grace: Writing as a Path to Transform Your Life" Workshops and Retreats and is the author of Riding Grace: A Triumph of the Soul. For more information: www.ridinggrace.com/events.html"

Writing Grace: Writing as a Path to Transform your Life Workshop Begins Online Monday, June 15th. Special offer for subscribers to this eLetter.

Do you feel the call to share your transformative journey or life's turning point? Do you say you'd love to write, but need a jumpstart? The world needs the story (nonfiction or fiction) only you can express. In the "Writing Grace" workshop, you answer your soul's call in your unique voice.

When Alissa Lukara, a professional writer, was facing a life-altering illness and other challenges, she felt profoundly called to write about her experience. 12 hours after she committed to write a memoir, she had a complete healing. 11 years later, she remains healthy.

Now, Alissa, author of Riding Grace: A Triumph of the Soul, a writer, writing coach and editor for 20 years and president of Lifechallenges.org, a 10-year-old nonprofit website of creative tools for transcending adversity, provides a safe container of supportive writings, optional writing prompts, exercises and positive feedback for your writing projects.

The six email sessions of the "Writing as a Path to Transform Your Life" journey include:

Week one: Bite Deep into the Core of Your Authenticity.
Week two: Purge Obstacles and Create Rich Compost.
Week three: Embrace Your Inner Wild Woman (Man).
Week four: Fire the Flames of Inner Passion and Purpose.
Week five: Spread Your Wings and Fly.
Week six: Celebrate the Journey.

No writing experience required. You can participate with as little as 15 minutes of writing a week.

Participation is via email and online so you write and share when it best works for you. Share writing with Alissa each week by email and she will respond with feedback by email.

Sessions begin with a 20-min call with Alissa to talk about your goals. Each week, a guided visualization will be available on mp3 to help you tap your creative heart. Supportive writing materials for the sessions will be emailed to you on Sundays, beginning June 14th. You will also have an opportunity to take part in an online discussion forum with other participants.

More information at www.ridinggrace.com/events.html. Listen to online Writing Grace teleconference: www.ridinggrace.com/audio/writinggrace.wav

To register: call 541-324-6370 or write info@ridinggrace.com.

Special offer for eLetter subscribers. Mention that you're a subscriber and receive $15 off the workshop or an individual coaching session.

Need Ongoing Support for a Writing Project? Individual writing coaching and editing are also available.

Endorsements for Writing Grace Workshop:

"This is a sanctuary of encouragement and compassion, respect and laughs. Of inspiration and motivation to create, to write. I will always remember this place of grace, this sacred gathering of writers, with gratitude." Tara, OR

"Alissa supports you throughout the writing journey and gives you the road map that allows you to travel to the deepest parts of yourself - where healing lies, and dreams can take flight." Marijo, NY

"Alissa Lukara's Writing Grace was unforgettably enriching and rewarding to me! With support and encouragement throughout, for more confidence and comfort in being who I am, the class and environment gently challenged me to surrender more deeply into my feelings and "knowings." I highly recommend it whether you've written your whole life or have yet to scribble a word. Its about going new places with an authentic and caring guide nudging and congratulating you along each step." Elly, Virginia

"Alissa Lukara is a gifted writer, teacher and listener who provides ample opportunities to help you find your authentic voice. Her positive attitude, clear writing prompts and enthusiastic feedback have given me more confidence in my writing ability. The validation received on this healing journey moves you along the path to greater awareness." Eileen, Virginia

Thanks for reading. If you know someone who could