Welcome, fellow laborer! If you’re new to the Write Mindfulness Project, this page will help you figure out where to begin.
What Is Write Mindfulness?
Write Mindfulness is an approach to creative writing [et al] that prioritizes sustainable practice over productivity, process over product, and personal sovereignty over external validation.
It’s designed to help you:
- Figure out why you write (and who you’re really writing for)
- Build a creative practice that feeds you rather than depletes you
- Make things instead of just producing them
- Develop a healthier relationship with your work
Who Is This For?
This is for you if:
- You’re tired of creative writing advice that glorifies the grind
- You want to write but don’t know where to start
- You have an MFA or writing degree and feel like something’s missing
- You’re interested in writing as spiritual/contemplative practice
- You want to make art without losing yourself (in body, mind, and/or spirit)
- You’re tired of keeping score in your creative life
This might not be for you if:
- You’re primarily interested in getting published ASAP
- You want someone to tell you exactly what to write and how to write it
- You’re looking for shortcuts or formulas or industry secrets
- You think creativity requires suffering
Where to Begin
Step 1: Download the Guide
Start with Write Mindfulness: A DIY Guide to Writing for the Right Reasons. It’s a short PDF (about 50 pages) that lays out the philosophy and introduces core concepts.
Read it. Sit with it. See if it resonates.
Step 2: Try Week #1 of the Course
If the guide speaks to you, jump into Week #1 of the free 10-week course.
You’ll:
- Make a list of 30 Things You Love Right Now
- Identify your current creative preoccupations
- Do some focused free writing
- Try a generative prompt
It takes maybe 2-3 hours total. You can do it all in one sitting or spread it across a week.
If Week #1 feels good, keep going. If it doesn’t, that’s fine too — take what serves you and leave the rest.
Step 3: Subscribe for Updates
Subscribe to receive monthly updates — the Write Mindfulness newsletter plus (if you choose) weekly posts including 30 Things lists and podcast episodes.
The newsletter includes:
- Craft thoughts and essays
- Generative prompts (seven invitations per month)
- Links to new podcast episodes
- Invitations to engage with your Creative Spirit
Use the subscribe button on the lower righthand corner of this page to choose newsletter-only (monthly) or all updates (weekly). You can change your preference or unsubscribe anytime.
This is the easiest way to stay connected to the work without committing to anything.
Step 4: Explore the Podcast & Videos
The Write Mindfulness Podcast includes:
- Podcast episodes: Informal musings on creativity, craft, and sustainable practice
- Presentations: Tutorials on specific topics like pre-writing, revision, finding images
Listen while you’re doing dishes, driving, or taking a walk. Let the ideas marinate.
Step 5: Decide How You Want to Engage
Solo practice:
Work through the 10-week course at your own pace. Use the guide, the prompts, the resources. Rinse and repeat as needed throughout the year(s).
Community practice:
Form a writing group with friends and work through the materials together. Or subscribe to the content here for a deeper immersion in this particular ecosystem of inquiry. As the community grows, I’ll find creative and authentic ways for us to connect that transcend the comments section.
Facilitated practice:
If you want structure and guidance, check out my paid workshops. They adapt this material for groups with feedback, discussion, and support that’s tailored for your practice.
Common Questions
Q: Do I have to do the course in order?
A: Nope. Start wherever feels right. Come back to earlier weeks if you want.
Q: Can I share these materials with my writing group?
A: Yes! That’s the whole point. Share freely.
Q: Is there really no catch? Everything’s free?
A: Really. No paywall, no premium tier, no upsells. I offer paid workshops and consulting, but the core materials are free and always will be.
Q: What if I hate this approach?
A: Then it’s not for you, and that’s fine. There are lots of ways to approach creative writing. This is just one.
Q: Can I use this with my students?
A: Absolutely. Teachers, feel free to adapt these materials for your classes.
Still Have Questions?
Email me at tj@tjbman.me
Or just dive in. The guide is here. The course is here. The newsletter subscribe button is everywhere!
Start now. Here. See where it takes you.