2026 Events

Nov. 1-3

Leading the retreat, The Second Half of Life: A Creative Retreat for a Time of Deep Change at The Christine Center in Willard, WI. Details and registration information are available here

The second half of life is not defined by a particular age. Rather, it begins in a moment brought about by all manner of life-changing circumstances – a time when we recognize the need to reconsider who we are apart from occupations, daily duties, and our past.

Through writing, discussion, creative play, and mindfulness exercises, we’ll create our own unique paths and gently uncover the transformative possibilities inherent in times of deep change.

Sept. 28 – Nov. 9

Leading the ZOOM workshop, Writing it True sponsored by the Tau Center. Registration information is available here

Writing It True

Discover how to transform lived experience into powerful, resonant nonfiction.

This immersive program invites you to explore the heart and craft of writing memoir. Through a blend of instruction, generative writing, and guided revision you’ll learn to shape compelling true stories. We’ll examine core elements of craft and use them in unique ways to build strong narratives. We’ll learn how to make an ending feel earned and practice strategies that help your drafts find their true shape. Ongoing prompts, developmental tools, and supportive conversation will deepen your work and strengthen your voice. Ideal for all experience levels, this program will leave you with pages of new work, fresh insights on previous drafts, and a renewed connection to your writing life.

Mondays from 6:30 to 8:00pm

Six Weeks: Sept. 28, Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26, and Nov. 9 (note class does not meet Nov. 2)

Sept. 11-13 

Leading the workshop, Journaling the Inner Journey: Writing Toward Wholeness at Shake Rag Alley in Mineral Point, WI. Details and registration information are available here

This writing-focused retreat invites you to explore meaningful dialogue with your inner self through reflective journaling, mindfulness practices, and meditation. Journaling the Inner Journey is designed for anyone who wishes to deepen their writing practice as a tool for self-inquiry and personal growth. Whether you are new to journaling or a seasoned writer, you’ll find a nurturing space to connect with your truth and align with the wisdom that resides within.

Various July Dates

One Act play performed! The Critics is being performed at Inspiration Studio’s One Act Festival! Tickets are available at https://www.inspirationstudiosgallery.com

April 24 to 26

Telling it True: Awakening Your Voice, Deepening Your Story at The Christine Center

More info available here

March 16 to March 20

Writing it True: Crafting Memoir with Depth and Discovery

intensive at Write On, Door Co.

More info available here.

2025 Events 

Self-Paced:

Wake Up the Writer Within

Whether you’re just beginning to dream about reviewing those old journals or are considering submitting your work for publication, use this self-paced opportunity to write at your own pace, explore new ideas, and get feedback on your fiction, nonfiction, or poetry.

This class, appropriate for the beginner as well as the experienced writer, will offer a nurturing environment in which to receive instructor feedback on new writing or redrafts of previous work. Each class will include information about our topic, try-its, and resources. During our time together you will enhance your creativity, maximize writing opportunities, and develop your own unique voice.

Weekly Topics:

Week 1: Stretching, Mindfulness, and a little coffee

Week 2: Exploration, Investigation, and the power of noticing

Week 3: Throat Clearing, Beginnings, and considering the middle 

Week 4: Details, my dear. And what rock to find them under.

Week 5: Memory? Where can I find that? And best ways to use memory in poetry, fiction, and even when telling the truth!

Week 6: Drafts, Edits, Publication, and maybe some romance

Jan. 21-Feb. 4:  Tuesdays 1:30 to 3:00. Writing the Second Half of Life in person at the Pabst Farms YMCA. Registration is available here.

Description: The second half of life is not defined by a particular age. Rather, it begins in a moment brought about by all manner of life changing circumstances–a time when we recognize the need to reconsider who we are apart from roles, occupations, and daily duties. Join us to explore this rich, creative time of life through writing, discussion, and mindfulness exercises.

Feb. 3-24: Mondays 10:00 to 11:30 Wake Up the Writer Within in person hosted by the Hartland Community Center and held at the Little Red School House in Hartland. Registration is available here.

Description: Appropriate for beginning writers as well as those with more experience, all that is necessary is the curiosity to listen deeply to yourself, the desire to pay close attention to all that is around you, and a willingness to explore your imagination through writing. We’ll utilize techniques proven to enhance creativity, create opportunities to gain insights, and take time to write in a safe and nurturing environment. (Any sharing of class writing is completely optional.)

Feb. 11-Mar. 18: Tuesdays 9:45 to 10:45. Writing In Community zoom class hosted by the Christine Center. Registration information information is available here. Feel free to sign up for only one week, several weeks, or all six!

Description: Gathering in shared practice, our writing community offers an opportunity to reinvigorate your writing practice. Using writing prompts and awareness practices we’ll learn to combine the art of paying close attention with writing that explores and expands our experiences. Whether you join once or continue to gather with us weekly, the support of community can deepen our connection with our personal writing practice, as well as offer support during challenging times.

 Appropriate for beginning writers as well as those with more experience, all that is necessary is the curiosity to listen deeply to yourself, the desire to pay close attention to all that is around you, and a willingness to explore your imagination through writing. We’ll utilize techniques proven to enhance creativity, create opportunities to gain insights, and take time to write in a safe and nurturing environment. (Any sharing of class writing is completely optional.) Each session will include time for a variety of writing opportunities, contemplation, and discussion.

Feb. 28: Waterford School District In-Service programming. 

Writing For Health:  Writing, primarily expressive writing, has been shown to increase psychological well-being and reduce physician visits. Journaling—and other forms of writing—helps us to organize our experiences, shift perspective, and gain clarity. This interactive workshop encourages participants to experiment with narrative prompts through the structure of expressive writing. Expressive writing is an act of self-determination as participants explore their history and gain control over their future. Utilizing techniques based on the research of James Pennebaker (and others) participants will learn to gently address issues in an atmosphere of self-acceptance. The ability to create narrative as a tool towards stress reduction can be a helpful way to shift perspective as we discover deeper and more complex truths about our lives.

Mindfulness at Work: Educators face daily challenges in meeting the needs of children, parents, other educators, and administrators. Starting the day fully present is a gift to the self. In this session a wide variety of mindfulness activities will be explored and experienced. We will discuss mindfulness basics, common issues, and leave with plenty of ideas for mindfulness in a minute that may help you respond instead of react to the issues and opportunities of your day in calm and creative ways.

Mar. 15: 9:30am to noon; 1:30 to 4:00pm.  The Power of Belief and Insight: Keeping Our Inner Maps Up-to-Date hosted on zoom by The Christine Center. Registration information is available here.

Description:  Moving attention inward we find another cosmos to explore: the creative potential of our dreams, our capacity for imagination, and the life-determining power of our values. We will explore the beliefs and insights that form our inner maps, directing our choices and shaping our lives from the inside out.

Who am I? Where did I come from? Where am I going? What must I do to get there? These are the great human existential questions, to which every spiritual tradition offers certain beliefs in response.

Let’s explore together the way in which unexamined beliefs powerfully determine how we live. How do you know the truth of them? How do you choose? Why does it matter? What if belief shifted?

April 4-6: Leading the retreat, Writing Your Spiritual Story at The Christine Center in Willard, WI. Details and registration information are available under the Retreats section or by contacting Joanne at wakeupthewriterwithin@gmail.com

May 16-18: Leading the retreat, Inquiry with Soul: A Writing Journey at The Christine Center in Willard, WI. Details and registration information are available under the Retreats section or by contacting Joanne at wakeupthewriterwithin@gmail.com

June 19-22: Leading the retreat, Telling It True at the Christine Center, in Willard, WI. Details and registration information are available under the Retreats section or by contacting Joanne at wakeupthewriterwithin@gmail.com

Sept. 12-14: Leading the retreat, The Second Half of Life: A Creative Retreat for a Time of Deep Change at Shake Rag Alley in Mineral Point, WI. Details and registration information are available under the Retreats section or by contacting Joanne at wakeupthewriterwithin@gmail.com

2024 Events

Three Year Spiritual Deepening Program begins in May!! Check out all the information for this wonderful Christine Center program here. And/or contact me for additional information here!

April 4: In conversation author event at Books & Co. in Oconomowoc at 6:30 pm. I’ll be in conversation with author Kathleen Eul about her novel, Intercessions. This is a free program, but please register here. 

April 8-22: Mondays 3:00 to 4:30 Writing the Second Half of Life zoom class hosted by UW-Milwaukee at Waukesha. Click on the link for registration information or contact Joanne with any questions.

Description: The second half of life is not defined by a particular age. Rather, it begins in a moment brought about by all manner of life changing circumstances–a time when we recognize the need to reconsider who we are apart from roles, occupations, and daily duties. Join us to explore this rich, creative time of life through writing, discussion, and mindfulness exercises.

April 8-22: Mondays 4:45 to 6:15  Writing Your Spiritual Journey zoom class hosted by UW-Milwaukee at Waukesha. Click on the link for registration information or contact Joanne with any questions.

Description: We all approach our spirituality–that link between the sacred and ourselves–in unique ways. Join in community to honor and explore your connection to the sacred and to the self. Engage in guided written exercises developed by Joanne and other authors. Learn how well-known spiritual writers sustain their practice and create successful narratives. Give a written voice to your own spiritual story and leave with inspiring tools and strategies, all developed to make deepening your spirituality through writing easy to continue after our program. Class writing is considered private–sharing is completely optional.

June 20-23:  Leading the retreat, Telling It True, at The Christine Center in Willard, WI. Details and registration information are available under the Retreats section or by contacting Joanne at wakeupthewriterwithin@gmail.com 

Sept. 12-15: Leading the retreat, Writing the Second Half of Life, at The Christine Center in Willard, WI. Details and registration information are available under the Retreats section or by contacting Joanne at wakeupthewriterwithin@gmail.com

Sept. 30-Oct. 21: Mondays 10:00 to 11:30 Wake Up the Writer Within in person at The Little Red School House in Hartland. Click on the title for registration information or contact Joanne with any questions.

Oct. 1-Nov. 5: Tuesdays 9:45 to 10:45 Plenty of Prompts zoom class hosted by The Christine Center. Contact Joanne for registration information.

Oct. 7-21: Mondays 3:00 to 4:30 Writing the Second Half of Life zoom class hosted by UW-Milwaukee at Waukesha. Click on the title for registration information or contact Joanne with any questions.

Description: The second half of life is not defined by a particular age. Rather, it begins in a moment brought about by all manner of life changing circumstances–a time when we recognize the need to reconsider who we are apart from roles, occupations, and daily duties. Join us to explore this rich, creative time of life through writing, discussion, and mindfulness exercises.

Oct. 7 to 21: Mondays 4:45 to 6:15  Writing Your Spiritual Journey zoom class hosted by UW-Milwaukee at Waukesha. Click on the title for registration information or contact Joanne with any questions.

Description: We all approach our spirituality–that link between the sacred and ourselves–in unique ways. Join in community to honor and explore your connection to the sacred and to the self. Engage in guided written exercises developed by Joanne and other authors. Learn how well-known spiritual writers sustain their practice and create successful narratives. Give a written voice to your own spiritual story and leave with inspiring tools and strategies, all developed to make deepening your spirituality through writing easy to continue after our program. Class writing is considered private–sharing is completely optional.

Oct. 11-13: Leading the retreat, Telling It True at Shakerag Alley in Mineral Point, WI. Details and registration information are available under the Retreats section or by contacting Joanne at wakeupthewriterwithin@gmail.com

2023 Events

Jan. 25: Wednesday 12:00 to 1:00  ONE BOOK’S JOURNEY: AN INSIDE LOOK AT THE PUBLISHING WORLD with Developmental Editor Melanie Faith hosted by Write On Door County. Participants can register for single sessions or the entire series. Registration information is available here.       

Feb. 13-27: Mondays 3:00 to 4:30 Creative Writers Workshop zoom class hosted by UW-Milwaukee at Waukesha. Contact Joanne for details and registration information here.

Feb. 13-March 20: Mondays 4:45 to 6:15  It’s Never too Late zoom class hosted by UW-Milwaukee at Waukesha. Contact Joanne for details and registration information here.

Feb 22: Wednesday 12:00 to 1:00 ONE BOOK’S JOURNEY: AN INSIDE LOOK AT THE PUBLISHING WORLD with Amie McCracken, ​Vine Leaves Press’s Publishing Director hosted by Write On Door Co. Registration information is available here.

March 29: Wednesday 12:00 to 1:00 ONE BOOK’S JOURNEY: AN INSIDE LOOK AT THE PUBLISHING WORLD hosted by Write On Door Co. Contact Joanne for details and registration information here.

April 19: Wednesday 1:00 to 2:00 Writing the Second Half of Life free workshop offered in person at the Elm Grove Public Library. Contact Joanne for more information.

April 25: Wednesday 12:00 to 1:00 ONE BOOK’S JOURNEY: AN INSIDE LOOK AT THE PUBLISHING WORLD with Jessica Bell, Vine Leaves Press’s Publisher hosted by Write On Door Co. Contact Joanne for details and registration information here.

May 31: Wednesday 12:00 to 1:00 ONE BOOK’S JOURNEY: AN INSIDE LOOK AT THE PUBLISHING WORLD hosted by Write On Door Co. Contact Joanne for details and registration information here.

June 22-25:  Leading the retreat, Telling It True at The Christine Center in Willard, WI. Registration information . Get details and registration information here

July 19: Wednesday 6:30 to 7:30  ONE BOOK’S JOURNEY IN PERSON: AN EARLY LAUNCH OF MY NEGLECTED GOD Hosted at Write On Door Co. Free registration is available here.

July 25: BOOK LAUNCH of My Neglected Gods!!!!

Aug 1: Book Launch Event at the Elm Grove Library from 7:00 to 8:00. Reading and Conversation. No registration necessary. Info available here

Aug. 22: Book Launch Event at the Hartland Public Library from 6:30 to 7:30. Reading and Q/A. Prizes! 

Aug. 24: Book Launch Event at Books & Co. in Oconomowoc from 6:30 to 7:30. Reading and Conversation. 

Aug. 30: Wednesday 12:00 to 1:00 ONE BOOK’S JOURNEY: AN INSIDE LOOK AT THE PUBLISHING WORLD Hosted by Write On Door Co. Contact Joanne for details and registration information here. 

Sept. 15-17: Leading the retreat, The Second Half of Life: A Creative Retreat for a Time of Deep Change at Shake Rag Alley in Mineral Point, WI. Registration information is available here (or contact Joanne for more information).

Oct. 1-3: Leading the retreat, Writing Your Spiritual Story at The Christine Center in Willard, WI. Registration information will be available soon.

Nov. 2: Thursday 6:30pm to 7:30, Wake Up the Writer Within free workshop offered in person at the Delafield Public Library. Contact Joanne for more information.

Nov. 6-20: Mondays 3:00 to 4:30 Creative Writers Workshop zoom class hosted by UW-Milwaukee at Waukesha. Contact Joanne for details and registration information.

Nov. 6-Dec. 11: Mondays 4:45 to 6:15  It’s Never too Late zoom class hosted by UW-Milwaukee at Waukesha. Contact Joanne for details and registration information.

Nov. 14: Tuesday 10:30am to 11:30, Wake Up the Writer Within free workshop offered in person at the Waukesha Public Library. Contact Joanne for more information.

 

2022 Events

Feb. 7-21: Mondays 3:00 to 4:30 Writing the Second Half of Life zoom class hosted by UW-Milwaukee at Waukesha. Contact Joanne for details and registration information here. 

Feb. 7-21: Monday 4:45 to 6:15 Creative Writers Workshop zoom class hosted by UW-Milwaukee at Waukesha. Contact Joanne for details and registration information here.

Mar. 24: (5:00 CT) Vine Leaves Press authors reading for the Small Press Book Fair. Contact me for link to join!

June 23-26:  Leading the retreat, Wake Up the Writer Within at The Christine Center in Willard, WI. Registration information will be available soon.

Aug. 19-21:  Leading the retreat, Writing the Spiritual Journey at The Christine Center in Willard, WI. Registration information will be available soon.

Oct. 4-7:  Leading the retreat, Writing the Second Half of Life at The Christine Center in Willard, WI. Registration information will be available soon.

Nov. 7-21: Mondays 3:00 to 4:30 Writing the Second Half of Life zoom class hosted by UW-Milwaukee at Waukesha. Contact Joanne for details and registration information here. 

Nov. 7-21: Monday 4:45 to 6:15 Creative Writers Workshop zoom class hosted by UW-Milwaukee at Waukesha. Contact Joanne for details and registration information here.

Nov. 15: Tuesday 6:00 to 7:00 Wake Up the Writer Within workshop offered online through Untitled Town! Contact Joanne for registration details for this free program

2021 Events

Tuesdays beginning Jan. 5 (9:45 am to 10:45 am): Hosted by The Christine Center, ongoing weekly zoom Wake Up the Writer Within Prompt class. Details and registration information available here.

Jan. 24: Chat and Spin Interview: Listen again is available at the 1hr 59 min. mark available here.

Feb. 8-22: Mondays 3:30 to 5:00 Writing the Second Half of Life zoom class hosted by UW-Milwaukee at Waukesha. Contact Joanne for details and registration information here. 

March 22 (6:00 pm to 7:00 pm): Memoirs and Remembering zoom workshop hosted by the Hartland Public Library. Details and registration information are available here. 

May 25 (6:00 CDT): Bennington Prose Writers reading. Click on this link to join. 

June 24-27 :  Leading the retreat, Wake Up the Writer Within at The Christine Center in Willard, WI. Registration information is available here.

July 15: Books and Beer! General book discussion and laughter at Cercis Brewing Company in Columbus, WI from 7 pm to 8 pm. In person and on zoom. Zoom link sign up is available here. 

Aug. 6-8:  Leading the retreat, Writing the Spiritual Journey at The Christine Center in Willard, WI. Registration information is available here.

Sept. 22 and 21: Writing the Second Half of Life: A Virtual Workshop hosted by Write On. All the sign up information is available here.

Tuesdays beginning Oct. 5 (10:00 am to 11:00 am): Hosted by The Christine Center, ongoing weekly zoom Wake Up the Writer Within Prompt class. Details and registration information available here.

Oct. 12-15:  Leading the retreat, Writing the Second Half of Life at The Christine Center in Willard, WI. Registration information is available here

Oct. 27:  Writing for Recovery: How to Restore and Re-Story Through Narrative: Presentation for the Mental Health and Substance Use Recovery Conference

Nov. 10: Red Oak Writers: reading (7:00 pm to 8:30 pm hosted via zoom

Nov. 20: Moving Pens: Building and Maintaining a Successful Medical Humanities/Community Writing Group (1:00 to 2:30). Panel Discussion for The Examined Life Conference hosted via zoom.

 

 

2020 Events

Sept. 26 and Oct. 3 (9:00 am to 10:30 am) : Hosted by Write On, Door Co., Joanne will be leading the workshop, “Writing the Second Half of Life,” via zoom. Contact her here for registration information.

Sept. 30 (7:00 pm): Hosted by Books & Co., join Joanne and Kim Suhr of Red Oak Writing for an evening of discussion, reading, and laughter via zoom. Contact Joanne here for registration information.

Oct. 10: Hosted by Red Oak Writing via zoom: Crafting Memoir: The Art of Paying Attention. Details and registration information is available here.

Oct. 22-23:  Leading the retreat, Wake Up the Writer Within at The Christine Center in Willard, WI. Registration information is available here.

Nov. 2: Interview with Jerod Santek of Write On, Door County available here.

Nov. 2-16: Mondays 4:45 to 6:15 Creative Writers Workshop zoom class hosted by UW-Milwaukee at Waukesha. See details and registration information here.

Nov. 2-16: Mondays 6:30 to 8:00 Writing Your Spiritual Journey zoom class hosted by UW-Milwaukee at Waukesha. See details and registration information here.

Nov. 16: Chat and Spin Interview: Listen again is available at minute 33.30 here.