Healing through Writing: Write On’s Health and Healing Conference

Art by Grace Johnson

Write On, Door County will present a three-day gathering May 13-15 focused on writing as a means of helping people deal with grief and loss, addiction and recovery, illness and wellness.

Participants may take part in one, two or all three days of the program, which will be presented in various downtown Fish Creek locations. Registration fees vary, and fellowships are available to those for whom cost is a barrier.

“We know that writing is a powerful tool for dealing with issues of trauma, grief, depression, illness,” said Jerod Santek, Write On’s artistic director. “We hope to inspire those who have never thought of writing to discover what a helpful creative outlet it can be.”

Sessions will include writing about addiction, family trauma and mental illness; using humor to deal with grief; writing as a form of self-care; and more. Presenters include award-winning poets Benjamin Garcia, Chris Martin and Phillip B. Williams; nonfiction writers Faith Adiele, John Paul Brammer and Anna Leahy; and novelists Jackie Polzin and Diane Zinna. Local businesses and practitioners will also offer programs throughout the weekend. Tina Kenkins Bell has canceled her sessions because of health reasons.

Add-on experiences include forest bathing and a yoga session at Write On’s center, plus a concert Friday evening with Amythyst Kiah in partnership with Door Community Auditorium. 

Find out more at writeondoorcounty.org.