Telling It True:
Awakening Your Voice, Deepening Your Story
with Joanne Nelson
June 19-22, 2025
There comes a time when we want to explore and tell our truths, to deepen our connection to what guides us and expand upon what we think we know. To understand who we are in this moment of time and perhaps even tell our stories of arrival—and to decide if those stories are only for ourselves, or if they need to be shared.
In this innovative retreat guided written exercises developed by Joanne and other authors will inspire our creative journeys and encourage new narratives. We’ll use mindful awareness practices and writing prompts in the peace-filled setting of the Christine Center to awaken truths we’ve been holding, and wanting to tell. You’ll have time to relax while learning to combine the art of paying close attention with writing that deepens every experience. Give your true voice space to roam and reawaken your intuitive self through guided written exercises, discussion, and reflection.
Whether you are a seasoned writer or just beginning to play with words on the page, 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. We’ll utilize techniques proven to enhance creativity, create opportunities to gain insights, and take time to simply be in the safe and nurturing environment of the Christine Center. Any sharing of class writing is completely optional.
Joanne is amazing! She creates a comfortable space for people to reflect, open, learn, and explore.
Joanne Nelson
Retreat Facilitator
Joanne Nelson is the author of the collection, My Neglected Gods and the memoir, This Is How We Leave. Her writing appears in numerous journals and anthologies. She won the Hal Prize in nonfiction, as well as other literary awards, and has contributed to Lake Effect on Milwaukee’s NPR station. Nelson lives in Hartland, Wisconsin, where she teaches at the university level and leads community programs. She gives presentations on mindfulness and writing, creativity, and the second half of life. Nelson holds an MFA from the Bennington Writing Seminars, an MSSW from the University of WisconsinMadison, and is a certified meditation instructor. More information is available at wakeupthewriterwithin.com