"I prefer to be true to myself, even at the hazard of incurring the ridicule of others, rather than to be false, and incur my own abhorrence." Frederick Douglass
Writing & Wellness
Workshops in Nature
My writing and wellness workshops will be offered at Olbrich Gardens and
Holy Wisdom Monastery ​Summer 2025!
Stay tuned for upcoming registration information!​​​​
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Gain further inspiration for your writing by integrating self-care, meditation, and writing techniques in the calm of nature. In this workshop, you will engage in solo and group activities, including nature meditation, free-writing exercises, a creative spark nature walk, paired and group discussions about writing projects and the writing process. Writers will leave this workshop with practices they can apply to current and future writing projects.
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Testimonials
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--- "I recently had the privilege of attending a writing workshop led by Megan, set in the peaceful embrace of nature, surrounded by tall trees, chirping birds, and warm sunshine. The serene environment created the perfect backdrop for creativity to flow, and Megan's guidance made the experience deeply meaningful.
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Her insights and exercises helped me connect with my thoughts in a more authentic way, and I could feel my writing gain depth and clarity throughout the session.
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With just three participants, the intimate group size allowed for rich dialogue and thoughtful feedback. The exchange of ideas and perspectives with the others was incredibly valuable.
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Their input helped me see my story in new ways, and the encouragement from both Megan and the group really pushed me forward in my writing process.
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As someone just beginning my new story, this workshop came at the perfect time. It gave me tools, inspiration, and confidence to move forward.
Megan's supportive approach, the collaborative atmosphere, and the natural setting combined to create a truly inspiring and helpful experience. I'm grateful for this workshop, and I look forward to more in the future!" - Shlomit Cohen Kafri
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--- "Megan's workshop was really worthwhile, and I'm so glad I did it even though it took some work to free up four hours on a Sunday. She set up a space that supported me to be present in the world and with my writing in a really different way than I am used to. The experience got me past some stuck points and left me energized to keep on writing! - Nicole
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"Refreshing, exactly, what a writer needs! ..."
​​---"Megan's workshop was a breath of fresh air in today's world of isolation and fast-paced everything. Through meditation, discussion, and writing, all within the beauty of Hoyt Park, I felt like I was truly connecting with nature and myself. I felt a peace that allowed me to dive further into my ideas and pump out some good prose.
Megan created a safe space to be free, to be yourself, and share your work. She never once made me feel judged or lesser, and looked at me as an equal and a friend. We talked deeply about our writing - the process, the ideas, the institutions, the failures, everything there is to it. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be a part of this event, and look forward to joining another one in the future. It was rejuvenating."
- Maddie K.​​​​​​
Frequently Asked Questions
What do you do with an idea?
Your writing ideas want to be acknowledged and believed in. My workshops are a great place to discuss these ideas with other writers.
I have writer's block. How do I get back on track?
Writer's block is a common challenge writer's face. There are a number of exercises to inspire flow. We discuss techniques to help with this at the workshop.
What do I do if I can't find the time to write?
Setting aside time for creativity and contemplation is important. Your stories matter. Your background and experience give your stories a unique lens. My workshops are a safe place to support you and your creative work.
What to Bring?
- Workshops take place in nature so dress for the weather.
- Yoga mat or blanket to sit comfortably on the ground.
- Note book
- Pen or pencil
- Full water bottle, snacks, a pack-lunch.
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How do I register ?
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Submit the registration form and you will receive a confirmation email for next steps to reserve your spot with Venmo or Zelle.
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Will workshops be cancelled if it rains?
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Workshops will continue as planned rain or shine. We will move activities to the outdoor shelter in the event of rain. Please dress accordingly for weather day-of. Workshops will be rescheduled if there's lightning, thunder, or severe weather warnings. Bug spray and sun block will be provided.
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What if I need to cancel?
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If you need to cancel your registration for a workshop please email me 72-hours prior to receive a refund. If you cancel after 72-hours your spot will be credited for a future workshop.
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Have questions? ​​Email me at sharplitsoulwork@gmail.com.
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Fun Facts about Hoyt Park:
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At the turn of the century, Madison became a city of parks and pleasure drives. But the creation of the city’s park system began even earlier. One important private park developer before 1900 was Edward Owen, a nature lover and professor of French at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In the summer of 1892, Owen purchased a fourteen-acre strip of woodland on a "commanding height" between the Catholic Cemetery and Mineral Point Road. Along this strip, he constructed Owen Parkway, with the assistance of John Olin, known as the father of the Madison park system, and Edward Hammersley, a farmer who owned land along the drive. In 1897, Owen donated the parkway to the Madison Park and Pleasure Drive Association. The original drive ran along what is now Regent Street from its intersection at Speedway Road to Hillcrest Drive and west on Hillcrest to Owen Drive, where it split into routes to Mineral Point Road and University Avenue. It became the first of many parks and pleasure drives on what were then the outskirts of Madison (Wisconsin Historical Society).