Pen + Presence: A 10-Week Creative Writing Workshop in Sarasota
About this Event
FEEL THE CALLING TO WRITE?
Maybe you’ve been told, “You should write a book!”
Maybe there’s a story inside of you that keeps asking to be written.
Maybe you already love to write, but actually making the time for it is another story. Because the minute you sit down at home, there’s laundry to fold, dishes to do, emails to answer, a dog that needs something and about seventeen other things suddenly screaming for your attention.
I so get it.
That’s why I created Pen + Presence.
For 10 Thursday mornings, we’ll step away from the distractions and gather in a cozy, supportive space in downtown Sarasota to slow down, tune in and WRITE.
No pressure. No perfection. And absolutely no writing experience necessary.
Just you, your words and a small group of individuals being brave right alongside you.
“It became the beginning of a book I never would have started otherwise.” — Alissa
THIS IS NOT A TRADITIONAL WRITING CLASS.
I’m not here to teach you the “right” way to write.
Pen + Presence is about creating the space to actually hear yourself.
Each week, I’ll gently guide you with a theme and writing prompts, and then you get to follow whatever feels alive for you.
Maybe you’ll write a chapter of that book you’ve been thinking about for years. Maybe you’ll journal. Maybe you’ll write poetry, a letter, a blog post, a children’s story or something you never expected to write at all.
Some days the words may pour out of you. Other days they may come slowly.
There is no right way to do this.
Your job is simply to show up.
COME BE BRAVE WITH US.
Creativity takes courage.
It can feel vulnerable to put what’s inside of us onto paper, especially when we’re trying to do it alone.
But something happens when we do it together.
We sit in a cozy circle. We write. We laugh. We connect. We encourage each other. We get curious. And suddenly, that thing that felt a little scary doesn’t feel quite so scary anymore.
It actually becomes FUN.
You are never required to share what you write. Listening is participation. Presence is enough. This is a safe, supportive space where all of you is welcome.
“Pen + Presence was one of the most beautiful experiences EVER!!! It was healing and gentle and offered space to create on paper. I highly recommend this!!!!!!” — Elyse
WHAT TO EXPECT
Each 90-minute gathering includes time to arrive and settle in, a weekly theme and gentle writing prompts, spacious uninterrupted time to write, and optional sharing and reflection.
You can write whatever is calling you: fiction, nonfiction, poetry, song lyrics, letters, journaling, blog posts, scripts, children’s stories, that book you keep thinking about—or something completely different.
Bring whatever you love to write with: a journal, laptop, iPad, phone or even a voice recorder.
We’ll also have a private WhatsApp group so we can stay connected and encourage one another between our Thursday gatherings.
THE DETAILS
Thursdays, 10:00–11:30 AM
September 17–November 19, 2026
Week 1 — September 17
Week 2 — September 24
Week 3 — October 1
Week 4 — October 8
Week 5 — October 15
Week 6 — October 22
Week 7 — October 29
Week 8 — November 5
Week 9 — November 12
Week 10 — November 19
Grateful Tonic
1744 4th St
Sarasota, FL 34236
The circle is intentionally kept SMALL so that it can feel safe, cozy and connected.
MAYBE THURSDAYS BECOME YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE WEEK.
Ninety minutes when nobody needs anything from you.
No laundry. No dishes. No distractions.
Just a little space to breathe, listen and finally give your creativity the attention it’s been asking for.
You don’t have to know what you’re creating yet.
You don’t have to call yourself a writer.
You just have to feel that little pull.
And if you do, maybe it’s time to answer it.
Come write with us. Come connect with us. Come be brave with us.
Reserve your seat and let’s see where your words take you.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 299.60
