Writing has been a refuge for Laura Munson since she was a child. Today, the Montana-based author of New York Times bestselling books Willa’s Grove and This Is Not the Story You Think It Is: A Season of Unlikely Happiness leads writing retreats and helps others find their voices.
Laura’s writing has been published in nine countries, and before the COVID-19 pandemic, she traveled from city to city, leading conversations on how to build “bridge communities” and find freedom through asserting one’s voice. And while her writing has been lifelong as much as a lifeline, Laura’s success began when her Modern Love column that led to her first published book captured listeners’ hearts and reminded them that they are not alone. Her Modern Love column is the second most-read piece in the feature’s history.
In this episode, Laura and Lynne Golodner talk about writing past the fear of exposure, writing as practice, prayer, meditation, a way of life and a way TO life, and so now what?, the next logical step from pandemic or other life-changing events. They also discuss the courage to face the empty nest, and how cultivating a self-definition that is productive and creative during motherhood can help women transition through the time that their children leave the nest.
Listen here:
Laura’s Permission Slips: “I give myself permission to be exactly who I am and have it be easy. You’re in your voice or your flow when there is ease. Create an inner champion that accepts you as you are.”
In this episode, Laura and Lynne discuss:
- Writing as refuge
- Learning the language of your heart
- Writing through a marital crisis
- Facing crossroads moments like an empty nest
- Building a writing protocol that works for your life
- What comes next … after pandemic, and after big life changes
- Finding work that you’re good at
Links and Resources:
- Laura Munson
- Haven writing retreats
- Modern Love
- Dan Jones
- Amy Einhorn
- Willa’s Grove
- This is Not the Story You Think It Is: A Season of Unlikely Happiness
- New York Times bestseller list
If you liked this conversation with Dr. Sibrina Collins, you might also like these episodes of the Make Meaning podcast:
- Episode 73 – Writing Through Prison, Jim Reese
- Episode 68 – Literary Arts Activism with ML Liebler
- Episode 56 – Writing About the Good Life with Ken Budd
- Episode 18 – Shady Ladies & Detroit Hustle with Amy Haimerl
Coming up next on the Make Meaning Podcast:
Lynne interviews Iris Lee Underwood, lavender farmer, author and descendant of the McCoys of Appalachia.
