Overview

A Two-Night Mini Online Course

Reconnecting with inspiration and creativity can be a challenge for all storytellers, especially in difficult times. Join author and teacher Laurie Calkhoven for this short course with the goal of using meditation to recommit and reconnect with your muse. There will be mini-presentations on character and plot, along with strategies to use meditation, games, and journaling to strengthen your work and self.

This program is a great fit if you’re looking for a short course of two, 75-minute sessions offering limited interaction with community, and rich information.

• Monday, June 23, 2025 (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern)
• Wednesday, June 25, 2025 (7pm – 8:15pm Eastern)
• Webinar-style program with closed captioning available and limited interaction in the chat
• You’ll have access to the recordings through July 31, 2025.

Feedback Expected

• No feedback included in the course. There will be limited interaction in the chat feature of the webinar-style program.
• Laurie will respond to as many questions as possible on the second evening of this short course.

It’s a Great Fit If…

• You are just starting to write. Use the generative exercises to unlock new ideas.
• You are revising a story for kids or teens. The strategies uncovered during this course will help you reimagine your characters and plot.
• You are looking for a creative spark. Center your thoughts, cultivate focus, and use the writing exercises to help spark new ideas and/or develop your works in progress.
• You’re looking for something short, sweet, and smart! This is not a full workshop. Instead it is two, 75-minute sessions meant to help you get reconnect with yourself and your stories.

Tentative Agenda

At registration: You will receive a Zoom link to use each night of the course.

IF YOU CAN’T ATTEND LIVE:  If you are unable to attend either session for any reason, you’ll have access to the recordings (with closed captioning) through July 31, 2025.

Please note that if you register for the course after the start of the first session, you will not receive recordings immediately. You’ll receive both recordings after the close of the last session, usually within 24 hours.

Click on the headings below to explore the agenda in more detail.

All Times are Eastern Time.   

How It Impacts Kids

Kids need stories that will unlock emotion. This short course is meant to help you reconnect with your work and bring emotion to the page.

Testimonials from Our Community

“I was very moved by the meditational writing times with Laurie Calkhoven.”

“I knew I could not attend in person but I signed up because you offered the recording. Having that option was invaluable.”

“Keep the mini courses going for those of us that can’t attend at the Highlights Foundation Campus! It helps us stay in touch and keep our skills growing!!”

Related Resources

A New Way to Meet Your Character: A #HFGather Meditation
Investigate what your character’s name might represent with this meditation, visualization and writing prompt from Laurie Calkhoven.

#HFGather: A Monday Meditation for NaNoWriMo (or Any Other Time You’re Drafting!)
Join Laurie Calkhoven in a meditative walk through a meadow with your character, follow that with a writing exercise, and see if your character has anything to tell you.