Welcome! I'm Laura Davis.
I write books that change people’s lives and help people tell stories that matter.
For more than 25 years, I've helped people find their voices, tell their stories, and hone their craft. I love creating supportive, intimate writing communities online, in person, and internationally.
Subscribe to my mailing list and I will immediately give you a beautiful eBook: Writing Toward Courage: A Thirty Day Practice.
Classes and Retreats
Experience the incredible power of finding your voice and honing your craft in a supportive circle of your peers. My fall classes are registering now. Click the "classes" button below for more information.
I also run writing retreats online, around the US, and internationally, from daylong and weekend workshops to weeklong retreats on writing through grief and uncertainty, to international travel adventures that combine writing with ecotourism in beautiful places around the world. To learn more, click on the link below.
LAURA'S AWARD-WINNING MEMOIR:
The Burning Light of Two Stars
A Mother-Daughter Story
This riveting memoir by The Courage to Heal author Laura Davis examines the endurance of mother-daughter love, how memory protects and betrays us, and the determination it takes to fulfill a promise when ghosts from the past come knocking.
Writer's Journey Roadmap - Writing Prompts
The Writer's Journey Roadmap: Receive the gift of weekly inspiration. Powerful, provocative, motivating writing prompts in your inbox every Tuesday.
Upcoming Events with Laura Davis
Online Work Weekend
Friday, January 17 - Sunday, January 19, 2025
Work with Laura and an inspiring group of committed writers from the comfort of your own home, without having to travel, or worry about Covid surges. Same deep focus and support—with the added bonus of getting to develop and practice focused work skills at home.
Flourishing as We Age: A Writing Retreat for Women
Cultivating Resilience, Navigating Change, and Embracing Life
IN-PERSON: Villa Maria del Mar, Santa Cruz, CA
Monday, May 5 - Friday, May 10, 2025
To flourish as we age, we shed our younger selves and open to new ways of living and interacting with the world. This six-day writing workshop at a beautiful oceanfront retreat in Santa Cruz, California, will support you on this journey, while enriching your capacity to manage change, build resilience, and hold grief and gratitude simultaneously. You will be supported by two master teachers and a vibrant, courageous community of women who will join you in using story, ritual, and deep listening to discover the inner freedom and wisdom available to you now.
The Healing Heart of Bali: A Writer’s Journey of Renewal for Body, Mind, and Spirit
Sunday, August 10 - Monday, August 25, 2025
If you’re longing for a restorative creative journey to one of the most beautiful, welcoming, deeply spiritual places on earth, join master writing teacher Laura Davis, high priest Made Surya, Bali scholar Judy Slattum, and a supportive community of fellow writers for a deep dive into the healing arts of Bali.It is impossible to visit this enchanting island without being aware of the devotion the Balinese show every day in the practice of their religion. Our exploration into Balinese healing arts will include the history of traditional herbal medicine, the art of making temple offerings, and the importance of purification ceremonies. This retreat also includes daily writing workshops, providing participants with the perfect opportunity to record their experiences and integrate their learning while benefiting from the transformative power of a safe, intimate writing circle.
Write, Travel, Transform: Turkey: A Creative Pilgrimage on Land and Sea
POSTPONED UNTIL Sunday, April 26 - Sunday, May 10, 2026
If you're seeking a transformative journey full of rich cultural heritage, breathtaking natural wonders, adventure, and creative discovery, join master writing teacher Laura Davis, artist and hiking guide Brenda Porter, and a wonderful community of writers for an immersive exploration of the fascinating history and breathtaking landscapes of Turkey.
We begin in Istanbul, a modern city steeped in ancient wonder that Laura fell in love with on her first visit to Turkey six years ago. After exploring the sprawling Greek ruins of Ephesus, we head to the Turquoise Coast, a slice of Mediterranean paradise where we will live for seven days on a traditional Turkish yacht, cruising the azure waters, hiking picturesque cliffsides, visiting tiny mountain villages and ancient Lycian ruins. This retreat also includes intimate writing circles and instruction in sketching and watercolor, designed to help you integrate and reflect on your journey within a safe, supportive community. Beginners in both disciplines are welcome.
After 15 days in Turkey, with an optional five-day extension visiting the breathtaking valleys and cave cities of Cappadocia, this journey is sure to leave you renewed, inspired, and awed by the richness of Turkey and the transformative power of creative travel.