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 to hear my instructions on how to mine the deepest material in your writing.
Fall Classes Start October 7th. Sign Up Now!
The Wednesday weekly writing practice class is for those who dream of writing or want to write as a tool for self-expression, self-exploration, healing, and transformation. All the writing takes place during the class itself. The focus on this class is on self-expression and the healing power of writing, not on craft.
The Thursday classes are for those already working on a long-term writing project who are looking for a supportive group of peers to support them in their goals, critique their work, and hold their feet to the fire--with love.
Featured Retreat
The Art of Memoir:
Crafting Compelling, Vivid, True Life Stories
La Ventana, Baja, Mexico
Friday, May 14 – Sunday, May 22, 2027
On the beautiful shores of the Sea of Cortez, in the small coastal town of La Ventana, you'll learn to find the story beneath the story, discover why memoir writers need to slow down where it hurts, and uncover the secret of telling true stories rooted in the immediacy of the moment. Once a sleepy fishing village, La Ventana has kept its laid-back pace even as travelers have discovered its turquoise water, dramatic desert mountains, and forests of towering cardón cacti. Daily yoga, a snorkeling excursion to Isla Cerralvo, and a guided hike to Punta Gorda will round out your days in this magical place made for reflection, rest, and creativity.
You’re Invited to Come Along on a Virtual Vacation on the Camino
Over the next few weeks, for those who sign up to join the Virtual Vacation on the Camino, I’ll bring you along on the adventures we’ll be having, introduce you to the people we meet, and show you beautiful images of the miles we walk. I’ll include some of the writing exercises I’ll be sharing with my students, as well as documenting some of the inevitable mishaps that accompany traveling.
An email digest with links to the full blog posts on my website will be sent to your inbox once or twice a week.
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.
"Writing is a way of saying
that you and the world have a chance."
—Richard Hugo
LET'S WRITE THROUGH THE CHAOS TOGETHER.
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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
Write, Travel, Transform: A Creative Pilgrimage on the Camino De Santiago, Spain
Sunday, September 6 - Tuesday, September 22, 2026
This famous pilgrimage trail, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has attracted people from all over the world for more than 1,000 years. Our 17-day trip will combine eight days hiking the last 100 km of the French Camino de Santiago with six days focused on creative expression. At the beginning, middle, and end of our trip, non-hiking days will be set aside for Laura to teach writing and our lead hiking guide, Brenda, to teach quick sketching and watercolor techniques, helping you experience and reflect on your journey. Beginners in both disciplines are welcome. After 17 days in Spain, immersed in beauty and an intimate traveling community, you'll return home with a personal journal documenting your journey.
The Art of Memoir:
Crafting Compelling, Vivid, True Life Stories
La Ventana, Baja, Mexico
Friday, May 14 – Sunday, May 22, 2027
On the beautiful shores of the Sea of Cortez, in the small coastal town of La Ventana, you'll learn to find the story beneath the story, discover why memoir writers need to slow down where it hurts, and uncover the secret of telling true stories rooted in the immediacy of the moment. Once a sleepy fishing village, La Ventana has kept its laid-back pace even as travelers have discovered its turquoise water, dramatic desert mountains, and forests of towering cardón cacti. Daily yoga, a snorkeling excursion to Isla Cerralvo, and a guided hike to Punta Gorda will round out your days in this magical place made for reflection, rest, and creativity.