Write It from the Heart: Jump-Start Your Memoir

Write It from the Heart is a memoir-writing workshop at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, led by writer, teacher, and NPR commentator Nancy Slonim Aronie. It is a residential program for anyone who has been meaning to start writing their story, whether they are brand new to writing or a professional looking to jump-start a career.

The focus is on making the leap from yearning to writing. Participants can begin a memoir, a screenplay, poetry, song lyrics, or stories for their grandchildren, in a setting Nancy describes as a safe and brave place to write.

What to Expect

The workshop runs four days and three nights, and the work is shaped around discussion, prompts, and practical tips. Nancy guides the group in learning how to silence the inner critic, honor your truth, and write in your authentic voice. You leave with tools for keeping a rhythm of writing, so the practice can continue at home.

The days follow the easy rhythm of a Kripalu stay. On the opening day, check-in begins at 2:00 pm, with a Kripalu Yoga class in the late afternoon, dinner, and a first program session in the evening from 7:30 to 9:00. The middle days begin with a morning yoga class, then a silent breakfast, followed by a program session from 9:00 to 11:30 am. After lunch, the group gathers again from 1:30 to 4:00 pm. There is another yoga class before dinner. On the closing day, the final program session runs from 9:00 to 11:00 am, followed by lunch and departure. Actual times may vary, and the schedule given at check-in has the details and room locations.

About Nancy Slonim Aronie

Nancy Slonim Aronie is a writer, NPR commentator, and writing workshop director. She brings that experience to this program, where her approach centers on creating a space in which people feel safe enough to be brave on the page.

The Setting

Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health sits in Stockbridge, in the Berkshires of western Massachusetts. Its accommodations are intentionally simple, designed to help guests unplug and feel grounded. Options include private rooms, shared rooms with one other guest, and community-style dorms. Rooms are ready by 4:00 pm, and a luggage room is available for storing bags until then. On the day of departure, room check-out is at 10:00 am, though you may stay on campus and take part in workshops until 2:00 pm.

Three nutritious meals are served each day, with breakfast taken in silence. The grounds are open to guests throughout the stay.

Before You Go

This workshop is open to all levels, from first-time writers to published authors looking for creative renewal. It is offered in English. The stay includes all program instruction and writing sessions, three meals a day, more than ten yoga classes daily, access to the Kripalu grounds, and your room. Healing Arts sessions and purchases from the Kripalu Shop and Cafe are extra. Online booking is available for one or two guests, and a waitlist is open if the program is full.