Writing Your Way
Creating a Personal Journal
by Ellen Jaffe

As a poet, writer and therapist, Ellen Jaffe brings to her work a process that draws out creative inspiration and increases an individual's comfort level with the art of writing. Jaffe understands that writing has a multifold purpose: it can help a woman explore painful issues in her life, heal from traumatic events, work out the next steps in her career or personal life, develop self-confidence and self-esteem, express her sexuality and intimacy, and tap into her creative voice. She knows, too, that writing is a journey — it happens step by step.

Writing Your Way is organized according to the four directions of the wind: East for new beginnings, creativity and origins; West for emotion and inner truth; North for spirit, wisdom and teaching; and South for playfulness and passion. The directions hold different meanings for each individual and the reader is invited to start with whichever direction feels best for her. Three to four writing exercises within each section help the individual look at specific issues at a comfortable, easygoing pace.

Through a combination of her own narrative and poetry and the poetic inspiration of other feminist authors — Audre Lorde, Margaret Atwood, Lorna Crozier, Barbara-Helen Hill, Ursula Le Guin, Natalie Goldberg — Jaffe takes us on a journey of what writing is about, how we can begin, and the many reasons we should. Writing Your Way is a supportive and encouraging book that eases us into the first steps of writing and self-exploration.