Events & Classes
Write Now Mind
Write Now Mind is a virtual writing practice group where participants have the opportunity to commit to a weekly writing practice, to anonymously share their writing and to give and receive support. But, as you will discover it is much more.
The Write Now Room
Writers gather virtually to write together, no critique, just companionship.
Juicy Practices for Getting Present
Short guided sessions. I like to think of these as non-meditations that help us slip into a more comfortable state of being.
Free
One-on-One Coaching
I am available on a limited basis for one-on-one coaching for either writing or awareness practice. Contact me if you are interested. The initial consultation is no cost. Later sessions will be scheduled for one-hour increments at a mutually convenient time. Developmental editing not done real-time will be billed by the hour. One hour editing includes 2 – 5 double-spaced pages.
$100/hr
Virtual Workshops
Periodic online writing workshops will be offered. These will have limited participants and must be signed up for in advance as I may need to mail material ahead of the class. I may also be offering workshops through other organizations and occasionally a day long writing and meditation retreat. See schedule below.
$30 – $100
29
Sep
Write Now Mind
When: Sept. 29, 2024 to Nov. 3, 2024
5
Sept
Outwild Flagship Event,
Lotus, CA
When: September 5-8, 2024
I’ll be leading my juicy writing practices for getting present event at Outwild this year! This is an opportunity for us to reflect and tune in!
20
July
Naked in the Now Book Signing and Guided Practice
Where: Village Books and Paper Dreams in Fairhaven, WA
When: 2 pm, Readings Gallery
Come join me for this book reading and live guided practice event in beautiful Bellingham, WA! We will celebrate our own naked vitality!
8
June
One Day Wellness Retreat and Book Launch Party!
When: June 15, 2024; 8:30 to 3:30 pm; Las Vegas, NV
Price: $35 (limited spots!)
“Consider this book a trusted companion that you will refer to over and over again for profound and delightful meditations and rituals meant to heal and enrich your relationships with yourself, spirit, and the world.” — Ari Honarvar
At this one day wellness retreat and book launch, we will meet author Marijke McCandless to celebrate Naked in the Now: Juicy Practices for Getting Present and treat our bodies to a day of rest and rejuvenation. Our stunning, private venue has peaceful views, a heated pool, and plenty of space to relax. Upon arrival, you’ll receive your one-of-a-kind Naked in the Now goody bag stocked with special gifts from Marijke. After a coffee or tea, there will be a live DJ yoga class led by local husband and wife duo, Bekah and Nick. After yoga, there will be time to take a dip in the pool, get a tarot reading, soak in an ice bath, or bath in the sunshine. Lunch will be provided and you can expect to enjoy a delicious and healthy mediterranean-inspired meal from local restaurant, Hummus. After lunch, Marijke will lead a writing workshop to help you escape your monkey-mind and tune in to the present moment. We’ll close with a book signing. The perfect way to start your weekend and treat yourself.
Contact me for more information: marijkemccandless@gmail.com
6
April
San Diego Writers Festival, April 6, 2024, Coronado Public Library
What: Panel at 2:15, Room 702:
Topic: Mental Health: Discussing Supermindsets, Ecotherapy, Hacks, and Naked Vitality
5
May
Write Now Mind
When: May 5, 2024 to June 5, 2024
18
February
Write Now Mind
When: February 18, 2024 to March 31, 2024
25
january
Write by the Sea
where we let our words flow as easily as the offshore breeze
When: Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024 9-10:30
Where: Activity Room, FN350, Loreto Bay
24
january
Writer by the Sea
a half-day writer’s retreat to support and encourage the writer in you
When: Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024 10-3:00
Where: Loreto Bay Private Residence
Cost: $30 (500 pesos)
23
january
Write by the Sea
where we let our words flow as easily as the offshore breeze
When: Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024 9-10:30
Where: Activity Room, FN350, Loreto Bay
18
january
Write by the Sea
where we let our words flow as easily as the offshore breeze
When: Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024 9-10:30
Where: Activity Room, FN350, Loreto Bay
16
january
Write by the Sea
where we let our words flow as easily as the offshore breeze
When: Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024 9-10:30
Where: Activity Room, FN350, Loreto Bay
11
january
Write by the Sea
where we let our words flow as easily as the offshore breeze
When: Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024 9-10:30
Where: Activity Room, FN350, Loreto Bay
9
january
Write by the Sea
where we let our words flow as easily as the offshore breeze
When: Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024 9-10:30
Where: Activity Room, FN350, Loreto Bay
21
December
Write by the Sea
where we let our words flow as easily as the offshore breeze
When: Monday, Dec. 21 10:30 am – noon, Activity room
Where: Activity Room, Loreto Bay
18
December
Write by the Sea
where we let our words flow as easily as the offshore breeze
1-2
November
C-Star Global Hosts the World Women/Health Forum
Las Vegas, MGM Grand Conference Center
Nov. 1 to November 2, 2023
I will be presenting on November 2, 2023 at 4:30 pm. The title of my talk: “Getting Naked – What That ‘Really’ Means and Why You Want To”.
To learn more and register click here:
1
November
Write Now Mind Session November 2023
Online Nov. 1 to November 30, 2023
A 4-week session of Write Now Mind with one prompt per week. Write Now Mind is a virtual “free-writing” practice group. No writing experience necessary.
17
September
Write Now Mind Mini Session September 2023
Online Sept. 17 to October 1, 2023
A special two-week mini session of Write Now Mind with two prompts per week. Write Now Mind is a virtual “free-writing” practice group. No writing experience necessary.
2
July
Write Now Mind July 2023
Online July 2 to July 30, 2023
A Write Now Mind virtual “free-writing” practice group. No writing experience necessary.
23
April
Write Now Mind April/May 2023
Online April 23 to May 28, 2023
A Write Now Mind virtual “free-writing” practice group. No writing experience necessary.
4
April
A Juicy Writing Practice: Naked Writing! (no clothes removal involved…)
Online (free) Tuesday, Apri 4 – 1 to 2 pm PDT
https://www.meetup.com/Las-Vegas-Nonfiction-Authors-Association/events/284929880/
Hello Writers and Awareness Practitioners!
Are you ready to spring back into writing? Are you ready to dare to expose your naked writing? Naked writing is when we “free-write” to a simple prompt without worrying about anything like punctuation, grammar, or whether we are being eloquent. This is about getting in touch with our natural voice. This is about practicing to notice and record the details as they are unfolding.
Come join me as we explore the moment and practice expressing what we see, hear, feel, taste, smell, touch, and think WITHOUT effort.
This is the richest writing and awareness practice I know! Expressing this moment is a powerful tools in awareness practice and awareness practice is a powerful tool for writing–teaching us how to pay attention to the details that make our writing come alive for our reader.
RSVP on meetup or contact me for zoom link
22
Feb
Write Now Mind Feb/Mar 2023
Online Feb. 22 to April 5, 2023
A Write Now Mind virtual “free-writing” practice group. No writing experience necessary.
13
Nov
Write Now Mind Nov/Dec 2022
Online Nov. 13 to Dec. 18, 2022
A Write Now Mind virtual “free-writing” practice group. No writing experience necessary.
25
October
Writer’s! Let’s Dive Into Our Subconscious and Create Inspiring Word Art Posters
October 25, 2022 1 pm PST (via zoom)
Hosted through the Las Vegas Nonfiction Authors Association – all are welcome and the event is free
Description:
You may have heard of vision boarding before, where you reflect on your biggest goals or dreams and create a collage of visual representations to keep you inspired. In this workshop we are going to do something similar but we are going to use only words. We writers love words! So, here in this workshop we will forage our subconscious through free-writing.
We will play with our words as a means to remind us of our heart’s desire. Our words will be the fodder for Word Cloud posters later. Come join me and Lisa Thorne on a playful deep-dive into the treasure of our own words though free-writing. Learn how to create your own Word Art Poster!
You can RSVP through meetup here and I will send you the zoom link. Or email me at marijkemccandless [at] gmail.com
27
September
Fall Back Into Writing – a virtual free writing workshop
September 27, 2022 1 pm PST
Hosted through the Las Vegas Nonfiction Authors Association – all are welcome
Description:
The pumpkin muffins are fresh out of the oven; Autumn is around the corner. Come Fall back Into Writing with me as we practice allowing our words to flow.
I call this “naked writing.” Instead of trying to draw upon what we know, we will dive into the unknown. You never know what might come out during naked writing. We let go of our inner critic along with our worries about punctuation, grammar and eloquence. When we let our words to flow unfettered, without striving to perfect our words. We learn to trust our natural voice.
Then we share. When we share our naked, unedited, writing, we practice being vulnerable, daring to expose ourselves. When others share, we learn to listen carefully without judgment, opening our hearts and reflecting on the passages that moved us. We encourage each other.
Are you curious? Come join me!
This will be a zoom event. Contact me if you are interested or RSVP via meetup (Link above)
19
Sept.
Write Now Mind Sept/Oct 2022
Online Sept 19 to October 31, 2022
A Write Now Mind virtual “free-writing” practice group. No writing experience necessary.
24
August
NFAA Podcast Interview (click title to access link):
How to Cultivate Write Now Mind Using Freewriting Techniques to Improve Your Nonfiction
Airs on August 24, 2022 at 10 am PT/1 pm ET
11
August
Outwild Flagship Event – Jamestown, Colorado
August 11 to 14, 2022
I’ll be leading a workshop full of juicy writing practices for getting present!
Outwild is a 3-day retreat for individuals looking to create more outdoor, value-driven lifestyles. We are all about fostering change by building community, getting coached, and taking time to reboot. The theme for the weekend is intentional life design – thoughtfully approaching the way you spend your time, pursue opportunities, and set goals. In between workshops and keynotes, we’ll be “walking the talk” by soaking up the Colorado sun and recreating in the mountains every single day. (Event is sold out)
28
June
Write Now Mind July 2022
Online June 28 to July 28, 2022
A Write Now Mind virtual “free-writing” practice group. No writing experience necessary.
12
May
Seeking Well-being? A Juicy Writing Practice for Getting Present
Online (free) Thursday,May 12, 2022 – 1 to 2 pm PST
https://www.meetup.com/Las-Vegas-Nonfiction-Authors-Association/events/285722258/
We have all gathered because we have something in common: writing the truth. If you were drawn to the title of this workshop then you likely also have an interest in getting present. In this workshop we are going to explore the intersection between writing and presence.
As writers, we share an underlying curiosity about both outward and inward exploration. We, writers have to be good at paying attention. What does it take to really capture a scene? Typically, we need to describe the details including sensory details. How much richer is a scene when we not only see the visual settings, but hear the sounds, taste the tastes, smell the smells? And here is the overlap. When we are immersed in our senses, we tend to be present (not in our head) and, as a result, happier. Writing practice can help us get there too.
In this workshop, I seek to introduce you to simple juicy writing practices you can take anywhere—no experience necessary. Come join me as we dive into the wilds of our mind right alongside the wilds of our surroundings. I think of it this way: I carry my curiosity with me. It looks like a notebook and pen.
About Marijke:
Marijke McCandless is an award-winning author and long-time awareness practitioner. Her memoir, More…Journey to mystical union through the sacred and the profane (written under a pen name) has won awards every year since it was published in 2016. She leads a popular online writing practice called Write Now Mindand awareness practice sessions called Juicy Practices for Getting Presentplus other immersion workshops. Her recipe for enlivenment? Listen. Play. Write. https://marijkemccandless.com
5
May
Should I Write Under a Pen Name? The joys and perils, plus 7 practical tips
Online (free) Thursday,May 5, 2022 – 1 to 2 pm PST
https://www.meetup.com/Las-Vegas-Nonfiction-Authors-Association/events/284929880/
Have you ever wondered about writing under a pen name? Maybe you are writing a memoir or other personal essays exposing your deepest darkest secrets. Maybe you don’t like your given name. Maybe you want to have different identities in different genres. If you’ve thought about it, you have probably also wondered, what are the benefits? What are the pitfalls? Join author Marijke McCandless (aka Mariah McKenzie) as she discusses what motivated her to write her award-winning memoir, More, under a pen name and what she learned during the process following publishing. She will send you home with her top 7 things to consider if you do.
About Marijke:
Marijke McCandless is an award-winning author and long-time awareness practitioner. Her memoir, More…Journey to mystical union through the sacred and the profane (written under a pen name) has won awards every year since it was published in 2016. She leads a popular online writing practice called Write Now Mindand awareness practice sessions called Juicy Practices for Getting Presentplus other immersion workshops. Her recipe for enlivenment? Listen. Play. Write. https://marijkemccandless.com
25
April
Write Now Mind May 2022
Online April 25 to May 30, 2022
A Write Now Mind virtual “free-writing” practice group. No writing experience necessary.
28
April
Build Your Book Marketing Plan
Online (free) Thursday, April 28, 2022 – 1 to 2 pm PST
https://www.meetup.com/Las-Vegas-Nonfiction-Authors-Association/events/284833243/
Build Your Book Marketing Plan: Simple Strategies to Cultivate Your Audience and Sell More Books with Stephanie Chandler
Learn how to identify and attract your ideal audience, leverage your existing tribe of influence, use content marketing tactics to increase website traffic and grow your email list, locate publicity opportunities, implement the top five most effective book marketing strategies
Stephanie Chandler is the author of several books including The Nonfiction Book Publishing Plan and The Nonfiction Book Marketing Plan. She is CEO of NonfictionAuthorsAssociation.com, a vibrant community for writers, and NonfictionWritersConference.com, an annual event conducted entirely online since 2010. A frequent speaker at business events and on the radio, she has been featured in Entrepreneur, BusinessWeek, and Wired magazine.
22
April
Exposing the Poetry of Presence in Memoir: Naked writing as a juicy practice for getting present
Online with the National Association of Memoir Writers (free) Friday, April 22, 2022 – 11 am PDThttps://www.meetup.com/Las-Vegas-Nonfiction-Authors-Association/events/284833243/ (contact me for the zoom link if you are not a member of NAMW)
Poetry is the one place where people can speak their original human mind. It is the outlet for people to say in public what is known in private ~ Alan Ginsberg
At NAMW, we’re celebrating National Poetry Month in April! As many of you know, poetry opens the door for a different way of viewing the world and expressing what we see. It does not have to proceed logically, nor seek to satisfy the discursive mind. But it pays close attention to the details, capturing fertile snippets of life. We’re so pleased to have Marijke McCandless with us for our April Member Event to help us feel comfortable with and enjoy some stress-free ways to express ourselves. You do not have to be a “poet” to enjoy exploring words and images that arise naturally in your mind. (Click on the link for the full write-up!)
7
April
Website Wow: Turn Your Website Into Your Most Powerful Marketing Tool
Online (free) Thursday, April 7, 2022 – 1 to 2 pm PST
https://www.meetup.com/Las-Vegas-Nonfiction-Authors-Association/events/284918657/
At the core of Internet Marketing is your website—it controls the narrative of you! Internet Marketing Strategist Jeniffer Thompson teaches the importance of your brand as a story—the ultimate tool to connect with your audience and convert traffic into revenue.
Is your website the best it can be? In this class you’ll learn how to engage your audience and influence action with four simple principles:
- Hook your reader
- Provide value
- Create a powerful call-to-action
- Build community
Plus, you’ll learn what’s trending in Internet Marketing, SEO tricks to drive traffic, and the must-have content of an engaging author website. Don’t miss this jam-packed class of insider secrets that every author must know.
Jeniffer Thompson is a personal branding expert, digital marketing strategist, and host of The Premise podcast. She is an author and speaker who delivers strategy-rich content and actionable tools that educate and empower authors. She and her husband, Chad, co-founded Monkey C Media in 2004 and have been creating award-winning book cover designs and author websites ever since. She is a co-founder of the San Diego Writers Festival, serves on the board of the San Diego Memoir Writers Association, and is currently shopping her own coming of age memoir. Visit JenifferThompson.com, MonkeyCMedia.com, and listen to her podcast at ThePremisePod.com.
31
March
Spring Into Writing! Let go the inner critic and write freely
Online (free) Thursday, March 31, 2022 – 1 to 2 pm
A mini-workshop, where we will free our mind, let go of our inner critics and dive headlong into writing. I call this naked writing. It’s a powerful way not only to get our writing juices flowing and to discover what wants to be expressed, but also to practice listening. Contact me to register. No writing experience necessary.
7
March
Write Now Mind March 2022
Online March 7 to April 8, 2022
A Write Now Mind virtual “free-writing” practice group. No writing experience necessary.
17
January
Write Now Mind Jan/Feb 2022
Online January 17 to February 28, 2021
A Write Now Mind virtual “free-writing” practice group. No writing experience necessary.
24
November
Write Now Mind December 2021
Online November 24 to December 22, 2021
A Write Now Mind virtual “free-writing” practice group. No writing experience necessary.
1
October
Write Now Mind October 2021
Online October 1 to November 1, 2021
A Write Now Mind virtual “free-writing” practice group. No writing experience necessary.
30
April
Write Now Mind May 2021
Online April 30 to June 4, 2021
A Write Now Mind virtual “free-writing” practice group. No writing experience necessary.
26
Feb
Write Now Mind March 2021
Online February 26 to March 29, 2021
A Write Now Mind virtual “free-writing” practice group. No writing experience necessary.
2, 4, 9, 11
Dec
Juicy Practices for Getting Present
7 – 7:25 am PST
Are you ready to practice slipping into a more comfortable state of being? These short guided sessions are just the thing! No experience necessary. Though these may resemble guided meditations, I like to think of them rather as “non-meditations” – just juicy practices for getting present. Relaxed, easy, inviting. Come relax and open your heart and mind with me.
4 – 10
December
Write Now Mind Special One Week of Daily Prompts Dec. 2020
Online December 4 – 10, 2020
A Write Now Mind virtual “free-writing” practice group. No writing experience necessary.
2, 6, 9, 13
Nov
Juicy Practices for Getting Present
7 – 7:25 am PST
Are you ready to practice slipping into a more comfortable state of being? These short guided sessions are just the thing! No experience necessary. Though these may resemble guided meditations, I like to think of them rather as “non-meditations” – just juicy practices for getting present. Relaxed, easy, inviting. Come relax and open your heart and mind with me.
6 – 12
November
Write Now Mind Special One Week of Daily Prompts Nov. 2020
Online November 6 -12, 2020
A Write Now Mind virtual “free-writing” practice group. No writing experience necessary.
20
October
The Write Now Room
1-2 pm PST
Come gather together for companionship while you write. This is not a critique group, just a virtual meeting to encourage fellow writers to write. We will set our intention and check-in half way through the hour.
13
October
The Write Now Room
1-2 pm PST
Come gather together for companionship while you write. This is not a critique group, just a virtual meeting to encourage fellow writers to write. We will set our intention and check-in half way through the hour.
6
October
The Write Now Room
1-2 pm PST
Come gather together for companionship while you write. This is not a critique group, just a virtual meeting to encourage fellow writers to write. We will set our intention and check-in half way through the hour.
2
October
Write Now Mind Oct. 2020
Online Oct. 2 to 31, 2020
A Write Now Mind virtual “free-writing” practice group. No writing experience necessary.
25
August
The Write Now Room
1-2 pm PST
Come gather together for companionship while you write. This is not a critique group, just a virtual meeting to encourage fellow writers to write. We will set our intention and check-in half way through the hour.
23
August
Sensory Awakening for Writers -discounted to $15! sign up by Aug 15
Online August 23 1-3 pm PST
The popular light-hearted playshop is being held online for the first time. Working with blindfolds, we will have an opportunity to pay close attention to what else we notice before our labeling mind kicks in. We will practice free-writing what we smell, hear, feel, and taste and to notice what memories are stimulated—all from a place of heightened awareness and focus. I will be mailing a package and instructions to participants ahead of time and will need advance sign-up by August 13 to ensure delivery time; participation is limited. Contact me for more information.
18
August
The Write Now Room
1-2 pm PST
Come gather together for companionship while you write. This is not a critique group, just a virtual meeting to encourage fellow writers to write. We will set our intention and check-in half way through the hour.
11
August
The Write Now Room
1-2 pm PST
Come gather together for companionship while you write. This is not a critique group, just a virtual meeting to encourage fellow writers to write. We will set our intention and check-in half way through the hour.
3
August
Write Now Mind Aug 2020
Online Aug 3 to 31, 2020
A Write Now Mind virtual “free-writing” practice group. No writing experience necessary.
28
July
The Write Now Room
1-2 pm
A Write Now Mind virtual “free-writing” practice group. No writing experience necessary.
3
July
Write Now Mind July 2020
Online July 3 to 31, 2020
A Write Now Mind virtual “free-writing” practice group. No writing experience necessary.
